ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

PEG LLC

Junior Residential Mechanical Designer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$50K/yr

PEG, LLC is in its twenty-eighth year being a diverse energy efficiency, engineering, environmental ... This is an entry-level position that focuses on furthering professional career development through ...

PEG

Junior Residential Mechanical Designer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$64K - $84K/yr

PEG, LLC is in its twenty-eighth year being a diverse energy efficiency, engineering, environmental ... This is an entry-level position that focuses on furthering professional career development through ...

PEG, LLC

Junior Residential Mechanical Designer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$64K - $84K/yr

PEG, LLC is in its twenty-eighth year being a diverse energy efficiency, engineering, environmental ... This is an entry-level position that focuses on furthering professional career development through ...

MSCCN

Junior Residential Mechanical Designer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

PEG, LLC is in its twenty-eighth year being a diverse energy efficiency, engineering, environmental ... This is an entry-level position that focuses on furthering professional career development through ...

Elutions

Domain Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

... training is available. ** Entry Level Candidates are Encouraged to Apply!!!** General ... Grasp concepts related to fluid mechanics, pumping systems, wastewater treatment processes, and ...

Elutions

Domain Engineer

Arlington, VA · Remote

... training is available. ** Entry Level Candidates are Encouraged to Apply!!!** General ... Grasp concepts related to fluid mechanics, pumping systems, wastewater treatment processes, and ...

Elutions

Domain Engineer

Arlington, VA

... training is available. ** Entry Level Candidates are Encouraged to Apply!!!** General ... Grasp concepts related to fluid mechanics, pumping systems, wastewater treatment processes, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Engineer JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineer JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$18

$34

$57

How much do entry level mechanical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical engineer in Reston, VA is $34.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.08 and $39.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEntry Level Mechanical EngineerMechanical Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly internship experienceBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field, technical certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, testing, and project collaboration in engineering teamsCreating detailed drawings and models, often using CAD software, in design departments
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveDesign firms, manufacturing companies, product development
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Mechanical Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to design, analyze, and test mechanical systems, often working on projects from concept to prototype. Mechanical Designers primarily create detailed CAD drawings and models for manufacturing and assembly. While both roles require a mechanical engineering background, engineers typically engage in broader engineering tasks, whereas designers concentrate on detailed design work.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level mechanical engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry level mechanical engineer, you will typically be involved in a variety of projects that support more senior engineers. Your tasks may include creating and revising CAD drawings, assisting with prototype development, conducting basic calculations and simulations, and performing hands-on testing in the lab or on the production floor. You'll also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and design. This exposure helps you build foundational technical skills while learning effective teamwork and communication in a professional engineering environment.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project needs. These abilities are crucial for delivering accurate designs, meeting project deadlines, and integrating smoothly into engineering teams.

What does an entry level mechanical engineer do?

An entry level mechanical engineer assists in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical devices, such as engines, tools, and machines. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to learn industry practices and gain hands-on experience. Their tasks often include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, creating prototypes, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. Entry level engineers also help prepare technical reports and documentation while collaborating with other engineering teams.
More about Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanical Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,974 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer Assistant

McCrea Heating & Air Cond

Temple Hills, MD • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About the Role:

The Mechanical Engineer Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the engineering team by assisting in the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and components. This position involves collaborating closely with senior engineers to ensure projects meet technical specifications, quality standards, and deadlines. The assistant will contribute to the preparation of technical documentation, drawings, and reports that facilitate clear communication across departments. Additionally, the role requires active participation in troubleshooting and problem-solving activities to optimize product performance and reliability. Ultimately, the Mechanical Engineer Assistant helps drive innovation and efficiency within engineering projects, contributing to the successful delivery of mechanical solutions.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar tools.
  • Basic understanding of mechanical engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Effective communication skills to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Internship or prior experience in a mechanical engineering role or related industry.
  • Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) and other simulation tools.
  • Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to mechanical design.
  • Experience with project management software and methodologies.
  • Certification such as Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) is advantageous.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the creation and modification of mechanical designs using CAD software under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Support the testing and evaluation of mechanical components and systems to verify compliance with design requirements.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and test reports.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to ensure seamless project execution.
  • Participate in troubleshooting mechanical issues and contribute to the development of corrective actions and improvements.

Skills:

The required skills, including proficiency in CAD software and a solid grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals, are essential for daily tasks such as designing components and preparing technical drawings. Analytical and problem-solving abilities enable the assistant to effectively support testing and troubleshooting activities, ensuring designs meet performance criteria. Communication skills facilitate collaboration with engineers and other departments, promoting efficient project workflows. Preferred skills like experience with simulation tools and knowledge of industry standards enhance the ability to contribute to more complex engineering analyses and compliance efforts. Together, these skills empower the Mechanical Engineer Assistant to support engineering projects comprehensively and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.