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Design Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 clearance or ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Design Engineer CRI is looking to hire a Design Engineer in the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland area to assist with System Design, Request for Proposal Response, High Level System Experience and ...

Mechanical Systems Design Engineer We are partnering with a cutting-edge advanced nuclear energy company building the next generation of clean, reliable power, helping shape the future of energy by ...

GFT is seeking a Linear (Pipeline) Design Engineer to join our Water/Wastewater Team in any of our Maryland or Virginia offices. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Leads whole-building dynamic thermal and energy simulations and detailed engineering analysis to inform design, construction, and operations by optimizing energy use, enabling all-electric solutions ...

In this role, you will design, engineer, and support high-quality audiovisual and video conferencing solutions that align with customer needs and industry best practices. You will collaborate closely ...

In this role, you will design, engineer, and support high-quality audiovisual and video conferencing solutions that align with customer needs and industry best practices. You will collaborate closely ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 22, 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 develops and modifies product designs, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software, to meet project specifications and safety standards. They analyze requirements, create prototypes, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure functional and efficient products.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or executive positions.

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 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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Design engineers can start their careers at any age, including 40 or later, as the profession values skills, experience, and continuous learning. Many engineers successfully transition into the field through relevant education, certifications, and practical experience, making age less of a barrier than skill development and adaptability.
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:
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Electrical Design Engineer

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Description


Job Description:
This position is for an experienced design engineer charged with supporting project teams with electrical design at one or more sites. About half the work is site investigation, preliminary design, code compliance and pricing support -- all leading to acceptance by our customer of fixed price design/build proposals. The other half is oversight of final design (usually by design-build subcontractor) and support of construction to achieve final acceptance.
Responsibilities include:
Familiarity with efficient building controls, low voltage distribution, variable speed drives and efficient motors
Electric load calculations to size generators, cable, building switchgear, etc.
Written scopes of work for electrical systems for subcontractors
Cost estimates associated with electrical energy conservation measures
Quality control review

Qualifications

Experience / Qualifications
Bachelor's degree
EIT registration
3 years experience in building level electric systems and control design
Experience developing subcontractor scopes of work for building electrical systems
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Excel and Word
Demonstrated written and oral communication skill

Additional Information

Preferences:
Designed energy efficiency measures such as replacement transformers, Photovoltaic systems or power factor correction in a design-build environment
Supported construction (e.g., submittal review or commissioning) with electrical work


Agile Enterprise Solutions logo

About Agile Enterprise Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AgileES offers a wide gamut of staffing solutions that are best aligned with requirements of the clients to bring super-colossal benefits for the clients At AgileES, every project whether it is small or big, is looked upon with equal proportion of close attention and commitment. For us, all clients are incomparably invaluable. We listen to our clients and come up with the customized hiring solutions to fulfill all recruitment needs. We are with you every step of the way… the way towards peerless success in business by helping you hire the right people with right business acumen, acuity, intelligence and ingenuity.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2005

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