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First Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Gallaudet University

First Class Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$27.14 - $45.22/hr

First Class Engineer Worker Type: Regular Pay Type: Hourly Exempt Status: No Compensation Grade (Track/Level): S3 Hiring Range (Commensurate with experience and qualifications): $27.14-$45.22 Salary ...

Leidos

AI Engineering Lead

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

We are building with an AI-first engineering mindset, embracing emerging AI capabilities and modern development practices to accelerate delivery, improve software quality, and continuously evolve how ...

Cognition

Devops Engineer, Federal

Washington, DC · On-site

$59.75 - $81.75/hr

We're the makers of Devin, the first AI software engineer. Our team is extremely talent-dense. Among our founding team, we have world-class competitive programmers, former founders, and leaders from ...

standvast

Senior Data Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$105K - $142K/yr

Who We Are Looking For We are a build-first, cloud-first, remote-first engineering team. DevOps, CI/CD, and TDD are foundational assumptions. We are a Python/Django shop with React front ends ...

Cognition.AI

Delta Engineer - Federal

Washington, DC · On-site

We're the makers of Devin, the first AI software engineer, and Windsurf, the AI-native IDE. Together, they represent our vision for collaborative AI teammates that enable engineers to focus on more ...

Melwood

First Class Stationary Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

The First-Class Stationary Engineer is located in Gaithersburg, MD and operates, monitors, maintains, and repairs industrial utility plant equipment that provides steam generation, chilled water ...

Ignite IT

Cloud Engineer SME

Suitland, MD

$60 - $80.25/hr

Automation-first engineering mindset. * Strong documentation and communication skills. * Ability to operate effectively within structured modernization programs Requirements * Bachelor's degree in ...

Ignite IT

Cloud Engineer SME

Suitland, MD · On-site

$60 - $80.25/hr

Automation-first engineering mindset. * Strong documentation and communication skills. * Ability to operate effectively within structured modernization programs Requirements * Bachelor's degree in ...

IonQ

Staff Process Engineer, Packaging

College Park, MD · On-site

This is a floor-first engineering role. You will work directly with technicians and engineers to solve problems at the equipment, create and release robust recipes, train operators, and stand up new ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirst Engineer JobsFirst Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

First Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$44.2K

$115.2K

$155.7K

How much do first engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for first engineer in Washington, DC is $115,244.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFirst EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; may require licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, or project sites; often involved in overseeing initial phases of projectsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, or R&D labs; focused on design, analysis, and testing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, or heavy industry; used for lead or senior roles in project initiationManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors; common for design and development roles

First Engineers typically oversee early project phases and require experience in project management, while Mechanical Engineers focus on design, analysis, and testing within manufacturing or R&D environments. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

How to get a first engineer job?

To secure a first engineer position, candidates should develop relevant technical skills through education or training, build a portfolio of projects, and gain practical experience via internships or entry-level roles. Strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency with engineering tools, and effective communication are also important for success in the hiring process.

What do beginner first engineers do?

Beginner first engineers typically assist with basic tasks such as troubleshooting, testing, and maintaining systems or equipment. They often work under supervision, learn industry tools and safety protocols, and focus on gaining practical experience in engineering environments.

What does a first engineer do?

A first engineer is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for assisting in design, development, and testing of engineering projects. They often perform routine tasks, follow technical instructions, and work under supervision to gain experience and develop skills in their field.
First Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 80% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,244 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

First Class Engineer

Washington, DC • On-site

Gallaudet University
Education • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Gallaudet Universityexternal

$27.14 - $45.22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

OVERVIEW: Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, and multicultural institution of higher education dedicated to the intellectual and professional advancement of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world. As part of the university, the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center is a federally funded center that operates exemplary elementary and secondary education programs for deaf and hard of hearing students as well as national outreach programs which develop and disseminate innovative curricula, instructional techniques, and products nationwide, and provide information, training, and technical assistance to parents and professionals serving children from birth through age 21.
Job Title:
First Class Engineer
Worker Type:
Regular
Pay Type:
Hourly
Exempt Status:
No
Compensation Grade (Track/Level):
S3
Hiring Range (Commensurate with experience and qualifications):
$27.14-$45.22
Salary Ranges:
All Compensation Grades
Supervisory Organization (Department):
Central Plant Operations
Summary:
Reporting to the Supervisor of Central Plant, the First Class Engineer performs a variety of mechanical duties to support the Central Utility Plant operations at Gallaudet University.
Job Description:
  • Makes repairs, as required, on plant equipment including boilers, chillers, associated control and distribution systems, valves, flanges, pumps, piping, etc.
  • Conducts preventive maintenance inspections and repairs of plant equipment and distribution systems.
  • Keeps equipment, work areas and plants clean at all times including mopping and sweeping floors on each duty shift.
  • Keeps tools, equipment and supplies in order; and paints equipment as necessary.
  • Works in close spaces such as on the inside of boilers, chillers, tunnels, tanks and manholes.
  • Contacts the supervisor for assistance with emergencies which occur after normal duty hours; and possesses knowledge of all emergency procedures and implements as appropriate.
  • Observes all safety regulations and practices.
  • Establishes and maintains a positive and supportive working relationship with co-workers and supervisors.
  • Demonstrates a genuine commitment to belonging in the workplace and participates in activities and workshops to foster continuous learning.
  • Serves as a mandatory reporter under Title IX; and commits to completing Title IX training and other compliance requirements on an annual basis.
  • Prioritizes safety in the workplace as a collective responsibility for the well-being of employees and fosters a culture of safety that is integral to our success, including strict adherence to safety procedures and protocols, as well as promptly reporting any safety hazards or incidents.
  • Performs related and other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • A minimum of three years of experience with central plant, control systems, or a related field.
  • First Class Engineer's license.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ability to communicate in American Sign Language.
  • Experience working in a higher education setting.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated experience with training and mentoring the team.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with and across University departments, outside constituents and groups.

Additional Position Details:
  • This position is designated as essential and requires the employee to report for all scheduled shifts, including during inclement weather or other emergency conditions.

Other Important Information:
  • The successful candidate will undergo a background check that must be cleared prior to working at Gallaudet University.

Current Employees (Regular Status and Extended Temporary)
Please use the link below or the "Find Jobs" report directly within Workday.
https://www.myworkday.com/gallaudet/d/inst/1$9925/9925$2633.htmld
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Gallaudet University is an equal opportunity employer/educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis. This policy is in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, and other applicable laws and applies to all procedures affecting applicants and employees including, but not necessarily limited to: recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, reassignment, reappointment, tenure, demotion, selection for training, layoff, furlough, and termination, compensation, and all other conditions or privileges of employment.

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