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Entry Level Solidworks Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Overview Imperative is seeking an entry\-level systems Design Engineer to be part of a special ... AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Excel, MS Office Programming: Matlab, C, C++, JAVA, LINUX or other relevant ...

Design carts, tables, workstations, jigs and fixtures utilizing 3D modeling software (Solidworks ... environment (entry-level roles may require less). * Strong understanding of manufacturing ...

Overview Imperative is seeking an entry\-level systems Design Engineer to be part of a special ... AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Excel, MS Office Programming: Matlab, C, C++, JAVA, LINUX or other relevant ...

Entry Level Solidworks information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$22

$28

How much do entry level solidworks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level solidworks in Virginia is $22.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $24.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Entry-Level Jobs That Use SolidWorks?

Entry-level jobs that use SolidWorks software focus on design and modeling using this CAD software. In this role, you may use this software for drafting a product design, testing ideas, and looking for flaws within existing product designs. Companies use SolidWorks for many different purposes, but entry-level jobs that specialize in using this software often include working under more experienced drafters or engineers. Other details of this job depend on the employer, and your job may not focus exclusively on using SolidWorks. As an entry-level employee, you may also spend time learning to use SolidWorks and other company software rather than helping develop products.

What are entry level SolidWorks jobs?

Entry level SolidWorks jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to using SolidWorks, a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software. These roles typically involve creating and editing 2D and 3D models, assisting with drafting, and supporting engineering or design teams. Entry level positions may include job titles such as CAD Designer, Junior Mechanical Designer, or Engineering Technician. Employers generally expect candidates to have a basic understanding of SolidWorks, strong attention to detail, and the ability to follow technical instructions. These roles are ideal for recent graduates or those looking to start a career in design or engineering.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry-level SolidWorks professional expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry-level SolidWorks professional, you will typically assist with creating and modifying 2D and 3D CAD models, updating engineering drawings, and supporting the design team with documentation. Common tasks include preparing parts and assembly models, collaborating with engineers to resolve design issues, and ensuring that drawings meet company standards. You may also participate in design reviews and occasionally help with prototypes or testing. This role offers hands-on exposure to the product development process and is a great foundation for advancing into more specialized engineering or design positions.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level SolidWorks Designer, you need foundational knowledge of mechanical design principles, a degree or coursework in engineering or drafting, and proficiency in SolidWorks CAD software. Experience with technical drawing standards, 3D modeling, and familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems are also valuable. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart. These skills are crucial for accurately translating concepts into manufacturable designs, collaborating with teams, and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Entry Level Solidworks vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectEntry Level SolidworksMechanical Drafter
Required SkillsBasic Solidworks proficiency, CAD modeling, design documentationDrafting skills, CAD software knowledge, technical drawing
CertificationsOptional Solidworks certificationsDrafting certifications or technical diplomas often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesEngineering departments, manufacturing plants, architectural firms
Industry UsageProduct design, mechanical engineering, manufacturingConstruction, manufacturing, engineering projects

Entry Level Solidworks roles focus on creating 3D models and technical drawings using Solidworks software, often requiring basic CAD skills and certifications. Mechanical Drafters also produce technical drawings but may use a broader range of drafting tools and software. Both roles are common in engineering and manufacturing industries, but Entry Level Solidworks positions emphasize 3D modeling expertise, while Mechanical Drafters focus on detailed technical drawings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solidworks jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Solidworks jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Solidworks jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Solidworks jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Solidworks jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Solidworks job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Solidworks job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 87% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,352 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Design Engineer

Imperative Systems

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

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Design Engineer<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Imperative Systems is a privately\-owned company established in 2017 to enable the National Security Community to achieve their critical missions effectively, efficiently, and securely.  We provide expeditionary mission support, critical infrastructure protection and strategic advisory services on a worldwide basis to support the National Security Community. We are adaptive and agile, to meet the emerging needs of our specialized clientele.  We strive to build a culture of excellence around a team of the best people, equipped with the best skills and technical support to deliver results that exceed expectations, even in the most difficult circumstances. <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Overview<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Imperative is seeking an entry\-level systems Design Engineer to be part of a special projects team supporting priority security systems integration <\/span><\/span><\/span>within the Department of State.<\/span>  <\/span><\/span>You will test, evaluate and integrate a range of sensors and protective technologies as part of a larger team supporting deployment of bespoke solutions for our clients. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Work Location<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Alexandria, Virginia.<\/span>  <\/span><\/span>DC Metro Area<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Responsibilities:<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop strategies to test and verify systems and make recommendations to improve testing and operational demonstration.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Document and analyze test data. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop systems integration plans<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop code to network sensors or provide data feeds in C2 systems.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop strategies and materials for transition of systems to operators.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Support the team lead including the ability to respond to urgent requirements quickly and to analyze complex technical problems.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Review and produce a variety of written documents including memoranda, maintenance reports, and engineering surveys or service reports detailing specific services planned or performed.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Conducts periodic and refresher training in accordance with program guidance from U.S. Government and third\-party contractors regarding the proper use and use, care, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of assigned systems.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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<\/span>      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Presenting information and briefings to senior managers orally and in writing.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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Work Environment:<\/b> Full\-time 40 hours a week when assigned to a domestic location. Full\-time 60 hours per week when deployed overseas.<\/span><\/span>
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Travel<\/b>: Position is based domestically but may entail travelling to overseas locations up to 25% of the time.<\/span><\/span>
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Requirements<\/h3>

Citizenship<\/b>: Position requires US citizenship.<\/span><\/span>
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Passport:<\/b> Must be able to obtain and travel on a US passport.<\/span><\/span>
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Clearance Requirements<\/b>: Must possess a minimum SECRET clearance to start and be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance.<\/span><\/span>
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\n Required Skills:<\/b><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Education:<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>BS\/BA in related discipline or advanced degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Related disciplines include: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Electromechanical Engineering<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Software:  <\/span>AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Excel, MS Office<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Programming:  <\/span>Matlab, C, C++, JAVA, LINUX or other relevant language<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ability to work collaboratively to solve problems within a cross\-functional development team<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Knowledge of Agile development and systems engineering processes<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>
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      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience effectively and professionally communicating technical and program\-related information to multiple stakeholders and adherence to established communications plans. Candidate must be able to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities in dynamic, politically sensitive environments ensuring customer expectations are managed.<\/span><\/span>
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Benefits<\/h3>

Equal Opportunity Statement<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/b>
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Imperative Systems LLC provides equal opportunity to all applicants for employment as required by and\/or consistent with applicable country law and company policy. Consistent with the foregoing, Imperative Systems LLC provides qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veterans' status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status(s) protected by law. In the United States, Imperative Systems LLC ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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\n Benefits<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Successful candidates will be eligible to participate in Imperative's Health Benefits for the duration of their employment.  They will also be eligible to enroll in Imperatives 401(k). <\/span><\/span><\/span>
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