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Entry Level Structural Engineer Jobs in Virginia

... engineers and coordinate CAD for projects Assist the Shipboard Installation Planning Team by ... Knowledge of 2D CAD, ability to read structural and electrical drawings, able to create CAD ...

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Entry Level Structural Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$49.6K

$98.5K

$150.7K

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

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level structural engineer in Virginia is $98,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of an Entry Level Structural Engineer during their first year on the job?

In their first year, Entry Level Structural Engineers usually support senior engineers with tasks such as drafting structural plans, performing basic calculations, assisting with site inspections, and preparing reports. They often use software like AutoCAD or Revit to create and modify drawings, and may participate in project meetings to gain exposure to project workflows. Collaboration with architects, contractors, and other engineering disciplines is common, allowing new engineers to learn industry standards and communication skills while gradually taking on more responsibility as they gain experience.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Structural Engineer, you need a solid understanding of structural analysis, engineering principles, and a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software like SAP2000 or ETABS is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address design challenges. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety, integrity, and successful completion of construction projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Structural EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Structural Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificationBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT certification
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction sites, consulting firmsPublic agencies, construction, consulting, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageSpecializes in structural design and analysisBroader scope including transportation, water resources, and structural work

Entry Level Structural Engineers focus on structural design and analysis, often working closely with civil engineers who handle broader infrastructure projects. While both roles require similar credentials, structural engineers specialize in ensuring the safety and stability of structures, whereas civil engineers may work on a wider range of projects. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within the civil engineering industry.

What does an entry level structural engineer do?

An entry level structural engineer assists in designing, analyzing, and inspecting structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to ensure that structures are safe, stable, and meet all regulatory requirements. Their tasks often include creating drawings and models, performing calculations, preparing reports, and visiting construction sites to observe and document progress. Entry level engineers also collaborate with architects, contractors, and other professionals to solve engineering problems as they arise.

What Does an Entry-Level Structural Engineer Do?

An entry-level structural engineer works under the guidance of senior engineers and on project teams to design residential and commercial buildings. Your responsibilities in this career include creating drawings, preparing cost estimates, and evaluating building codes. Your duties also involve making local field visits to review construction, meeting with clients and contractors, writing proposals, learning standard techniques, and working with 3D models. You assist others while obtaining valuable hands-on experience to move forward in your career as a structural engineer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Structural Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Structural Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,547 per year, or $47.4 per hour.
Drafter/CAD Operator I (Entry Level)

Drafter/CAD Operator I (Entry Level)

GDIT

Chesapeake, VA • Hybrid

$17.85 - $24.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 208 rated it services


Job description

Type of Requisition:

Regular

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

Secret

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

SCA

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

2D CAD, CAD Drawings, Design and Development

Certifications:

None

Experience:

0 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

Yes

Job Description:

Drafter/CAD Operator I
Seize your opportunity to make a personal impact as a Drafter/CAD Operator I supporting multiple government customers. GDIT is your place to make meaningful contributions to challenging projects and grow a rewarding career.
We are seeking self-motivated individuals with strong communication skills and a passion to gain professional experience and knowledge in a team environment. You should be a detail-oriented professional, understand the importance of meeting personal and team commitments and be flexible in adapting to a fast-paced environment.
HOW A DRAFTER/CAD OPERATOR I WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
Communicate and coordinate project activities with internal team members
Work with the team to prepare drawings from engineering and/or field markups for designers and engineers and coordinate CAD for projects
Assist the Shipboard Installation Planning Team by completing drawing trackers in excel.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:

Education: High School Diploma/GED

Required Experience: 0-2 years of related experience

Security Clearance Level: Must be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance

Required Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of 2D CAD, ability to read structural and electrical drawings, able to create CAD drawings from hand sketches, proficient use of office software (such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, etc.)

Preferred Skills: 3D CAD, knowledge of marine industry and marine vocabulary

Location: Chesapeake, VA, 23320

US Citizenship Required


GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:
Hybrid work week (2 days remote, 3 days in office)
401K with company match
Comprehensive health and wellness packages
Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
Cutting-edge technology you can learn from
Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays

The likely hourly rate for this position is between $17.85 - $24.15. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Travel Required:

10-25%

Telecommuting Options:

Hybrid

Work Location:

USA VA Chesapeake

Additional Work Locations:

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our Identify Verification Process:

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About our Work:

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US