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Entry Level Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

RINA

Staff Engineer - Rail & Transit

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering from an ABET accredited institution, railway focus preferred * Entry-level design or relevant internship experience. * Strong technical ...

Dewberry

Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$82K - $85K/yr

Typical projects involve site/civil design for residential, commercial and industrial site ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Dewberry

Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$82K - $85K/yr

Typical projects involve site/civil design for residential, commercial and industrial site ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Field & Tung Structural Engineers

Be Seen First

Structural Design Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ENTRY LEVEL STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS!! Exposure to multiple project types ... Design and analyze structural systems for a variety of building types using industry-standard ...

Sargent & Lundy

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Elkridge, MD

$62K - $90K/yr

Description This entry-level position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your ... Design storm sewer systems, roads, trackwork, water storage and wastewater disposal ponds, and ...

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 ...

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 ...

MG2

Architectural Staff (Entry-Level)

Mclean, VA · On-site

$60K - $67K/yr

Overview MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, is currently looking for entry level Architectural Staff to join our Client Programs Market team in McLean, VA! You will be working in our ...

Dewberry

Entry Level Landscape Architect

Lanham, MD · On-site

$72K - $74K/yr

Typical projects involve site/civil design for residential, commercial and industrial site ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

New

Dewberry

Entry Level Landscape Architect

Lanham, MD

$72K - $74K/yr

Typical projects involve site/civil design for residential, commercial and industrial site ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

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All JobsDesign JobsEntry Level Design JobsEntry Level Design Jobs in Washington

Entry Level Design information

See Washington salary details

$17

$25

$32

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Washington is $25.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $28.03 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 Washington? The most popular types of Design jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Design job openings:
Entry Level Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,952 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Staff Engineer - Rail & Transit

RINA

Washington, DC • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

RINA is currently recruiting for a Staff Engineer - Rail & Transit to join its office in Chicago or Alexandria, VA within the North America Infrastructure & Mobility Division.
Compensation Data
$70,000 - $90,000 based on education and experience
Mission
The Staff Engineer will support the design and development of innovative railway engineering solutions through collaborative teamwork, technical excellence, and continuous professional growth, while contributing to high-quality project deliverables under the guidance of licensed engineers.
Key Accountabilities
Assist in the completion of railway and civil design engineering calculations for track alignment, track profiles, rail facility infrastructure and rail operations under the supervision of a licensed engineer.
  • Utilize, primarily, Bentley software products (MicroStation) to develop engineering drawings.
  • Provide support in the preparation of material quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and bidding documents.
  • Assist in the compilation of project contract documents, including technical specifications, design calculation, material quantities, and estimate of cost.
  • Assist in the development and evaluation of railway feasibility/concept studies.
    Review of as-built drawings to assist in understanding actual conditions prior to beginning design or feasibility study.
  • Prepare railroad track inspection reports.
  • Observe safety and security procedures; report potentially unsafe conditions and use equipment and materials properly.
  • Complete project responsibilities per the directed scope, budget, and schedule and in accordance with QA/QC procedures.
  • Perform other duties associated with this position as may be appropriate.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering from an ABET accredited institution, railway focus preferred
  • Entry-level design or relevant internship experience.
  • Strong technical written and verbal communications skills
  • Familiarity with MicroStation and/or AutoCAD
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
  • Ability to maintain effective communication with project team members, other engineering disciplines, and clients.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire date preferred. Continuous professional developmental opportunities and training are encouraged to become a Professional Engineer.

Additional Requirements
  • Valid driver's license
  • 20% travel (i.e. job sites) anticipated based upon business need

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
#LI-LS1
Competencies
  • WORKPLACE DYNAMICS - Resourcefulness in shaping progress and working efficiently.
  • PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT - Ownership for life, work and results, striving to grow professionally and personally.
  • INTERPERSONAL INFLUENCE - Skills and strategies we use to interact effectively with others.
  • DOMAIN & BUSINESS ACUMEN - Applying a scientific approach and critical thinking in operations and solution development within area of expertise.
  • FORESIGHT & INSIGHT - Context awareness adopting a systemic perspective and informed decision making.

RINA is a multinational company providing a wide range of services in the energy, marine, certification, infrastructure & mobility, industry, research & development sectors. Our business model covers the full process of project development, from concept to completion.
RINA North America provides a comprehensive benefits package, including the following insurance options: Medical, Dental, Vision, Medical Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Transit, Parking, Basic Life, Basic AD&D, Voluntary Life, Voluntary AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program. Additional benefits provided include paid time off, company holidays, tuition reimbursement, nursery grant, travel resource services, and 401K plan with company discretionary match.
At RINA, we endeavor to create a work environment where every single person is valued and encouraged to develop new ideas. We provide equal employment opportunities and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and safe from discrimination or harassment of any kind. It is the policy of RINA to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy) national origin, age, disabilities, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, military status, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans (veterans who served during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a badge has been authorized), and Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. We are strongly committed to this policy and believe in the concept and spirit of the law.
RINA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of RINA without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of RINA. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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