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Design Engineer Jobs in McLean, VA (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$75 - $110/hr

What You'll Do As a Design Engineer, you'll take a client's big ideas and turn them into clear, build-ready AV system designs. You'll be the technical backbone from concept through execution support ...

New

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

Design Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$75 - $110/hr

What You'll Do As a Design Engineer, you'll take a client's big ideas and turn them into clear, build-ready AV system designs. You'll be the technical backbone from concept through execution support ...

New

What You'll Do As a Design Engineer, you'll take a client's big ideas and turn them into clear, build-ready AV system designs. You'll be the technical backbone from concept through execution support ...

New

What You'll Do As a Design Engineer, you'll take a client's big ideas and turn them into clear, build-ready AV system designs. You'll be the technical backbone from concept through execution support ...

New

Design Engineer IV

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

Description The Design Engineer IV (Staff) works on high profile design projects that require new silicon created from either original component manufacturer (OCM) or end-customer databases. This ...

We're looking for a Senior Design Engineer to help shape the next generation of our maritime domain awareness platform. Spear AI builds the data management and AI systems behind real-world maritime ...

The Electronic Warfare Division of Leidos is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to support Circuit Board and FPGA Firmware Design Engineering work with a multi-disciplined design team (electrical ...

Digital Design Engineer Client: Defense-Aerospace Hourly Rate: up to $67/hr W2, non-benefited Length: Temp-to-Perm Location: Manassas, VA Clearance: Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret ...

Digital Design Engineer Client: Defense-Aerospace Hourly Rate: up to $67/hr W2, non-benefited Length: Temp-to-Perm Location: Manassas, VA Clearance: Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret ...

Design Engineer Associate

Tysons, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Uses the electrical engineering web site to access department guides and standards * Assist other engineers in producing conceptual design to construction documents from utilization voltage to low ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD

$77K - $105K/yr

This role is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components such as Reactor Internal Structures, Steam Generator System, Helium Circulator ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description Gardetto Engineering, an SAIC company is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer in College Park, MD . This position requires an active TS/SCI with poly. Job responsibilities ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Engineer information

See McLean, VA salary details

$40.9K

$89.1K

$160.2K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in McLean, VA is $89,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,700.00 and $99,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 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 jobs can a design engineer do?

A design engineer creates and develops new products, systems, or structures across industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. They use CAD software, perform simulations, and collaborate with teams to ensure functionality and safety. Design engineers often work in research and development, product design, or process improvement roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in McLean, VA?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in McLean, VA are:

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 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,107 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Design Engineer

Conference Technologies

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Washington DC - Reston , VA 20190

Who We Are

CTI has been a leading Audio Visual provider for over 38 years. Since we began in 1988, our mission has been simple: to provide a fantastic customer experience.

At CTI, our biggest asset is our people, and we know that sometimes the most awesome employees donโ€™t fit the typical mold. If you are hardworking and friendly and know the importance of fantastic customer service, you could be a good fit at CTI. We have developed a collaborative and lively working environment, where the best and the brightest show up to work each day ready to have fun and employ their passion for and knowledge of technology in everything they do. This creative atmosphere helps us apply and share our skills with our clients, who seek quality, high-end Audio Visual, and Conference Solutions.

What Youโ€™ll Do

As a Design Engineer, youโ€™ll take a clientโ€™s big ideas and turn them into clear, build-ready AV system designs. Youโ€™ll be the technical backbone from concept through execution supportโ€”partnering with Sales, PMs, BIM/CAD, and the field to keep projects smart, buildable, and aligned with CTI standards (and yesโ€ฆwith a little fun along the way).

  • Design complete commercial AV systems (conference rooms, boardrooms, training spaces, enterprise collaboration environments, etc.)
  • Create AV signal flow diagrams, system drawings, and documentation (Visio and/or CAD)
  • Review project scope, proposals, and kickoff infoโ€”then ask the right questions to clarify technical requirements and assumptions
  • Select AV equipment and define system architecture that aligns with CTI standards, real-world constraints, and budgets
  • Collaborate with Sales, Project Managers, BIM/CAD teams, architects, consultants, IT, and electrical stakeholders to keep designs coordinated and buildable
  • Provide technical direction and quality assurance on drawings so the field can trust whatโ€™s on the page
  • Support execution with answers and adjustments: field/programming questions, procurement clarifications/substitutions, and design updates due to site conditions or product availability
What Success Looks Like
  • Designs that install cleanly with minimal rework (aka fewer โ€œuh-ohโ€ moments on the jobsite)
  • Clear, accurate documentation the field can trust (because good drawings make everyoneโ€™s day better)
  • Projects that meet client expectations, CTI standards, and budget
  • Strong collaboration across Sales, PMs, BIM/CAD, and field teamsโ€”with room for CTIโ€™s โ€œfun is mandatoryโ€ culture
What You Bring
  • 3+ years designing commercial AV systems (not entry-levelโ€”bring your signal flow skills)
  • Strong experience creating AV documentation/drawings (signal flow, system drawings, Visio/CAD)
  • Comfort selecting equipment and building solutions that are practical, buildable, and aligned to standards/budget
  • Communication skills that make cross-team coordination easy (you can translate tech to humans)
  • A collaborative, supportive work styleโ€”independent when needed, curious enough to ask great questions
  • TS clearance preferred or ability to obtain.
Whatโ€™s In It For You?

At CTI, we know our companyโ€™s success is directly correlated to the success of our employees. So, itโ€™s fitting that we thrive on and encourage employee growth, both professionally and personally. Our competitive compensation package includes:

  • A culture where โ€œfun is mandatoryโ€, teams value your ideas, we celebrate wins (big and small), and you have support
  • Opportunities for growth and learning
  • Competitive base salary
  • Employer-matched medical, prescription, and dental insurance (available after 60 days of employment)
  • Employer matched 401K up to 3% (after 6 months of employment)
  • Bonus eligibility that is based off our results-oriented incentive plan (after 3 months of employment)
  • A graduated PTO program, all major holidays off, as well as three โ€œfloatingโ€ holidays, available upon your first day of employment
  • Special gifts for significant life events, such as marriage, the birth of a child, and buying a house
  • Cell phone reimbursement plan
  • Long- and Short-Term Disability 100% paid by CTI
  • Life Insurance 100% paid by CTI

CTI. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

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