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Entry Level Electrical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Pae

Entry Level Electrical/RF Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or Physics; * Degree may be substituted with four year specialized experience using ...

L3HHCM20

Associate, Electrical Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$62K - $115K/yr

Associate, Electrical Engineer Job Code: 40053 Job Location : Lynchburg, VA Job Schedule : 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off

Wiley|Wilson

Electrical EIT Engineer Intern

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$55K - $78K/yr

This entry-level role offers a fantastic opportunity to start your journey in electrical engineering, working on a diverse range of projects in various sectors. As an Electrical EIT, you will work ...

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Entry Level Electrical Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$40.2K

$85.6K

$141.3K

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

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level electrical engineer in Virginia is $85,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level electrical engineers earn significantly less, some senior or specialized engineers in high-demand industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or nuclear power can reach or exceed $500,000 annually with experience, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience beyond entry level.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Entry-level electrical engineers typically earn salaries below $100,000 annually, with higher earnings possible through experience, specialization, or management roles. Reaching a $500,000 salary generally requires many years of experience, advanced skills, or working in high-paying industries such as power systems, aerospace, or consulting firms. Certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) and expertise in specialized tools can also contribute to higher compensation.

How to get into electrical engineering with no experience?

Entry level electrical engineers typically start by earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Gaining practical skills through internships, personal projects, or certifications in tools like MATLAB or circuit design can improve employability; developing a strong understanding of fundamental concepts is essential.

What Does an Entry Level Electrical Engineer Do?

An entry-level engineer performs a variety of tasks as part of their job. In this career, your main duties are to design, build, and test electronics, electrical systems, and electrical equipment, such as electric motors or navigation systems. Some electrical engineers design new industrial products, while others work on improving existing systems of products. You are responsible for creating all the standards and specifications, such as manufacturing blueprints, which the production staff reads and carries out. You also ensure that all systems or products meet safety and design standards.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an Entry Level Electrical Engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As an Entry Level Electrical Engineer, you'll often assist with designing electrical systems, drafting technical documents, and conducting tests under the supervision of senior engineers. You'll likely work on project teams, contributing to tasks such as circuit design, schematic reviews, and troubleshooting. Early responsibilities typically include supporting senior staff, learning company standards, and participating in client meetings or site visits. This hands-on experience helps new engineers develop practical skills and gain exposure to various aspects of electrical engineering projects.

What does an entry-level electrical engineer do?

An entry-level electrical engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical systems and components, such as circuits, wiring, and equipment. They often assist with project planning, perform calculations, and use tools like CAD software, working under supervision to gain experience in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Electrical EngineerElectrical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineeringAssociate degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of electrical systemsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical equipment
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, power generationConstruction, maintenance, and repair services

While both roles involve electrical systems, Entry Level Electrical Engineers focus on designing and analyzing electrical projects, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Electrical Technicians typically handle installation and maintenance tasks with technical certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and credentials.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Electrical Engineer, you need a solid grasp of electrical engineering fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD), circuit simulation programs, and industry standards, as well as an EIT (Engineer-in-Training) certification, is often expected. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you contribute effectively to projects and collaborate with diverse teams. These abilities are crucial for delivering accurate engineering solutions, meeting project requirements, and supporting professional growth within the field.
More about Entry Level Electrical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Electrical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Electrical Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Electrical Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Electrical Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Electrical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Electrical Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Electrical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Electrical Engineer jobs in VA? For Entry Level Electrical Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Entry Level Electrical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Electrical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,640 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Entry Level Electrical Designer

Salas O'Brien

Tysons, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 439 rated engineering

Job description

Entry Level Electrical Designer- Tysons, VA
At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career-and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary: The Electrical Engineer/Designer designs electrical systems for buildings such as high-rise buildings, data center, multifamily, retail/mixed-use spaces, and commercial spaces.
Responsibilities:
  • Design power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, and low-voltage systems for various facility types
  • Produce electrical design drawings using Revit software
  • Perform field investigations to assess existing conditions and gather project data
  • Ensure quality control, scheduling, and programming of electrical design deliverables
  • Coordinate and communicate progress with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) teams
  • Perform load calculations, equipment sizing, and short-circuit analysis

Qualifications and Experience:
  • Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Experience: Previous Intern experience is preferred, not required.
  • Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in electrical design software preferred (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical,).
  • Basic understanding of electrical engineering principles, including circuit design, signal processing, and power distribution.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Eagerness to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for design and specifications
  • Ability to work collaboratively with architects, engineers, and contractors

Location: Tysons, VA
Travel: Minimal
Benefits:
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O'Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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