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Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Mechanical Engineer

Fairfax, VA · 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 ...

Dewberry

Mechanical Engineer

Fairfax, VA · 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 ...

L3HHCM20

Specialist, Mechanical Engineer 1

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$76K - $142K/yr

Specialist, Mechanical Engineer - Design Job Code: 40427 Job Location: Huntsville, AL or Orange, VA ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior Mechanical Design experience; or in lieu of a ...

Virginia Tech

Graduate Advisor

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

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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All JobsGraduate Mechanical Engineer JobsGraduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 4, 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 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 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 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 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 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.
More about Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,996 per year, or $49 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Dewberry

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Join Dewberry as a Mechanical Engineer: Innovate Sustainable Solutions in a High-Performing, Flexible, and Collaborative Environment at our Fairfax, VA headquarters!
In this vital role, you will thrive in a dynamic, multi-discipline team environment, taking charge of designing and producing Mechanical construction documents for high-profile commercial and federal, state, and local projects. Working on projects that often achieve energy savings of over 30% compared to the ASHRAE baseline and achieve LEED Gold or Platinum certification, you will also be instrumental in crafting innovative building systems that push the boundaries of excellence; especially as it relates to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Key Required Skills:
  • BSME or Arch Engineering degree with Mechanical focus.
  • 5 to 10 years of experience in Mechanical HVAC design.
  • PE required.

**We value flexibility and understand the needs of modern professionals, so opportunities for remote work may also be available.**
Joining Dewberry means becoming part of a company that has fostered long-term relationships with clients over our impressive 60-year history and an annual revenue exceeding $800 million. We take pride in our family-owned culture that emphasizes stability and community-a truly rewarding environment for professionals eager to grow.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors are our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.
Responsibilities
  • Duties will include mechanical HVAC engineering design utilizing building information modeling (BIM) Revit software and AutoCAD software. Additional tools that be utilized for this role include HVAC load calculations and energy modeling through Trave Trace software.
  • Candidate will focus on drawing production, specification writing, discipline coordination between the various trades, shop drawing and submittal reviews, construction site reviews, and code reviews for MEP systems for various project types.
  • Primary focus will be on the mechanical systems for buildings; however, this position may also include assisting with other building systems and the construction process in the various engineering disciplines practiced: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and construction services; leading to the growth of a well-rounded MEP engineer.
  • The work may include base building and tenant interior systems on commercial, government, retail, mixed-use, residential, hotel, transportation, education, healthcare, and various other types of projects. Project types include office buildings; interior renovation and fit-outs; federal, state, and local facilities including secure government agencies, courthouses, police stations, government office buildings, and other specialty facilities; facilities assessments; energy audits; base-building renovations; LEED services; technical reports; and other mechanical engineering tasks.
  • Successful candidates may be requested to participate in opportunities in other Dewberry offices around the country.
  • Duties may also include the review of MEP systems designed by others, interface with code officials and contractors, working with architects and other clients, and working with others within the Dewberry organization.
  • The Mechanical Engineer will also assist with the design and specification of controls systems, system layouts, load calculations, and equipment sizing and selection.

Required Skills & Required Experience
  • BSME or Arch Engineering degree with Mechanical focus.
  • 5 to 10 years of experience in Mechanical HVAC design.
  • PE required.
  • USGBC LEED Accredited Professional preferred.
  • Must have experience designing mechanical systems and producing design documents for listed project types in Revit MEP and AutoCAD. Experience with Navisworks is a plus.
  • Experience in calculating HVAC loads and energy modeling with Trane Trace or IES VE software preferred.
  • Must be a self-starter with initiative, drive and determination.

The projected range for this position is $95,000-$122,000 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.
Don't meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employee's. So, if you're excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.
*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.
Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.
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