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Entry Level Power Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Aep

Engineer Assc - Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$74K - $128K/yr

This is an entry level position. Engineer associate's have acquired a Bachelor's degree in ... Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do At AEP, we're more than just an energy ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2

Winchester, VA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through ... Personnel Management o Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry-level engineers o Assigns ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... power and technology systems, alongside the critical management platforms that ensure their ... entry-level engineers o Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff Field Experience • ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... power and technology systems, alongside the critical management platforms that ensure their ... entry-level engineers o Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff Field Experience • ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Project Engineer, Associate

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration. Why Join Us? Our people are passionate about engineering ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Project Engineer, Associate

Richmond, VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration. Why Join Us? Our people are passionate about engineering ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Project Engineer, Associate

South Hill, VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration. Why Join Us? Our people are passionate about engineering ...

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All JobsPower Engineer JobsEntry Level Power Engineer JobsEntry Level Power Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Power Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$40.2K

$85.6K

$141.3K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level power 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Power Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Power Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and foundational knowledge of power systems. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, ETAP, or MATLAB, and exposure to relevant codes and standards (like IEEE) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and innovative solutions in power generation, transmission, and distribution.

What is the difference between Entry Level Power Engineer vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectEntry Level Power EngineerPower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; may need engineering internship experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and support power systems; office and technical settingsOperate and monitor power plant equipment; plant floor and control room
Industry UsagePower generation companies, engineering firmsPower plants, utility companies

Entry Level Power Engineers typically focus on designing and analyzing power systems with a background in engineering, while Power Plant Operators manage and control the operation of power plant equipment. Both roles are essential in the energy industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

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

Entry level power engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex electrical systems, learning industry-specific software, and understanding regulatory standards. They may also need to quickly develop strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with senior engineers, technicians, and project managers. Balancing the technical demands of the role with ongoing training and real-world project deadlines can be demanding, but most organizations provide mentorship and structured onboarding to support new engineers as they build confidence and expertise.

What are entry level power engineers?

Entry level power engineers are recent graduates or early-career professionals who work in the field of power engineering, which focuses on the generation, transmission, distribution, and use of electrical power. They typically assist in designing, testing, maintaining, and improving electrical systems and equipment under the supervision of senior engineers. Their responsibilities may include working on power grids, renewable energy projects, or electrical infrastructure for utilities and industries. Entry level power engineers often use engineering software and analytical tools while learning industry standards and gaining hands-on experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Power Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Power Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Power Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Power Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Power Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Power Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Power Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Power Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Power Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 60% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,640 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Electrical Engineer 2 - Energy & Utility

Electrical Engineer 2 - Energy & Utility

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 368 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
Responsibilities
Position Description:
In this role of Electrical Engineer 2 - Energy and Utility, as part of a multidisciplinary engineering and construction team, you will develop and integrate behind-the-meter and grid-connected natural gas-fired generation systems and associated substation infrastructure for mission-critical and industrial facilities. This role supports the delivery of integrated energy systems, bridging power generation, fuel infrastructure, and mission-critical facility requirements. These documents include drawings, specifications, product selection, installation sequence planning, and commissioning testing/commissioning scripts.
This is a position for an experienced Electrical Engineer 2, and general use and application of concepts, practices, and techniques is expected. You must be able to identify and develop solutions to a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity with limited to moderate oversight.
You will be provided with tools required to succeed, including access to more experienced engineers, and training on industry standards, codes, and software that will facilitate and drive the requirements of your work. You will be expected to properly understand and utilize the tools provided to you.
Responsibilities
  • Originate and execute detailed design with limited supervision by Senior Engineers, including the design or integration of the following:
    • Distributed generations systems (reciprocating engines and combustion turbines, both simple and combined cycle)
    • Medium and High voltage substations and local transmission
    • Medium and low voltage distribution systems, including protection and controls schemes and layouts
    • Emergency/Black start power generation and distribution systems, including UPS
    • Coordinate device locations with other trades, including mechanical, plumbing, or other, including interpreting equipment requirements
    • Lighting layouts, including calculation of lighting levels
    • Project specifications for all equipment and installation methods
  • Perform analysis of electrical distribution systems, including short circuit, overcurrent device coordination, arc flash, cable pull, duct bank heating, transient analysis, etc.
  • Lead and support utility interconnection processes, including coordination with utilities and ISOs/RTOs, development and review of interconnection studies (load flow, short circuit, stability), and compliance with utility and regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate with mechanical and utility teams on natural gas infrastructure, including pipeline interconnections, pressure regulation, metering, and fuel reliability strategies for mission-critical applications.
  • Support design and integration of plant-wide control systems, including PLC/DCS architectures, generator control systems, SCADA interfaces, and synchronization/load sharing strategies.
  • Support commissioning and startup activities, including functional testing, protection system validation, grid synchronization, black start testing, and performance verification.
  • Support evaluation of hybrid energy strategies, including integration with energy storage, demand response, and grid services.
  • Documentation of design work via AutoCAD and REVIT in 2D and 3D platforms
  • Assist in technoeconomic modeling of various solutions, including life cycle cost analysis
  • Ensure compliance with IEEE, NEC, NESC, and utility standards
  • Provide support for construction activities, including but not limited to, responses to Requests for Information, review of project equipment submittals, and technical support of operations management.
  • Assist in mentoring entry level engineers
  • Assign and manage tasks for entry level engineers
  • Assist Project Lead Engineers in managing project support and deliverables
  • Perform quality control check of work product you provide, and work product provided by others
  • Travel to project jobsites as required, with possibility of temporary relocation to the project site
  • Actively participate in design and owner/architect/contractor meetings as necessary
  • Determine or assist in determining project engineering scopes of work, deadlines, and budget, and complete support within agreed deadlines and budget.
  • Keep senior staff informed of important and relevant service/design decisions and that the objectives of the company and the client are achieved.
  • Coordinate work with other members of the project team.
  • Inform all relevant MC Dean staff of client matters.
  • Commitment to self-learning and professional development.
  • Manage your time effectively and support multiple projects concurrently.

Qualifications
Educations & Experience Required:
  • Bachelor of Science in an Engineering discipline from an accredited engineering program
  • Minimum 2 + years of relevant experience in design or commissioning of energy, utility, or building power systems
  • Proficient in Revit software
  • Familiarity with essential responsibilities and activities
  • Proficient in MS Office suite of products
  • Work in a fast-paced EPC/design-build environment
  • Reliable transportation to job sites

Preferred Qualifications:
  • EIT Certification, ability to sit for Professional Engineers License exam within 2 years of hire
  • Experience in the energy, utility, mission critical, and industrial, sectors
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD software
  • Expert in Revit software
  • Proficiency with engineering analysis software, such as PSSC, AGI32, SKM, or ETAP
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
  • Master's degree in engineering or management
  • Design Build Institute of America Certification (DBIA)
  • Distributed Power Generation Professional (DGCP)
  • Certified Associate in Project Management Certification (CAPM)
  • National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies Certification (NICET)

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Pay Range
USD $90,640.00 - USD $135,960.00 /Yr.

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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