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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Design and develop electrical control systems that will interface with process manufacturing ... Degree in a Technical Field, related to Engineering, Controls, or Systems * Excellent communication ...

Design and develop electrical control systems that will interface with process manufacturing ... Degree in a Technical Field, related to Engineering, Controls, or Systems * Excellent communication ...

Design and develop electrical control systems that will interface with process manufacturing ... Degree in a Technical Field, related to Engineering, Controls, or Systems * Excellent communication ...

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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$31

$50

How much do entry level manufacturing engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing engineering in Virginia is $31.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $34.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer may be assigned in their first year?

As an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer, you can expect to work on projects such as process improvement initiatives, troubleshooting production issues, and assisting with the implementation of new equipment or technologies. You'll likely collaborate closely with experienced engineers, production supervisors, and quality teams to analyze workflows and suggest optimizations. Early responsibilities often include data collection, creating process documentation, and supporting the launch of new products to ensure smooth manufacturing operations. This hands-on exposure is valuable for building technical skills and understanding plant operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectEntry Level Manufacturing EngineeringManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, process improvement, and project planning in manufacturing settingsHands-on equipment operation and maintenance on the factory floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, engineering firmsFactories, production plants

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineers focus on designing processes and improving manufacturing systems, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering (typically mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing) and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control. Familiarity with CAD software, lean manufacturing principles, and ERP systems is often required, and certifications like Six Sigma Green Belt can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and address production challenges. These skills and qualifications are essential for optimizing manufacturing efficiency, ensuring product quality, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

What does an entry level manufacturing engineer do?

An entry level manufacturing engineer assists in designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes and systems within a factory or plant. Their responsibilities often include supporting production lines, troubleshooting equipment or process issues, ensuring quality standards, and collaborating with other engineers or technicians. They may also help implement new technologies, gather data for process improvements, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. This role is typically supervised and provides opportunities to learn about manufacturing operations and engineering best practices.
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,571 per year, or $31 per hour.
Manufacturing Engineer

$74K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 188 rated software companies


Job description

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Department of Defense Secret security clearance is preferred at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
Developing mission-critical systems that help keep people safe is what we do. At General Dynamics Mission Systems, you'll be part of the team that helps heroes make a true impact. The work we do is important. The challenges we face are career-defining. The opportunity we can offer is one-of-a-kind.
We apply advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, AR/VR, Cloud Native and Quantum Physics to solve our customers' missions in cyber, RF, undersea, interstellar space and everything in between.
We will rely on your knowledge and skills to develop, implement and maintain methods, operation sequence and processes in the manufacturing or fabrication of parts, components, sub-assemblies and final assemblies. In this entry-level position, the Manufacturing Engineer will develop strong communications with internal teams to estimate manufacturing costs, determine time standards and make recommendations for tooling and process requirements of new or existing product lines. At GDMS, we continually seek ways to develop and improve manufacturing methods, utilizing our team's knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods, and quality control standards.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop manufacturing engineering plans and strategies for specific products and processes
  • Assist product engineering with design for manufacturability and design to cost
  • Develop floor layouts to optimize process flow
  • Document procedures, process qualifications, work instructions, shop aids, and routings
  • Define and document equipment calibration requirements
  • Install manufacturing process systems and conduct production qualification, feasibility studies, and testing on new and modified designs
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Design Engineering, Program Management, and Quality Assurance
  • Complete assigned engineering projects within budgetary and scheduling guidelines
  • Support prototype fabrication and design testing as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Clear understanding of manufacturing processes, fabrication methods, and technical standards
  • Clear proficiency in lean manufacturing techniques and Six Sigma methodology
  • Clear knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts, principles, and theories
  • Some knowledge with solid modeling CAD tools to create mechanical models and accompanying drawings
  • Educational level knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and their application
  • Clear problem-solving, analytical, creative, and innovative skills
  • Clear written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
  • Clear knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and proficiency in generating technical presentations
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $74,050.40 - USD $82,149.60 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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