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Design Engineer Jobs in McLean, VA (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$70K/yr

Design Engineer Job Type : Full-time, Exempt Duration of role : Permanent Location: United States Reporting to: Manager of Project Engineering Company: Tate About Us: At Tate we are passionate about ...

Design Engineer Job Type : Full-time, Exempt Duration of role : Permanent Location: United States Reporting to: Manager of Project Engineering Company: Tate About Us: At Tate we are passionate about ...

Design Engineer Job Type : Full-time, Exempt Duration of role : Permanent Location: United States Reporting to: Manager of Project Engineering Company: Tate About Us: At Tate we are passionate about ...

You will develop complete engineering packages at progressive levels of detail (30%, 80%, 90%, and final design), incorporating physical security infrastructure including intrusion detection, CCTV ...

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a talented and innovative Hardware ...

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a talented and innovative Hardware ...

You will develop complete engineering packages at progressive levels of detail (30%, 80%, 90%, and final design), incorporating physical security infrastructure including intrusion detection, CCTV ...

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a talented and innovative ...

PCI is seeking an experienced Design Engineer for its PCI Washington, DC 566 operations based in Ashburn, VA. This individual will be responsible for the following duties * Attend kick-off meeting ...

PCI is seeking an experienced Design Engineer for its PCI Washington, DC 566 operations based in Ashburn, VA. This individual will be responsible for the following duties * Attend kick-off meeting ...

\n \n \n Design Engineer Imperative Systems is a privately\-owned company established in 2017 to enable the National Security Community to achieve their critical missions effectively, efficiently, and ...

\n \n \n Design Engineer Imperative Systems is a privately\-owned company established in 2017 to enable the National Security Community to achieve their critical missions effectively, efficiently, and ...

... engineering services planned or performed. · Specify, design, procure, install equipment or products for technical security and information technology systems, such as: Technical systems/closed ...

Design Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$40 - $55/hr

Description The Design Engineer specializes in fiber network and transport systems with over four years of experience in telecommunications. Responsibilities include planning and documenting OSP/ISP ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · Hybrid

$38.46 - $55.28/hr

Mechanical Design Engineer This hybrid Mechanical Design Engineer role focuses on designing mechanical systems for a wide range of building projects, including commercial, infrastructure, government ...

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Design Engineer information

See McLean, VA salary details

$41K

$89.3K

$160.6K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in McLean, VA is $89,328.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What does a design engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

How does a design engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What is a design engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in McLean, VA? For Design Engineer jobs in McLean, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near McLean, VA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near McLean, VA with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in McLean, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,328 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Design Engineer

Brudis & Associates, Inc. in Columbia, MD seeks a full-time Design Engineer. 

Duties: Will be working under licensed engineer and the responsibilities include developing plans, specifications and estimates for design services including but not limited to highway design, highway drainage, concept design and analysis, horizontal and vertical geometrics, parking lots, site improvements, utilities, maintenance of traffic, signing and pavement markings, ADA, sidewalk design, bicycle facilities, etc. 

Requirements: BS in Civil Engineering or related fields. 

Skills Required: Working knowledge of CADD and Microstation and associate design software. Strong computer skills including Microsoft office products and GIS applications 

E-mail CV to kgrabenstein@brudis.com

Employment Type: FULL_TIME