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Engineering Consultant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Our Deloitte AI & Engineering team to transform technology platforms, drive innovation, and help make a significant impact on our clients' success. You'll work alongside talented professionals ...

Our Deloitte AI & Engineering team to transform technology platforms, drive innovation, and help make a significant impact on our clients' success. You'll work alongside talented professionals ...

Our Deloitte AI & Engineering team to transform technology platforms, drive innovation, and help make a significant impact on our clients' success. You'll work alongside talented professionals ...

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Engineering Consultant information

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How much do engineering consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineering consultant in Reston, VA is $51.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $58.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineering consultant?

Engineering consultants are professionals who provide expert advice and solutions to organizations on engineering projects and technical challenges. They work independently or as part of consulting firms, helping clients design, implement, and optimize systems, processes, or products. Their work often includes project management, feasibility studies, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Engineering consultants typically have specialized knowledge in a particular engineering field, such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering. They play a key role in helping businesses improve efficiency, safety, and innovation.

What does an engineering consultant do?

An engineering consultant provides businesses or government agencies with expert opinion, technical support, and solutions for engineering or science-related projects. The reasons for hiring a consulting engineer are varied, so it is common for engineering consultants to c from Fortune 500 companies to the FBI. Their duties and responsibilities may include overseeing the completion of a project, performing an audit of current systems or equipment, and suggesting improvements. Engineers are usually hired on a short-term basis and often travel to meet with different clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Consultant, you need a strong background in engineering principles, analytical problem-solving skills, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering. Familiarity with industry-specific software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, as well as relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), is often required. Excellent communication, client management, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for building trust and delivering effective solutions. These competencies ensure consultants can provide expert advice, manage complex projects, and deliver results that meet client needs and industry standards.

How do engineering consultants typically balance multiple client projects and ensure timely delivery?

Engineering Consultants often manage several projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time management skills. They use project management tools and regularly communicate with both their internal team and clients to set clear expectations, prioritize tasks, and address any challenges proactively. Regular status updates, clear documentation, and flexibility to adapt to changing project scopes are key strategies for delivering quality results on time. Collaboration with specialists from different disciplines is also common, making teamwork and communication essential in this role.

What is the difference between Engineering Consultant vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering ConsultantMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, professional engineering license (optional)Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject-based, consulting firms, client sitesDesign offices, manufacturing plants, R&D labs
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, engineering services, constructionManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Engineering Consultants focus on providing expert advice, project management, and specialized engineering solutions across various industries. Mechanical Engineers design, analyze, and develop mechanical systems and products. While both roles require engineering degrees, Consultants often work across multiple projects and industries, whereas Mechanical Engineers typically focus on product design and development within specific sectors.

Do engineering consultants make a lot of money?

Engineering consultants typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, specialization, and location. Senior consultants with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher incomes, and the role often involves project-based work with potential for bonuses or profit sharing.

What are popular job titles related to Engineering Consultant jobs in Reston, VA?

For Engineering Consultant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Engineering Consultant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Engineering Consultant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Engineering Consultant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Engineering Consultant job openings:

Infographic showing various Engineering Consultant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,535 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Lead Navy Engineering Consultant

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

Mpr Associates, Inc.
Specialized Design Servicesย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

MPR is seeking a Lead Navy Engineering Consultant for a full-time position at our Alexandria, Virginia office. This role requires an experienced engineer with Navy background to serve as both a technical consultant and team leader. The successful candidate will contribute to MPR's Navy business across multiple technical disciplines, develop and strengthen trusted client relationships, and build team capabilities to deliver comprehensive engineering solutions to Navy clients.

The ideal candidate brings 8-15+ years of experience including active duty or civilian Navy experience, combines technical excellence with business acumen, and has established credibility and relationships within the Navy community. This individual will interface with Navy clients, lead complex multi-discipline projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive business development to further grow MPR's Navy portfolio across electrical, mechanical, structural, thermal-hydraulic, instrumentation & control systems engineering as well as programmatic and project controls.

MPR values the leadership, loyalty, integrity, and commitment to excellence developed during military service. This role leverages those attributes to deliver specialty engineering solutions with the technical excellence MPR is known for across multiple industries.


Business Leadership and Development

  • Contribute to MPR's Navy engineering business area, serving as a client interface and trusted advisor
  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships with Navy program offices, shipyards, and engineering commands
  • Identify opportunities and lead proposal development to expand MPR's Navy work portfolio across multiple technical disciplines
  • Serve as a consistent conduit of work to keep multiple project teams engaged
  • Represent MPR at Navy technical conferences, working groups, and industry forums

Technical Leadership and Project Execution

  • Lead complex, multi-discipline engineering projects for Navy systems, equipment, and facilities
  • Provide technical direction and oversight as project manager and technical lead across diverse engineering projects
  • Lead failure investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action development for Navy equipment and systems
  • Oversee engineering analyses including structural evaluations, thermal-hydraulic assessments, electrical system studies, and equipment qualifications
  • Oversee project controls support services including schedule development and analysis, earned value management, cost estimating, and independent project assessments
  • Ensure deliverables meet technical standards, quality requirements, and program schedules

Team Development and Mentoring

  • Build MPR's Navy team capabilities by coaching and mentoring engineers across disciplines
  • Integrate MPR's multi-discipline capabilities to deliver comprehensive solutions to Navy clients
  • Review and validate technical work products to ensure excellence and accuracy
  • Transfer Navy-specific knowledge, standards, and practices to MPR team members
  • Support recruiting and hiring to grow Navy-focused engineering staff

Client Engagement and Relationship Management

  • Engage regularly with Navy engineering, program management, and operations personnel
  • Understand client business challenges and frame problems into workable technical solutions
  • Communicate technical results effectively to diverse audiences including flag officers, program managers, and technical staff
  • Build confidence through consistent delivery and responsive client service
  • Maintain active security clearance and handle sensitive program information appropriately

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Nuclear, or related discipline) from an ABET-accredited university required
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is a plus
  • Navy experience
    • Navy Nuclear Power School and Prototype training highly valued
    • Commissioned officer (URL or EDO), senior enlisted, or civilian acquisition professional with Navy operational, engineering, or program management experience; mid-career professionals are encouraged to apply
    • EOOW/PPWO/EDO qualifications are highly valued
    • Post-service experience with NAVSEA, NAVFAC, PMS organizations, or Navy shipyards preferred
    • Established network of relationships within Navy engineering community

Technical Experience

  • 8-15+ years of engineering experience, including active duty and/or civilian Navy experience
  • Broad understanding of shipboard systems including propulsion plants, electrical distribution, mechanical systems, fluid systems, and auxiliaries
  • Familiarity with Navy reactor plant systems preferred
    โ€ข Experience with Navy technical standards, specifications, and qualification requirements (MIL-STDs, Navy Ship Technical Manuals, NAVSEA standards)
  • Demonstrated success in client-facing roles with Navy organizations
  • Strong analytical skills with fundamental understanding of engineering first principles across multiple disciplines
  • Experience leading technical projects from concept through design, analysis, procurement, testing, and installation
  • Familiarity with project controls methodologies including scheduling, earned value management, and schedule risk analysis; experience with Navy shipyard operations or ship maintenance/construction projects is a plus
  • Familiarity with engineering analysis tools (ANSYS, MATLAB, ETAP, thermal-hydraulic codes, etc.) is a plus

Leadership & Communication Skills

  • Persistent, questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in others.
  • Ability to multi-task across teams of engineers and managers on various projects.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across functional teams.
  • Ability to accept and grow from constructive feedback.
  • Motivated to expand skills and knowledge, as well as tackle new problems and take on new responsibilities.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Solution oriented with a goal of enabling our clientsโ€™ success.

Required

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

Logistics

Locations: Alexandria VA (HQ)

Position Type: Full-time, exempt

Travel: Likely 20-25%, but this will vary based on project assignments. This includes travel to Navy shipyards, shore facilities, client sites, and visits between MPR offices.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $220,000 annually. Actual compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, internal parity, education, and skills. We offer comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision), flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts, a 401(k) and profit sharing, as well as paid time off.

About MPR
MPR Associates is a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm founded in 1964. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, with additional offices in East Lyme, Connecticut; Burlington, Massachusetts; and Salt Lake City, Utah, MPR serves a wide and continually growing client base across the power and energy industries, federal services (DOE, DOD, and DHS), and the health and life sciences sector throughout the United States and internationally. For more than 60 years, MPR has built a reputation as the organization to which clients turn for specialty engineering solutions developed with integrity and technical excellence.


We make challenging projects successful by delivering reliable technical solutions throughout our clientโ€™s entire project or product life-cycle to benefit both our clients and society as a whole. We are an adaptive technical organization that identifies and responds to client needs, helping frame complex problems into workable technical and managerial solutions. We provide top-tier engineering services by focusing on first principles and relying on our multi-disciplined teams to bring energy, passion, and natural curiosity to solve unique and challenging first of a kind problems.


Our value lies in our people -- highly skilled and motivated professionals who value interesting, challenging technical work and have a desire for continuous learning. We hire the best and brightest, fostering a high-performance culture built on trust and respect that makes MPR an exceptional place to work. The combination of our talented people working together as a team with clients and our dedication to technical rigor enables us to develop innovative solutions that create lasting value for clients and society.


MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteranโ€™s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable laws. MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.