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Design Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Imperative Systems

Design Engineer

Alexandria, VA

\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 ...

EMD LLC

Design Engineer

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

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

Spear AI

Design Engineer (Senior)

Washington, DC · Remote

We're looking for a Senior Design Engineer to help shape the next generation of our maritime domain awareness platform -- and to set the bar for design and frontend craft across the company. Spear AI ...

Team LINX

AV Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

The AV Design Engineer will be a highly motivated team focused professional. This individual will be responsible for creating the bill of materials, scope of work, system design, and complex ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Design Engineer Associate

Tysons, VA · On-site

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 ...

Alpha Corporation

Roadway Design Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$78.30K - $96.40K/yr

Alpha has been performing civil engineering design services since the firm's inception. Our vision is to be recognized by our clients for responsive, innovative, and quality services in the building ...

Alpha

Roadway Design Engineer

Dulles, VA

$76.70K - $94.50K/yr

Alpha has been performing civil engineering design services since the firms inception. Our vision is to be recognized by our clients for responsive, innovative, and quality services in the building ...

X Energy LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$77.50K - $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 ...

Hksinc

Sustainable Design Engineer

Reston, VA

Performs detailed engineering analysis to reduce energy consumption and associated GHG emissions across design, construction, and operations, aligned with integrated project performance goals

X Energy LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD

$77.50K - $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 ...

Hksinc

Sustainable Design Engineer

Washington, DC

Performs detailed engineering analysis to reduce energy consumption and associated GHG emissions across design, construction, and operations, aligned with integrated project performance goals

exp

Electrical Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$161.78K - $171.78K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer POSITION: Perform quality control on own work and work of Designer level staff, including drawings, RFI answers, and submittal reviews; collaborate with Sr. Engineer to ...

EXP

Electrical Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$161.78K - $171.78K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer POSITION: Perform quality control on own work and work of Designer level staff, including drawings, RFI answers, and submittal reviews; collaborate with Sr. Engineer to ...

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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.

More about Design Engineer jobs
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:
Design Engineer jobs near you
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

Imperative Systems

Alexandria, VA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

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Design Engineer<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Imperative Systems is a privately\-owned company established in 2017 to enable the National Security Community to achieve their critical missions effectively, efficiently, and securely.  We provide expeditionary mission support, critical infrastructure protection and strategic advisory services on a worldwide basis to support the National Security Community. We are adaptive and agile, to meet the emerging needs of our specialized clientele.  We strive to build a culture of excellence around a team of the best people, equipped with the best skills and technical support to deliver results that exceed expectations, even in the most difficult circumstances. <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Overview<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Imperative is seeking an entry\-level systems Design Engineer to be part of a special projects team supporting priority security systems integration <\/span><\/span><\/span>within the Department of State.<\/span>  <\/span><\/span>You will test, evaluate and integrate a range of sensors and protective technologies as part of a larger team supporting deployment of bespoke solutions for our clients. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Work Location<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Alexandria, Virginia.<\/span>  <\/span><\/span>DC Metro Area<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Responsibilities:<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop strategies to test and verify systems and make recommendations to improve testing and operational demonstration.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Document and analyze test data. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop systems integration plans<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop code to network sensors or provide data feeds in C2 systems.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop strategies and materials for transition of systems to operators.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Support the team lead including the ability to respond to urgent requirements quickly and to analyze complex technical problems.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Review and produce a variety of written documents including memoranda, maintenance reports, and engineering surveys or service reports detailing specific services planned or performed.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Conducts periodic and refresher training in accordance with program guidance from U.S. Government and third\-party contractors regarding the proper use and use, care, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of assigned systems.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Presenting information and briefings to senior managers orally and in writing.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Work Environment:<\/b> Full\-time 40 hours a week when assigned to a domestic location. Full\-time 60 hours per week when deployed overseas.<\/span><\/span>
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Travel<\/b>: Position is based domestically but may entail travelling to overseas locations up to 25% of the time.<\/span><\/span>
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Requirements<\/h3>

Citizenship<\/b>: Position requires US citizenship.<\/span><\/span>
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Passport:<\/b> Must be able to obtain and travel on a US passport.<\/span><\/span>
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Clearance Requirements<\/b>: Must possess a minimum SECRET clearance to start and be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance.<\/span><\/span>
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\n Required Skills:<\/b><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Education:<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>BS\/BA in related discipline or advanced degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Related disciplines include: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Electromechanical Engineering<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Software:  <\/span>AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Excel, MS Office<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Programming:  <\/span>Matlab, C, C++, JAVA, LINUX or other relevant language<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ability to work collaboratively to solve problems within a cross\-functional development team<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Knowledge of Agile development and systems engineering processes<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience effectively and professionally communicating technical and program\-related information to multiple stakeholders and adherence to established communications plans. Candidate must be able to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities in dynamic, politically sensitive environments ensuring customer expectations are managed.<\/span><\/span>
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Benefits<\/h3>

Equal Opportunity Statement<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/b>
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Imperative Systems LLC provides equal opportunity to all applicants for employment as required by and\/or consistent with applicable country law and company policy. Consistent with the foregoing, Imperative Systems LLC provides qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veterans' status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status(s) protected by law. In the United States, Imperative Systems LLC ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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\n Benefits<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Successful candidates will be eligible to participate in Imperative's Health Benefits for the duration of their employment.  They will also be eligible to enroll in Imperatives 401(k). <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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