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Engineering Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ignite Digital

Engineer/Scientist IV

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$120K/yr

Provide senior-level engineering and scientific support to the project. * Perform complex software maintenance activities across US Navy-related systems and solutions. * Support development ...

BWXT

Nuclear Engineering Data Scientist

Lynchburg, VA · Hybrid

As our Nuclear Engineering Data Scientist, you will leverage advanced machine learning techniques, hybrid modeling approaches, and uncertainty quantification to tackle complex problems in nuclear ...

BWXT

Nuclear Engineering Data Scientist

Lynchburg, VA · Hybrid

As our Nuclear Engineering Data Scientist, you will leverage advanced machine learning techniques, hybrid modeling approaches, and uncertainty quantification to tackle complex problems in nuclear ...

Naval Sea Systems Command

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$69K - $156K/yr

You will conduct engineering analysis that results in the identification and recommendation of ... Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: as a professional engineer or scientist ...

Naval Sea Systems Command

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$143K - $197K/yr

You will provide technical oversight of science, engineering, and integration efforts for sensor data collection capabilities (e.g., technical data collection; Aegis AN/SPY-1 SlideRule (SSR v3.0)

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All JobsEngineering Scientist JobsEngineering Scientist Jobs in Virginia

Engineering Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$40.2K

$97.9K

$155.2K

How much do engineering scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering scientist in Virginia is $97,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges engineering scientists face when working on interdisciplinary projects?

Engineering Scientists often collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as chemists, physicists, and software engineers. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex technical concepts across disciplines, ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals and methodologies. Adapting to different work styles and integrating varied scientific approaches can also require flexibility and strong problem-solving skills. Successful Engineering Scientists are proactive in fostering teamwork and are open to learning from other fields to drive innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Engineering Scientist vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering ScientistMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering or science; often advanced degreesBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academiaManufacturing, design firms, construction sites
Industry UsageResearch, development, scientific innovationProduct design, manufacturing, systems development

Engineering Scientists focus on research and development, often working in labs to innovate and explore new scientific principles. Mechanical Engineers typically design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems in industry settings. While both roles require engineering credentials, Engineering Scientists lean more toward research, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on practical application and product development.

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

To thrive as an Engineering Scientist, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, data analysis tools, and laboratory instrumentation is often required, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies enable Engineering Scientists to develop innovative solutions, collaborate across disciplines, and drive advancements in technology and research.

What does an engineering scientist do?

An Engineering Scientist applies scientific principles and engineering techniques to solve complex problems, conduct research, and develop new technologies. They often work at the intersection of science and engineering, using their expertise to design experiments, analyze data, and improve processes or products. Their work can span a variety of fields, including materials science, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, and more. Engineering Scientists typically collaborate with other engineers and scientists to innovate and find practical solutions to real-world challenges.

What are popular job titles related to Engineering Scientist jobs in VA?

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

Engineering Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Scientist job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,912 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

US Department of the Navy

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

$143K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This position is part of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project. The ND-5 pay band encompasses positions equivalent to GS-14 and GS-15.
You will serve as the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) Zumwalt Platform Integration Chief Engineer (CHENG) in the Integrated Engagement Systems Department, Advanced Hypersonic Weapons & Guided Munitions Division (Code E20) of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.Qualifications:This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled by a General Engineer (0801-series), a General Physical Scientist (1301-series), an Operations Research Analyst (1515-series), a Mathematician (1520-series), or a Computer Scientist (1550-series) depending upon the qualifications of the candidate. Applicants in positions with occupational series other than those listed (0801, 1301, 1515, 1520 and 1550) may apply; however, you must apply directly to the series listed in this vacancy that is most applicable to your qualifications.
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the ND-4 pay band (GS-12 and GS-13 equivalency) in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: As a professional engineer or scientist applying technical project management principles to lead technical teams in the integration of weapons systems onto US Navy ship platforms.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR):
All Professional Engineering Positions, 08XX
General Physical Science Series, 1301
Operations Research Series, 1515
Mathematics Series, 1520
Computer Science Series, 1550
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet at least one of the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:
  • Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Degree: A professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited college or university; OR a degree with curriculum in differential and integral calculus, with additional courses in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics; or electronics; OR
  • Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Substitution of Education/Experience: A combination of education and experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering; and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (a) professional registration, (b) evidence of successfully passing the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination; (c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified above; or (d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering provided that it included at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. (Note to Applicants: Please see the Qualifications & Education sections of this announcement for a link to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements. OPM guidance indicates that there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience. This training plan or experience must be well documented and provided at time of application.); OR
  • 1301-General Physical Science Series: A degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; or education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education; OR
  • 1515-Operations Research Series: A degree in operations research; or a related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses. At least 3 of these 24 semester hours must have been in calculus; OR
  • 1520-Mathematics Series: A degree in mathematics; or a combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), plus appropriate experience or additional education. The total coursework described above must have included differential and integral calculus and, in addition, four advanced mathematics courses requiring calculus or equivalent mathematics courses as a prerequisite; OR
  • 1550-Computer Science Series: A degree in computer science; or a degree with at least 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of these 30 semester hours must have been in a combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus.
Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

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