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Engineering Design Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Roadway Design Engineer

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$85K - $115K/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 ...

Roadway Design Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$85K - $115K/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Engineering Design information

See Washington, DC salary details

$59.5K

$152.3K

$235K

How much do engineering design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering design in Washington, DC is $152,296.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $169,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is engineering design?

Engineering design is a systematic, creative process used by engineers to develop solutions to technical problems. It involves defining a problem, researching requirements, brainstorming ideas, creating prototypes, testing, and refining solutions to meet specific needs. The process often includes considering factors such as safety, cost, functionality, and sustainability. Engineering design is fundamental in creating products, systems, and structures used in everyday life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Engineering Design, and why are they important?

To thrive in Engineering Design, a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles is essential, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration are vital soft skills that help drive innovative solutions and effective teamwork. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing safe, efficient, and high-quality engineering designs that meet client and regulatory requirements.

How do engineering design professionals typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Engineering design professionals often work closely with teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement, and project management throughout the project lifecycle. Effective collaboration ensures that design specifications are feasible, cost-effective, and meet safety and regulatory standards. This usually involves regular meetings, design reviews, and clear communication channels to address feedback or constraints from various stakeholders. Such cross-functional teamwork is crucial to successfully translating concepts into functional, manufacturable products.

What is the difference between Engineering Design vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectEngineering DesignMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, design certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labsManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork
Industry UsageProduct development, CAD modelingMechanical systems, machinery
Common Search IntentDesign processes, CAD toolsMechanical systems, thermodynamics

Engineering Design focuses on creating and developing product concepts using CAD and design principles, often working in design offices. Mechanical Engineering covers a broader scope, including analysis, manufacturing, and testing of mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering degrees, Mechanical Engineers often hold professional licenses and work in diverse environments like manufacturing and testing facilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are popular job titles related to Engineering Design jobs in Washington, DC? For Engineering Design jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineering Design jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Engineering Design jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Engineering Design job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,296 per year, or $73.2 per hour.
Principal Engineering Design

$98K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is currently recruiting for a Principal Engineering Design to join our team at the Annapolis, MD location.

The ideal candidate will have an interest in learning Model Based Definition (MBD) in NX and working knowledge of Teamcenter in the Design Services group.

Essential Functions:

  • Designs major components or major portions of a functional system to develop or improve products and facilitate manufacturing operations.

  • Develops basic data and makes preliminary layouts, sketches, and notes necessary to present design proposal.

  • Investigates pertinent design factors such as ease of manufacture, availability of materials and equipment, interchangeability, replace ability, strength-weight efficiency, and contractual specification requirements and cost.

  • Coordinates with other organizations affected by design development.

  • Makes layouts of complex assemblies and details parts of devices, mechanisms, and structures.

  • Identifies design errors, omissions, and other deficiencies, and recommends revisions and/or improvements in design layout to responsible engineers or designers.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or MS degree with 3 years of relevant experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience could be considered in lieu of a degree

  • U.S. citizen with a Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet business needs

  • 3 years experience with 3D CAD modeling tools

  • 3 years experience developing and releasing engineering models and drawings

  • 3 years experience developing and releasing model-based engineering Digital Product Definition Packages

  • Experience modeling fully defined components and assemblies efficiently using CAD managed in a PLM system and create/revise drawings in conformance with ASME modeling and drawing standards

  • Familiarity with basic GD&T interpretation

  • Strong communication skills across large diverse organizations

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 3 years experience with Product Lifecyle Management (PLM) tools

  • Experience creating/revising drawings in conformance with ASME 3D modeling and drawing standards

  • Experience with Siemens Teamcenter or Teamcenter MPLM Product Lifecycle Management Tool

  • Experience managing the configuration of large mechanical systems

  • Possesses a strong knowledge and background of design engineering release procedures and configuration management practices

  • Strong knowledge and experience managing engineering bill of materials through effectivity management

  • Ability to develop and implement solutions with minimal oversight given a challenging problem statement

  • Ability to manage complex special technical assignments

NGFeaturedJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939