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Design Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

X Energy LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$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 ...

X Energy LLC

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 ...

exp

Electrical Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$161K - $171K/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

$161K - $171K/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 ...

Mu-Del Electronics

Be Seen First

PCB Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

Position Overview Mu-Del Electronics is seeking a highly skilled PCB Design Engineer with strong experience in high-speed, mixed-signal, and RF circuit design. This role will be responsible for end ...

Helsing

Senior Design Engineer

Washington, DC

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting existing mechanical and electrical designs to meet US customer requirements and specifications. You ...

SAIC

Hardware Design Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

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 ...

Helsing

Senior Design Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting existing mechanical and electrical designs to meet US customer requirements and specifications. You ...

SAIC

Hardware Design Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

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 include:

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

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 Jul 14, 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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,707 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

X Energy LLC

Rockville, MD • On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us.
Job Description
X-energy is seeking professionals to join our Mechanical Engineering team in the role of Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of the Xe-100. 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 System, Graphite Core Components, Reactor Cavity Cooling System, or Nuclear Auxiliary Systems. This includes concept development, evaluation of concepts, analysis of systems, structures, and components for their ability to perform their intended function, and ensuring they meet all technical specifications and requirements. The role will ensure the development of the systems and components through production including any necessary prototyping, testing, and commissioning.
Responsibilities
  • Develop mechanical/physical concepts, design and support development of processes to create or identify structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for use in nuclear products or facilities with a focus on nuclear safety.
  • Identify, collect, and document applicable requirements, interfaces, design basis and criteria by coordinating with key stakeholders/systems engineers and support identifying applicable industry codes and standards and the direction of project leads and systems engineers.
  • Planning and performing the analysis required to assess aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.
  • Perform computations utilizing hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as required at the direction of project leads and systems engineers to ensure SSCs can meet technical requirements.
  • Develop innovative mechanical solutions to refine and deploy concepts, technologies, and designs associated with X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, nuclear fuel, and high temperature materials such as graphite.
  • Integrate design activities across engineering team members, partners, and suppliers and perform supporting scoping and sizing calculations to downselect design features to meet design requirements using guidance from consensus codes and standards.
  • Create and maintain CAD-generated engineering models of reactor SSCs.
  • Support the assessment of SSCs for manufacturability as well as assembly and integration considerations at the direction of project leads.
  • Write and develop design documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures.
  • Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolset.
  • Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are met.
  • Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
  • Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear aerospace, chemical, etc.) from an accredited institution required.
  • Proficiency with engineering hand calculations is required.
  • Experience designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.
  • One plus years of demonstrated hands-on experience developing and delivering hardware or manufacturing processes in a production environment is required. May include industry internship experience, hobby, or participation in collegiate engineering projects such as: Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, Rocket Club, etc.
  • Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight.
  • Experience in use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software (e.g UG/NX, Solidworks, Pro-Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with commercial nuclear power plant operations.
  • Professional experience in commercial nuclear power as well as design, qualification, licensing, and construction to ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section III and/or Section VIII.
  • Experience with NRC regulations and licensing requirements for safety-related systems.
  • Experience with design using ASME BPV Code, ASME B31.1 or B31.3, and other industry standards.
  • Experience with Mechanical Process Equipment (Piping, Ducting, HVAC, Fire Suppression, Pumps, Pressure Vessels, Piping, Valves, Structural Supports) selection, sizing, and specification development
  • Hands-on experience with graphite or other non-metallic components, fabrication or assembly sequencing, and/or tooling development preferred. Experience with procurement and manufacturing oversight of pressure vessel or large metallic components.

Job Level Qualifications:
  • Level II
    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities
      • Support team members with the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, under guided supervision.
      • Coordinate with engineering team members, partners, and suppliers to facilitate the convergence of efforts, allow design closure, provide design assurance, and deliver high quality engineering work products.
    • Level Minimum Qualifications
      • Typically, three years of experience in an engineering role required.
      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
  • Level III
    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities
      • Execute the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, with minimal supervision.
      • Provide ownership, responsibility, and accountability over technical scope involving the coordination of multiple individual contributors working in a specific area.
    • Level Minimum Qualifications
      • Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
  • Level IV
    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities
      • Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and some latitude for independent judgement.
      • Provide feedback and guidance to more junior team members with the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document.
      • Lead small groups of engineers to solve complex technical problems and deliver high quality engineering work products on time and within budget.
    • Level Minimum Qualifications
      • Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
  • Level V
    • Level Tasks/Responsibilities
      • Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and extensive latitude for independent judgement.
      • Teach and mentor more junior team members.
      • Stay abreast of industry and academic trends, breakthroughs, and best practices.
    • Level Minimum Qualifications
      • Typically, fifteen years of experience in an engineering role required.
      • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
      • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience
      • .Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.

Location: 530 Gaither Road, Rockville MD
Work Site Expectations: 4-5 days in office
Travel Expectations: up to 10% as needed
Hours: Standard office schedule are 8:00am-5:00pm ET, Mon-Fri
Compensation
As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.
Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:
level II: $95,000 - $120,000 level III: $115,000 - $140,000 Level IV: $140,000 - $170,000
Position Job Classification
Full time - Exempt
Benefits
X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.
Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)
E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish

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