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Entry Level Structural Engineering 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 ...

Ability to Obtain Level of Experience: Entry Level This opportunity resides with Global Security ... Experience comprehending blueprints or engineering sketches. * Prior NAVSEA certified welding ...

Ability to Obtain Level of Experience: Entry Level This opportunity resides with Global Security ... Experience comprehending blueprints or engineering sketches. * Prior NAVSEA certified welding ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Structural Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$49.6K

$98.5K

$150.7K

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level structural engineering 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 types of projects and responsibilities can an entry-level structural engineer expect in their first year?

As an entry-level structural engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with calculations, drafting structural plans using CAD software, and helping to prepare project documentation. You'll likely support senior engineers in conducting site visits, reviewing construction drawings, and ensuring compliance with building codes. Collaboration with architects, contractors, and other engineers is common, offering valuable exposure to multidisciplinary teamwork. Over time, you'll gradually take on more independent tasks as you build your technical knowledge and confidence.

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 background in civil or structural engineering, typically with a bachelor's degree in engineering and understanding of fundamental design principles. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis tools like SAP2000 or ETABS, as well as passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, is usually expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in project collaboration and client interactions. These competencies ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of structural designs while supporting project success within multidisciplinary teams.

What does an entry level structural engineer do?

An entry level structural engineer assists in designing and analyzing structures like buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure they are safe and stable. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, helping with calculations, preparing drawings, and reviewing construction materials. Their work often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software and collaborating with architects and construction teams. Entry level structural engineers also help ensure projects comply with relevant codes and regulations, and they may visit construction sites to observe progress or resolve issues.

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

AspectEntry Level Structural EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Structural or Civil Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificationBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT certification
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction sites, consulting companiesTransportation, environmental, construction, and design projects
Industry UsageSpecializes in structural design and analysis of buildings and bridgesBroader scope including infrastructure, transportation, and environmental projects

Entry Level Structural Engineering focuses specifically on designing and analyzing structures like buildings and bridges, requiring specialized knowledge in structural systems. Civil Engineering covers a wider range of infrastructure projects, including transportation and environmental work. Both roles often require similar credentials and work environments, but structural engineering is more specialized within the civil engineering field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineering jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Structural Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Structural Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Structural Engineering job openings:
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 9 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

75th of 210 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

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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