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Entry Level Automotive Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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Entry Level Automotive Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$68.8K

$117K

How much do entry level automotive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automotive engineer in Virginia is $68,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,100.00 and $77,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical daily responsibilities for an Entry Level Automotive Engineer?

As an Entry Level Automotive Engineer, you can expect to assist in the design and testing of automotive components or systems, prepare technical documentation, and support senior engineers on ongoing projects. Your daily tasks might include running simulations, creating and updating CAD models, conducting research on industry trends, and collaborating with teams in manufacturing, quality assurance, or project management. The role offers hands-on learning opportunities and frequent interaction with experienced engineers, making it a strong foundation for future advancement. Over time, you'll gradually take on more complex assignments and higher levels of responsibility as you grow within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Automotive Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Automotive Engineer, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and a good grasp of automotive systems and design principles. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or CATIA), vehicle simulation tools, and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes are often expected. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills are crucial soft skills in this position. These competencies enable successful contribution to design projects, effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, and adherence to industry safety and quality standards.

How to begin an automotive engineer career?

To start a career as an entry-level automotive engineer, obtain a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in CAD software, and understanding vehicle systems are important steps. Certifications like SAE or ASE can also enhance job prospects.

How much do Lamborghini engineers make?

Lamborghini engineers, including automotive engineers working on high-performance vehicles, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Entry-level automotive engineers generally start at lower salaries, while experienced engineers or specialists in areas like aerodynamics or powertrain can earn higher compensation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Entry level automotive engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually. High salaries in engineering are usually associated with senior roles, specialized skills, or executive positions such as engineering managers or chief engineers, often in large companies or with significant experience and advanced certifications.

What is an Entry Level Automotive Engineer job?

An Entry Level Automotive Engineer is a junior professional who assists in designing, testing, and improving vehicles and automotive components. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to develop vehicle systems, ensure safety standards, and enhance performance. Responsibilities may include computer-aided design (CAD), data analysis, and prototype testing. This role requires a degree in mechanical, automotive, or a related engineering field, along with technical skills and problem-solving abilities. It's a great starting point for those looking to advance in the automotive industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Automotive Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Automotive Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,767 per year, or $33.1 per hour.
Manufacturing/ Part Finishing Intern

Manufacturing/ Part Finishing Intern

Obsidian Solutions Group

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Part-time, Internship

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Manufacturing/ Part Finishing Intern
Primary Work Location: On-site position based in Fredericksburg, VA
Must be a U.S. Citizen: Yes
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance is not required for this internship
Job Summary
Obsidian Solutions Group is seeking a hands-on, dependable Manufacturing/ Part Finishing Intern to support the finishing department during the summer. This is an entry level internship intended for a recent high school graduate, trade school student, technical student, or early career candidate interested in manufacturing, prototyping, additive manufacturing, and defense-related production work.
The Finishing Intern will assist with sanding, media blasting, paint preparation, part cleaning, masking, facility cleaning, and general production support. This role is well suited for someone who is reliable, willing to learn, comfortable working with their hands, and interested in gaining real shop-floor experience in a professional manufacturing environment.
This position will include routine and repetitive production tasks, but it also provides direct exposure to additive manufacturing, urethane casting, finishing, painting, and prototype part production supporting commercial and government customers.
Requirements
Finishing and Surface Preparation
  • Sand, deburr, clean, and prepare prototype and production parts for finishing operations.
  • Assist with media blasting and other surface preparation processes.
  • Prepare parts for paint, coating, or additional finishing steps.
  • Mask, clean, and organize parts according to production instructions.
  • Support finishing team members with part handling, staging, and workflow movement.

Paint Preparation and Production Support
  • Assist with paint preparation tasks under supervision.
  • Help clean and prepare parts before entering the paint process.
  • Maintain organized staging areas for parts awaiting finishing, paint, inspection, or shipment.
  • Follow instructions from the Production Manager, Lead Finisher, and finishing department personnel.

Facility and Shop Support
  • Clean and maintain finishing work areas, benches, tools, and shared production spaces.
  • Assist with general facility cleaning and organization as needed.
  • Help maintain a safe, orderly, and efficient shop environment.
  • Support basic 5S and continuous improvement efforts within the production area.

Safety and Quality
  • Follow all safety instructions, PPE requirements, and shop procedures.
  • Work safely around tools, sanding dust, media blasting equipment, paints, solvents, and production materials.
  • Maintain attention to detail when preparing customer parts.
  • Communicate issues, defects, damaged parts, or unclear instructions to a supervisor.

Requirements
  • High school diploma, GED, or expected graduation prior to the start of the internship.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must be willing to complete a background check and drug screening if required.
  • Interest in hands on work, manufacturing, trades, engineering, prototyping, or technical production.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Willingness to perform physical, repetitive, and detail-oriented work.
  • Ability to work safely in a shop and production environment.
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn from experienced production staff.

Desired
  • Experience with sanding, painting, model making, woodworking, automotive work, robotics, shop class, 3D printing, or other hands-on hobbies.
  • Familiarity with basic hand tools.
  • Interest in manufacturing, defense technology, additive manufacturing, prototyping, or skilled trades.
  • Prior part-time work, volunteer work, shop experience, or technical coursework.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
  • Ability to stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to perform sanding, cleaning, masking, and repetitive hand tasks.
  • Ability to lift and carry parts, materials, or shop supplies as needed.
  • Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, dust mask, or respirator when required.
  • Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing, finishing, and production shop environment.

Travel Requirements
  • N/A

Company Description
Obsidian Solutions Group LLC (OSG) is a fast-growing professional services firm based in Fredericksburg, VA. We create value for our customers by delivering technology-enabled & mission-oriented technical solutions that solve complex problems, protecting people, information, and assets. Our core capabilities are in providing Enterprise IT, Intelligence Analysis, Production & Development and Knowledge-Based Professional Services Solutions that enable the customer's mission. Obsidian Solutions Group LLC is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.
A career at Obsidian Solutions Group means you are able to put your expertise, credentials, and talents to great use working with customers in the DOD and Intelligence Community, while enjoying the excitement of working in a fast-growing organization committed to making a difference for our customers and in our community. Contribute independently and collaboratively alongside our amazing team of doers and thinkers. Obsidian Solutions Group is small enough to offer a family atmosphere yet large enough to deliver a highly competitive compensation package. We hire and retain the best in the industry, offering exceptional benefits that protect the well-being of our employees, their spouses and domestic partners, and their families.
Our corporate philosophy is centered on hiring and retaining employees with the requisite skills, professional experience, personal commitment, and ethical standards necessary to foster a culture of operational excellence necessary to surpass our customer's expectations.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Obsidian Solutions Group is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, protected veteran status, and any other non-merit factor, or any other characteristic protected by law.