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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

MBP

Engineer (Entry-Level) (Full-Time)

Vienna, VA

$73K - $87K/yr

MBP is looking for an entry-level Engineer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional eager to build a strong foundation in construction ...

MBP

Engineer (Entry-Level) (Full-Time)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$73K - $87K/yr

MBP is looking for an entry-level Engineer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional eager to build a strong foundation in construction ...

Targeted Victory

Junior AI Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Overview Targeted Victory is looking for an entry-level engineer to join our AI Development team to help us remain on the cutting edge. This role is suited to individuals who enjoy working on complex ...

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All JobsEngineer JobsEntry Level Engineer JobsEntry Level Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Entry Level Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$72.2K

$122.8K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Reston, VA is $72,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $81,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level engineer?

An entry-level engineer designs, builds, and maintains the functional aspects of a product, structure, or system for their specific engineering industry. All engineers start out in an entry-level position with fewer responsibilities until they gain work experience. Many start gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship before moving into an entry-level position. An entry-level engineer job description relates to all of the education requirements, skills, detailed tasks, responsibilities that a company or organization requires for their specific engineering job. For example, civil engineers design, construct, and maintain large infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and airports. Electrical engineers design, monitor, and test electrical systems.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as CAD tools, MATLAB, or project management platforms, as well as relevant internships or certifications, is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in a dynamic environment. These skills ensure you can contribute to projects, adapt to organizational needs, and grow professionally in the engineering field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level engineers often face challenges such as adapting to new tools and technologies, understanding company-specific processes, and translating theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. It's also common to navigate working on multidisciplinary teams and learning effective communication with colleagues from different backgrounds. With guidance from mentors and proactive engagement, these challenges become valuable learning experiences that contribute to professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internships helpfulBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure optional for some roles
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, manufacturing plants, construction sites, labsDesign, testing, manufacturing, research and development
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions across various engineering sectorsMid to senior roles, but entry-level positions are common in manufacturing and design firms

Entry Level Engineers typically have a bachelor's degree and gain hands-on experience through internships. They work in diverse environments like design firms and manufacturing plants. Mechanical Engineers, while often requiring similar credentials, may start in entry-level roles but are more specialized in mechanical systems. Both roles are common in engineering industries, but the term 'Entry Level Engineer' is broader, encompassing various engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering.

How do I get into entry level engineering with no experience?

Entry level engineering positions often require a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Gaining practical skills through internships, co-op programs, or certifications in tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB can improve your chances; demonstrating problem-solving abilities and a willingness to learn are also important for employers.

What is the easiest entry level engineer job to get into?

Entry-level engineering roles such as manufacturing, technician, or quality assurance positions are often considered easier to obtain due to lower experience requirements and high demand. These jobs typically require basic technical skills, familiarity with tools or software relevant to the field, and sometimes a relevant certification or associate degree.

Why is it so hard to find an entry-level engineer job?

Entry-level engineering jobs are competitive because employers often seek candidates with relevant internships, project experience, or technical skills such as proficiency in CAD, programming, or specific tools. Additionally, many positions require a bachelor's degree and sometimes certifications, which can limit the pool of qualified applicants and make entry into the field more challenging.
More about Entry Level Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Entry Level Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,161 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Entry Level Engineer/Developer - 2027

Manassas, VA

RoviSys
Industrial Automation Equipment Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about RoviSysexternal

$80K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

As a RoviSys employee, you will use the latest technologies as we provide innovative solutions for our clients. You will design, implement, and configure automation systems, and/or write custom systems. We support our customers onsite and from our offices, located throughout North America. We use new and exciting technology to improve our clients’ sustainability, profitability, efficiency and overall success!


Entry Level Position: College Graduate - 2 years experience

RoviSys offers a broad opportunity to grow your career with any of the following duties:

  • Design and develop automation systems
  • Design and develop electrical control systems that will interface with process manufacturing equipment and sensors
  • Architect solutions using the appropriate technologies from database to AI to User Interface tools.
  • Provide our clients with real time, actionable information about their process
  • Develop quality code in accordance with established RoviSys and client standards
  • Work in team environment with engineers and designers from RoviSys, partners and clients
  • Grow into position leading a team of engineers and technicians to provide automation and information solutions.

Entry Level Position: College Graduate - 2 years experience

Below are the career paths we currently offer.

Systems:

  • Success Factors:
    • Understanding of Process or Manufacturing Systems
    • Co-op Experience
    • Electrical or Process Knowledge
  • Technologies Used:
    • DCS, PLCs, Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, Schneider, Inductive, Aveva
  • Duties:
    • Design and develop automation systems
    • Travel to client plants to assess and document existing systems and connected equipment
    • Use P&ID, Equipment Lists, I/O Lists and Process Descriptions to define control schemes for clients.
    • Network customer systems, Controllers, HMI PC's, Field mounted instruments and Process Skids to provide fully integrated control systems

Information Systems:

  • Success Factors:
    • Ability to understand Information System architectures 
  • Technologies Used:
    • Relational Databases and Historians (MS SQL Server, Oracle, OSIsoft, etc.)
    • Python, VBA/VBscript/C# syntax, Linux shell scription (Bash,make), PowerShell scripting
  • Duties:
    • Design and implement industry software applications to aggregate manufacturing systems information and provide reports to support business decisions
    • Manually configure technical solutions and identify optimization opportunities by leveraging scripting and automation to increase process efficiency
    • Install and commission systems connected to the plant floor devices onsite and support operations personnel through effective use and maintenance of the deployed solutions
    • Scripting and light programming

Industrial IT:

  • Success Factors:
    • Passion for networking
    • Virtualization
    • Cybersecurity in a manufacturing or office setting
  • Technologies Used:
    • Virtualization, Networking
    • Cybersecurity, Windows, Wireless
  • Duties:
    • Map and Design Network Architectures 
    • Configure and Test Infrastructure components
    • Install and Commission equipment at customer sites, per design
    • Communicate with customer and project team to define needs and design/implement solutions

  • Preferred: Degree in a Technical Field, related to Engineering, Controls, or Systems
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to multi-task and handle multiple concurrent projects
  • Passionate about problem solving and developing solutions
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills

Pertinent Experience:

  • Relevant Co-op experience
  • Manufacturing process knowledge

  • Competitive Base Salary: $80,000-$82,000, depending on experience
  • Performance Bonuses: Bonus structure designed to reward results 
  • Travel Perks: Travel incentives + per-diem packages for field assignments 
  • Full Benefits Package: Medical, dental, and vision coverage 
  • Retirement Ready: 401(k) with company match 
  • Time Off: Generous PTO which includes vacation, holidays, and unlimited personal time 
  • Grow With Us: Ongoing training, certifications, and professional development support 

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