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Design Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$91.16K - $152.51K/yr

The Design Engineer will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of design and management of transportation projects, including right-of-way acquisition and utility relocations consistent with ...

The Design Engineer plays a critical role in translating site survey data into approved engineering documentation, reviewing vendor deliverables (SSWs, SSRs, SIPs), supporting position mapping ...

The Design Engineer plays a critical role in translating site survey data into approved engineering documentation, reviewing vendor deliverables (SSWs, SSRs, SIPs), supporting position mapping ...

Design Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $175K/yr

The Design Engineer plays a critical role in translating site survey data into approved engineering documentation, reviewing vendor deliverables (SSWs, SSRs, SIPs), supporting position mapping ...

Position Overview Imperative is seeking a Design Engineer to join our Critical Infrastructure Protection team supporting priority electronic security systems (ESS) integration within the Department ...

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 ...

Position Overview Imperative is seeking a Design Engineer to join our Critical Infrastructure Protection team supporting priority electronic security systems (ESS) integration within the Department ...

Position Overview Imperative is seeking a Design Engineer to join our Critical Infrastructure Protection team supporting priority electronic security systems (ESS) integration within the Department ...

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATIONTysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARYWe are seeking a talented and innovative Hardware ...

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 LOCATIONReston, VA 20190 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARYWe are seeking a talented and innovative Hardware ...

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATIONChantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARYWe 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 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 ...

Position Overview Imperative is seeking a Design Engineer to join our Critical Infrastructure Protection team supporting priority electronic security systems (ESS) integration within the Department ...

\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 ...

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 the kick-off ...

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Design Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.1K

$91.7K

$164.9K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Reston, VA is $91,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,700.00 and $102,500.00 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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,707 per year, or $44.1 per hour.
Design Engineer

$91.16K - $152.51K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Introduction Come excel with us. A career-defining opportunity awaits an accomplished design professional with a passion for Transportation, people, and design. The Department of Transportation is looking for a dynamic individual who wants to join a high-performing team of professionals to better the quality of life for our community through engineering, designing, and building multimodal transportation facilities.

The Design Branch delivers first-class transportation designs on time and within budget for projects ranging from simple sidewalks to major regional roadway facilities and multi-million-dollar interchanges. If you are a motivated and hardworking individual, come work within the most successful road-building program in the Commonwealth. This is your opportunity to imprint your direct impact on the community, while utilizing your engineering, analytical, management, and communication skills in a diverse and exciting work environment.

The successful candidate will apply these skills to support the successful delivery of critical transportation facilities in one of the most collaborative and progressive Departments of Transportation in the Commonwealth. ABOUT THIS ROLE: The Design Engineer will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of design and management of transportation projects, including right-of-way acquisition and utility relocations consistent with Federal, State, and local guidelines. This position will play a major role in successfully delivering the engineering design of various multimodal transportation projects.

The position presents a unique opportunity to highlight the chosen candidate's management skills through monitoring scope, budget, schedule, and documenting a living project record from inception to completion. The Design Engineer will interact with elected officials, internal and external leaders, and the public through public information meetings and public hearings on assigned projects. The position interfaces cross-functionally between engineering design (survey, roadway, geotechnical drainage, environmental, structures), budgeting, construction, finance, procurement, and planning, and assists in preparing cost estimates, conceptual sketches, and plans to prepare project funding packages.

The successful candidate will manage multiple projects and priorities with competing deadlines and limited resources by exercising their leadership skills to manage a project design consultant team. The Design Engineer will lead multiple transportation capital projects from concept through project close-out, including consultant selection and contract negotiation, coordination and collaboration with stakeholders, maintaining schedule and budget requirements, and managing consultants in all phases of design and specification development. Working independently as well as with other team members from the construction, right of way and finance groups is essential to the Design Engineer's success with our department.

Exceptional written and verbal communication and organization skills, ability to provide excellent customer service, and demonstrated technical and analytical engineering background are mandatory for this position. PREFERENCES: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, the professional best suited for this expert-level position will be naturally inclined to be a strong advocate for mobility and transportation. This individual must be able to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a higher level of attention to detail.

A licensed Professional Engineer is preferred with 5-8 years of experience in multimodal transportation project design. Knowledge of and experience with local, state, and federal standards, guidelines, and policies, including VDOT design standards, manuals, and specifications is preferred. Prior experience developing and reviewing engineering, right-of-way/utility plans and final construction plans, preparing procurement documents (RFQ, RFP, Task Orders), and processing financial documents (invoices) for large-scale transportation construction projects is a plus.

Practical familiarity with various project delivery and government procurement methods for capital improvement projects is preferred. SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: Monday through Friday standard office hours along with some evening/weekend events. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: May be required to attend Public Information Meetings, Public Hearings, or HOA Meetings related to your responsible project outside standard work hours.

ENTRY SALARY RANGE: $91,162.50 - $152,509.50 commensurate with experience MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EQUIREMENTS Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-approved college or university and 3 years of experience in a construction-related field. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Valid Driver's License;. The appointee to this position will be required to complete a driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer prior to being allowed to operate a County vehicle

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises and travel. Hiring Bonus - this position qualifies for a one-time cash signing bonus up to $3,000. This bonus will be paid in two installments and is subject to all applicable tax withholding and reporting requirements.

The first installment of up to $1,500 is payable upon the County's pay date following the 90th day of employment and the final installment up to $1,500 will be payable on the pay date following the completion of your one-year probation. For more information about the Bonus, contact HR at TalentManagement@pwcgov.org. NOTE The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department

The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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