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Entry Level Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

RoviSys

Entry Level Engineer/Developer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$80K - $82K/yr

You will design, implement, and configure automation systems, and/or write custom systems. We ... Responsibilities Entry Level Position: College Graduate - 2 years experience RoviSys offers a broad ...

RoviSys

Entry Level Engineer/Developer

Manassas, VA

$80K - $82K/yr

You will design, implement, and configure automation systems, and/or write custom systems. We ... success! Entry Level Position: College Graduate - 2 years experience RoviSys offers a broad ...

RoviSys

Entry Level Engineer/Developer

Manassas, VA

$80K - $82K/yr

You will design, implement, and configure automation systems, and/or write custom systems. We ... Responsibilities Entry Level Position: College Graduate - 2 years experience RoviSys offers a broad ...

Dewberry

Entry Level Transportation Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$76K - $101K/yr

Experience working on MDOT SHA, MdTA, and/or VDOT plans in design-bid-build or design-build ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

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All JobsEntry Level Design JobsEntry Level Design Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Design information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$22

$28

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Virginia is $22.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $24.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level DesignGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant courseworkBachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentInternships, junior roles, freelance projectsDesign agencies, corporate marketing teams, freelance
Industry UsageEntry positions in various industriesCreative and marketing industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in designEntry-level design roles and career path

Entry Level Design typically refers to initial roles requiring basic skills and minimal experience, often involving internships or freelance work. Graphic Designer is a more specific job title that usually requires a formal degree and involves creating visual content for clients or companies. While both roles serve as starting points in the design industry, Entry Level Design is broader, encompassing various entry positions, whereas Graphic Designer is a specialized role within the field.

What is an entry level design job?

An entry level design job is a starting position in the design industry, typically suited for recent graduates or those with limited professional experience. These roles often involve assisting senior designers, creating basic design assets, and learning industry tools and workflows. Entry level designers may work in fields such as graphic design, web design, or industrial design, and are expected to have a foundational understanding of design principles and software like Adobe Creative Suite. The goal is to build practical skills, gain experience, and develop a professional portfolio to advance in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in visual communication, and a relevant degree or coursework in graphic, web, or industrial design. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and basic knowledge of design systems or prototyping platforms is important. Strong attention to detail, creativity, collaboration, and openness to feedback set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities enable designers to produce high-quality work, adapt to team needs, and grow in a fast-evolving creative field.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry-level design professional expect in their first year?

Entry-level design professionals typically work on a variety of supporting tasks, such as preparing drafts, creating visual assets, and assisting with layout or branding projects. They often collaborate closely with senior designers and art directors, gaining exposure to client feedback and the revision process. While responsibilities may start with smaller assignments, there are frequent opportunities to contribute ideas during team brainstorming sessions and to gradually take on more complex projects as skills develop. This hands-on experience is crucial for building a strong portfolio and understanding real-world design workflows.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Design jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Design job openings:
Entry Level Design jobs near you

Design Engineer

Imperative Systems

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 9 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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