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Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

Join Dewberry as a Mechanical Engineer: Innovate Sustainable Solutions in a High-Performing ... Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ...

Mechanical Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site +1

$95K - $122K/yr

Join Dewberry as a Mechanical Engineer: Innovate Sustainable Solutions in a High-Performing ... Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ...

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$56K/yr

Experience applying marine and mechanical engineering principles when gathering data for reports ... GS-09: You have one full year (18 semester hours or the equivalent) of graduate level study, or ...

Lead, Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$102K - $189K/yr

Lead, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 38752 Job Location: Sterling, VA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

Lead, Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$102K - $189K/yr

Lead, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 38752 Job Location: Sterling, VA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

Mechanical Systems Engineering

Forest, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $149K/yr

Mechanical Systems Engineer Job Code: 41934 Job Location: Forest, VA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees ... Graduate degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, a ...

Mechanical Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Academic Advising / Support The Graduate Advisor is a member of a student support team that works closely with faculty, staff, and ...

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Graduate Mechanical Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$102K

$165.1K

How much do graduate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate mechanical engineer in Virginia is $101,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $125,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a graduate mechanical engineer do?

A Graduate Mechanical Engineer is an entry-level professional who applies principles of mechanical engineering to design, analyze, and improve mechanical systems. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, assisting with tasks such as drafting technical drawings, modeling prototypes, conducting tests, and solving engineering problems. Their responsibilities may also include collaborating with other departments, preparing reports, and learning industry standards. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and training for recent graduates starting their engineering careers.

What are some typical projects or tasks a graduate mechanical engineer can expect in their first year?

As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you will likely be involved in a variety of projects ranging from assisting in the design and analysis of mechanical components to preparing technical documentation and performing simulations. You may work closely with senior engineers on tasks such as creating 3D models, running tests on prototypes, and supporting product development meetings. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as manufacturing and quality assurance, is common, helping you gain a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle. This hands-on exposure is designed to build your technical skills and prepare you for increased responsibilities as you progress in your career.

What are jobs for a recent mechanical engineer graduate?

As a recent mechanical engineer graduate, you can find entry-level jobs in your field in a variety of positions that focus on helping design and develop the technical specifications for various products. In one of these roles, you get more hands-on experience than you do as a student. You help senior engineers on a project and utilize math and measuring skills to help design new machines. Some details of this job vary by employer. For example, some employers may have you focus on repairing existing devices to learn more about the ins and outs of the product they create, while others may have you focus on assisting senior-level engineers.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), finite element analysis tools, and industry standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in dynamic environments. These skills ensure you can contribute to innovative design solutions, meet project requirements, and advance in your engineering career.

What is the difference between Graduate Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectGraduate Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; entry-levelBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternships, training programs, entry-level projectsDesign offices, engineering teams, project-based work
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in projects, learning design processes, basic analysisCreating and analyzing mechanical designs, CAD modeling, prototyping

While both roles require a background in mechanical engineering, a Graduate Mechanical Engineer is typically an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting projects. A Mechanical Design Engineer, on the other hand, is more specialized in designing and analyzing mechanical components and systems, often requiring some prior experience or advanced skills. Both roles are essential in the engineering industry, with the design engineer position generally involving more technical responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,996 per year, or $49 per hour.

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Veraxx Engineering Corporation, a By Light Company is an engineering services company supplying modeling, simulation, and training solutions. ย Services include hardware, software, and system engineering, requirements assessments, system development, integration, testing, documentation, and customer support services. Veraxx has a high level of expertise in flight simulation hardware and software development, as well as computer architecture, tactical environments, interoperability (HLA/DIS), avionics systems, graphics and real-time embedded systems.ย 

Position Overview

By Light is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and integration of flight simulation and training systems across multiple programs. Assignments will vary based on program needs and may involve new system development, upgrades to existing trainers, and integration of mechanical and electronic hardware.

This position is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who enjoys hands-on design, learning from experienced engineers, and working with multidisciplinary teams. The role provides opportunities to develop skills in mechanical design, equipment mounting, interface definition, prototyping, documentation, and system integration.

Responsibilities
  • Support the mechanical design of flight simulation and training systems, includingย  structures, equipment mounts, control interfaces, and cable-routing features.
  • Assist with defining mechanical interfaces, alignment requirements, and integration constraints across a variety of simulator and training-system platforms.
  • Prepare design materials and support Systems Engineering Technical Reviews (SETRs), including SRR, PDR, and CDR, under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Design and integrate cockpit hardware, flight controls, visual systems, and mixed reality (MR) equipment, including mounts, sensors, and cable routing.
  • Collaborate with systems, software, electrical, and manufacturing teams during design, integration, testing, and subsystem acceptance.
  • Develop and revise 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and fabrication documentation using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.
  • Support rapid prototyping and development using in-house 3D printing and other fabrication methods.
  • Participate in mechanical verification and validation activities, including fit, form, function, and basic failure mode assessments.
Required Experience/Qualifications
  • 0-3 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience; internships, co-op assignments, senior design projects, and other hands-on project experience are valued.
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • Foundational understanding of mechanical design principles, including materials, tolerancing, structural design, and manufacturing methods.
  • Working knowledge of 3D CAD software; Autodesk Inventor experience is preferred, and SolidWorks or similar CAD experience is acceptable.
  • Ability to create and interpret mechanical drawings, assemblies, and technical documentation.
  • Hands-on interest in prototyping, fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, or 3D printing.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to manage assigned tasks, respond to feedback, and support multiple projects in a collaborative engineering environment.
Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Internship, co-op, academic, or project experience involving mechanical design, complex electromechanical systems, or system integration.
  • Exposure to flight simulation, aerospace, defense, robotics, or other high-reliability systems.
  • Experience integrating computer, electronic, sensor, or control hardware into mechanical assemblies.
  • Familiarity with configuration management, revision-controlled CAD data, or product lifecycle management tools.
  • Awareness of ergonomic, safety, MIL-STD, or size, weight, and power (SWaP) design considerations.
Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance
Salary Range

Salary Minimum: $65,000

Salary Maximum: $85,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Employment Type: OTHER