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Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

As an Associate Systems Engineer, you'll join a global team that plans, implements, and supports ... Delivery or strong internship/fresh graduate performance on technical interview tests.

As an Associate Systems Engineer, you'll join a global team that plans, implements, and supports ... Delivery or strong internship/fresh graduate performance on technical interview tests.

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Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$47.3K

$107K

$173.2K

How much do fresh graduate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fresh graduate mechanical engineer in Reston, VA is $107,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $131,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Designer?

AspectFresh Graduate Mechanical EngineerMechanical Designer
QualificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; entry-levelBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related; may require CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, manufacturing plants, R&D labsDesign departments, engineering firms, manufacturing companies
ResponsibilitiesAssist in project development, testing, analysisCreate detailed CAD models, technical drawings, design specifications
Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, energy, automotiveProduct design, machinery, automotive, aerospace

While both roles require a background in mechanical engineering, a Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer typically assists in various engineering tasks and gains practical experience, whereas a Mechanical Designer focuses on creating detailed technical drawings and CAD models for manufacturing and product development.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a fresh graduate mechanical engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As a fresh graduate mechanical engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of entry-level tasks such as assisting with design calculations, preparing engineering drawings, supporting prototyping and testing, and collaborating with senior engineers on larger projects. You may also be involved in troubleshooting equipment, compiling technical documentation, and participating in team meetings to discuss project progress. This period is often focused on learning industry standards, familiarizing yourself with company-specific tools and processes, and developing practical skills through hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fresh graduate mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), engineering simulation tools, and basic knowledge of industry standards are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you effectively contribute to projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are essential for successfully transitioning academic knowledge into practical solutions and advancing in a professional engineering environment.

What does a fresh graduate mechanical engineer do?

A Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer typically assists senior engineers in designing, testing, and evaluating mechanical systems and products. Their tasks may involve drafting technical drawings, conducting research, performing simulations, and supporting project documentation. They often work under supervision while gaining practical experience, applying engineering principles learned in school to real-world problems. This role is an entry-level position meant to help new graduates transition into the professional workforce and develop essential skills for their careers.
What are popular job titles related to Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,030 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Manager (Pressure Vessel)

X Energy LLC

Rockville, MD

$106K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us.

Job Description

X-energy, LLC is seeking an accomplished Mechanical Engineering Manager (Pressure Vessel) to lead our advanced Mechanical Design team in the development of Steam Generators and Pressure Vessels for advanced nuclear reactor applications. This leadership position drives the strategic direction and technical excellence of mechanical design operations for the Steam Generator of the Xe-100 Small Modular Reactor (SMR), with particular emphasis on mission-critical reactor systems. The successful candidate will provide leadership for the design of nuclear reactor system components, drive the implementation of design best practices, and enhance conceptualized systems for real-world design-for-manufacturing principles.
As a technical leader, direct a team of specialized engineers in performing sophisticated mechanical engineering design, establishing design principles that advance heat exchanger technology. Your responsibilities include mentoring individual contributors, driving innovation in steam generator design approaches and product actualization, and providing strategic organizational support across multi-disciplinary project teams. This leadership role will develop and manage the team infrastructure that will design, analyze, and optimize complex systems, structures, and components for next-generation advanced reactor plants.


Responsibilities:

  • Manages the execution of the mechanical design, analysis, and evaluation of assigned projects using sound engineering principles and adhering to business standards, practices, procedures, and product / program requirements.
  • Lead team responsible for performing the mechanical design of various advanced reactor plants to inform the design, manufacturing, construction and licensing strategy.
  • Manages the utilization of engineering resources across multiple projects and ensures qualified engineers are performing assigned work.
  • Adjudicates technical differences within their area of responsibility to determine best option, while fostering a healthy engineering dialogue.
  • Lead design cycle sprints and provide direction to ensure the convergence of efforts of engineering team members, partners, and suppliers to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality engineering work products are on schedule and within budget as defined by the Project leadership.
  • Manages staff by ensuring they are meeting expectations and promoting their professional development.
  • Influences the development of strategy, methodology and technical tools for the area of responsibility, including control of resources, policy formulation, and ways in which technical work is executed.
  • Interprets simple internal and external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes, tools, or services.
  • Uses high level of judgement to make decisions and handle complex tasks or problems in areas of operations, product management, manufacturing, technology, or engineering.
  • Act in advisory capacity to define scope and level of effort estimates for areas where their resources would be supporting.
  • Work within a multidisciplinary engineering team to create the next generation nuclear power plants.
  • Perform work in accordance with design control procedures, ensuring thorough documentation of work, facilitation of internal and external design reviews, and control of product design configuration data.
  • Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline from an accredited university or college.
  • Typically, ten years of engineering experience. Graduate degrees typically count as two plus years of experience.
  • Experience and/or knowledge in a minimum of one of the following areas:
  • Designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.
  • Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight.
  • Use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software.
  • E.g. UG/NX, SolidWorks, Pro-Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar.

Preferred Skills:

  • 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with at least 4 years in pressure vessel or steam generator design (preferred).

  • Proven track record of taking a product from conceptual design through manufacturing, including prototyping, testing, and production.
  • Experience with tube bundle design, including thermal-hydraulic analysis, material selection for high-temperature/pressure environments, structural analysis
  • Experience with application of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code in design.
  • Professional Engineer license, with 4+ years of work under a licensed PE.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes (e.g., welding, machining, tube bundle assembly) and design for manufacturability (DFM).
  • Steam generator design experience in power plant or industrial boiler applications (e.g., HRSGs).
  • Background in failure analysis.

Location: 530 Gaither Road, Rockville MD

Work Site Expectations: 4 days in office
Travel Expectations:10%
Hours:8:00am ET to 5:00pm ET, Monday - Friday

Compensation

As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.

Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:

$160,000 - $190,000

Position Job Classification

Full time - Exempt

Benefits

X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.

Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)

E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish