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Entry Level Design Engineer Jobs in Alexandria, VA

Imperative Systems

Design Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Overview Imperative is seeking an entry\-level systems Design Engineer to be part of a special projects team supporting priority security systems integration within the Department of State. You will ...

Imperative Systems

Design Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Overview Imperative is seeking an entry\-level systems Design Engineer to be part of a special projects team supporting priority security systems integration within the Department of State. You will ...

Dewberry

Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$82K - $85K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking an Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer to join our Site/Civil department ... Typical projects involve site/civil design for residential, commercial and industrial site ...

Dewberry

Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$82K - $85K/yr

Dewberry is currently seeking an Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer to join our Site/Civil department ... Typical projects involve site/civil design for residential, commercial and industrial site ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsEntry Level Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Design Engineer Jobs in Alexandria, VA

Entry Level Design Engineer information

See Alexandria, VA salary details

$32.1K

$74.2K

$126.3K

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level design engineer in Alexandria, VA is $74,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,100.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level design engineer do?

An Entry Level Design Engineer assists with creating and developing designs for products, structures, or systems, often under the supervision of senior engineers. They typically use computer-aided design (CAD) software to draft blueprints, modify existing designs, and perform basic engineering calculations. Their role may also involve collaborating with manufacturing teams, preparing documentation, and ensuring designs meet required standards and specifications. This position provides hands-on experience and learning opportunities for those starting their engineering careers.

What are some common challenges new entry level design engineers face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry Level Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to industry-specific software, understanding project requirements, and effectively communicating design ideas to both technical and non-technical team members. Building strong relationships with mentors, proactively seeking feedback, and dedicating time to learn design tools and standards can help ease the transition. Embracing a growth mindset and actively participating in team discussions can also accelerate learning and confidence in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and deliver accurate designs. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing reliable and innovative engineering solutions that meet project requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Alexandria, VA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Alexandria, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Design Engineer jobs in Alexandria, VA? For Entry Level Design Engineer jobs in Alexandria, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Design Engineer jobs in Alexandria, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Design Engineer jobs in Alexandria, VA are:
What cities near Alexandria, VA are hiring for Entry Level Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Alexandria, VA with the most Entry Level Design Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design Engineer job openings in Alexandria, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,239 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Design Engineer

Imperative Systems

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

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Design Engineer<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Imperative Systems is a privately\-owned company established in 2017 to enable the National Security Community to achieve their critical missions effectively, efficiently, and securely.  We provide expeditionary mission support, critical infrastructure protection and strategic advisory services on a worldwide basis to support the National Security Community. We are adaptive and agile, to meet the emerging needs of our specialized clientele.  We strive to build a culture of excellence around a team of the best people, equipped with the best skills and technical support to deliver results that exceed expectations, even in the most difficult circumstances. <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Overview<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Imperative is seeking an entry\-level systems Design Engineer to be part of a special projects team supporting priority security systems integration <\/span><\/span><\/span>within the Department of State.<\/span>  <\/span><\/span>You will test, evaluate and integrate a range of sensors and protective technologies as part of a larger team supporting deployment of bespoke solutions for our clients. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Work Location<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Alexandria, Virginia.<\/span>  <\/span><\/span>DC Metro Area<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Responsibilities:<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop strategies to test and verify systems and make recommendations to improve testing and operational demonstration.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Document and analyze test data. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop systems integration plans<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop code to network sensors or provide data feeds in C2 systems.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop strategies and materials for transition of systems to operators.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Support the team lead including the ability to respond to urgent requirements quickly and to analyze complex technical problems.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Review and produce a variety of written documents including memoranda, maintenance reports, and engineering surveys or service reports detailing specific services planned or performed.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Conducts periodic and refresher training in accordance with program guidance from U.S. Government and third\-party contractors regarding the proper use and use, care, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of assigned systems.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Presenting information and briefings to senior managers orally and in writing.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Work Environment:<\/b> Full\-time 40 hours a week when assigned to a domestic location. Full\-time 60 hours per week when deployed overseas.<\/span><\/span>
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Travel<\/b>: Position is based domestically but may entail travelling to overseas locations up to 25% of the time.<\/span><\/span>
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Requirements<\/h3>

Citizenship<\/b>: Position requires US citizenship.<\/span><\/span>
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Passport:<\/b> Must be able to obtain and travel on a US passport.<\/span><\/span>
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Clearance Requirements<\/b>: Must possess a minimum SECRET clearance to start and be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance.<\/span><\/span>
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\n Required Skills:<\/b><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Education:<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>BS\/BA in related discipline or advanced degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Related disciplines include: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Electromechanical Engineering<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Software:  <\/span>AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Excel, MS Office<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Programming:  <\/span>Matlab, C, C++, JAVA, LINUX or other relevant language<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ability to work collaboratively to solve problems within a cross\-functional development team<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Knowledge of Agile development and systems engineering processes<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience effectively and professionally communicating technical and program\-related information to multiple stakeholders and adherence to established communications plans. Candidate must be able to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities in dynamic, politically sensitive environments ensuring customer expectations are managed.<\/span><\/span>
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Benefits<\/h3>

Equal Opportunity Statement<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/b>
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Imperative Systems LLC provides equal opportunity to all applicants for employment as required by and\/or consistent with applicable country law and company policy. Consistent with the foregoing, Imperative Systems LLC provides qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veterans' status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status(s) protected by law. In the United States, Imperative Systems LLC ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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\n Benefits<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Successful candidates will be eligible to participate in Imperative's Health Benefits for the duration of their employment.  They will also be eligible to enroll in Imperatives 401(k). <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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