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General Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

General Engineer

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

*This is a contingent opportunity The General Engineer is required to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the Department of Defense (DoD) and United States Air Force (USAF) built infrastructure ...

General Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

*This is a contingent opportunity The General Engineer is required to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the Department of Defense (DoD) and United States Air Force (USAF) built infrastructure ...

General Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$97K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The General Engineer will have contracting experience with energy and water conservation and performance. The General Engineer will prepare interagency energy reports, analyze utility data, and ...

General Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

The incumbent serves as a General Engineer, assisting the Director, Tenant Services Division in managing and administration of engineering projects in the HOB. Manages construction and renovation ...

New

The incumbent serves as a General Engineer, assisting the Director, Tenant Services Division in managing and administration of engineering projects in the HOB. Manages construction and renovation ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

General Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$40.9K

$106.6K

$144.1K

How much do general engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for general engineer in Washington, DC is $106,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $122,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a general engineer?

General Engineers are versatile professionals who apply principles of engineering, mathematics, and science to solve a wide range of technical problems. They often work across various disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, and may be involved in designing, developing, testing, and overseeing the production of different systems or products. Their broad skill set allows them to adapt to numerous industries, including manufacturing, government, construction, and technology. General Engineers typically collaborate with other engineers and professionals to ensure that projects meet technical specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

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

To thrive as a General Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, mathematics, and problem-solving, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and relevant industry standards or certifications (such as EIT or PE) is often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help set outstanding engineers apart. These competencies ensure successful project execution, innovation, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by general engineers when working on multidisciplinary projects?

General Engineers often collaborate with teams from various specialties such as mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. A common challenge is effectively communicating technical requirements and expectations across disciplines to ensure project goals are met. Balancing multiple priorities and adapting to changing project scopes can also be demanding. Successful General Engineers use strong problem-solving and teamwork skills to bridge gaps and maintain project momentum.

What is the difference between General Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectGeneral EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, often with diverse specializationBachelor's degree in civil engineering, often with PE licensure
Work EnvironmentVarious industries including defense, aerospace, and infrastructureConstruction sites, urban planning, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, defense contractors, manufacturingConstruction firms, government agencies, consulting firms

General Engineers have a broad scope, working across multiple engineering disciplines, while Civil Engineers focus specifically on infrastructure and construction projects. Both roles require similar foundational credentials, but their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

How much money does a general engineer make?

A general engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but the median annual wage in the United States is around $95,000. Entry-level engineers typically earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $130,000 annually. Salary also depends on the complexity of projects and the engineer's ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

What jobs do general engineers do?

General engineers work on designing, developing, and overseeing the construction and operation of various systems and structures across industries such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy. They often use technical skills, problem-solving, and knowledge of engineering principles to manage projects, ensure safety, and improve efficiency. Their work may involve project management, technical analysis, and collaboration with specialists, often requiring a bachelor's degree in engineering and relevant certifications.

What job categories do people searching General Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for General Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various General Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,621 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

*This is a contingent opportunity
 
The General Engineer is required to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the Department of Defense (DoD) and United States Air Force (USAF) built infrastructure, including an in-depth understanding of Unified Facilities Criteria (UFCs) and the application of the DoD Mission Assurance Benchmarks for Supporting Infrastructure The general engineer should also have a working knowledge of USAF Civil Engineering governance, programming, and processes. The general engineer will conduct a thorough vulnerability assessments across various infrastructure elements, such as water, wastewater, electricity, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), petroleum products, fire protection systems, generators, and natural gas systems. A crucial aspect of this position involves performing structural engineering vulnerability assessments that address perimeter security.
 
Experience: 
  • Minimum 10 years operational experience in the military or other comparable civilian position in structural or civil engineering role.
  • Extensive experience with all the following blast software: Vulnerability Assessment and Protection Option (VAPO), Component Explosives Damage Assessment Workbook (CEDAW), Conventional Weapons Effects Calculations (CONWEP), Window Glazing Analysis Response and Design (WinGARD), and Single Degree of Freedom Blast Effects Design Spreadsheets (SBEDS).
  • Intimate understanding of regulations and requirements outlined in United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) directives, specifically the Unified Facility Criteria related to the DoD Minimum Standoff Distance and Security Engineering Design Manuals.
  • Working knowledge of issues and threats driving Design Based Threat (DBT) for military and Government facilities and construction programs.
  • Ability to determine effects of blast, damage assessment, and physical barriers to mitigate blast affects.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
Education:
  • Possess a Bachelor's of Science degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
Desired Skills:
  • PhD or Masters of Science degree in Civil Engineering
  • Experience working as a Licensed Professional Engineer.
  • Former work assignment with the USACE
  • Prior experience as a military civil engineering officer.
  • Experience conducting vulnerability-based assessments similar to BSA’s. 
Desired Experience:
  • Prior experience supporting DoD Nuclear Command, Control & Communications (NC3) and Defense Critical Infrastructure (DCI). 
  • Working knowledge of DoDI 3020.45 (Change 1) 
Security Clearance: 
  • Current Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility 
Additional Requirements:
  • Accept worldwide deployments which include high threat permissive areas presenting some risks to personal safety.
  • Submit to immunization for worldwide travel.
 
Benefits:   K2 Group’s benefit offerings include:  Medical/ Dental/ Vision Insurance; FSA Medical & FSA Dependent Care; Pre-tax 401(k) & ROTH 401(k) plans; Profit Sharing Plan; Life & Accidental Death Insurance; Short Term/ Long Term Disability; Voluntary Group Life Insurance option; Tuition Reimbursement; Job-related Course Reimbursement; Holiday Pay; and Paid Time-Off.