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Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... years) Mechanical aptitude Microsoft Office (VBA a plus) Full Time On-site Attendance Required ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

... Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field Work history showing work as a subject matter expertise in robotics, mechanical systems, acoustics, automotive engineering, thermal-fluid ...

Showing results 21-40

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 11, 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.
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 72% Full Time, 14% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,996 per year, or $49 per hour.

Sr. Manager - Mechanical Engineering

Harris Geospatial Solutions

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$146 - $271/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Sr. Manager – Mechanical Engineering

Job Code: 38339

Job Location: Ashburn VA or Richardson TX

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days—totaling 80 hours worked—and have every other Friday off.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Engineering Manager to lead our Mechanical Engineering team for our S&S/ADG Department of the AE Sector. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering design and development for the defense industry. In addition, the candidate must have skills in project engineering and program management, team development and leadership, and executive and customer communications. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.

Essential Functions
  • Lead and manage a department of mechanical engineering professionals, front line managers and subject matter experts. This includes providing technical guidance, career development, and performance management.
  • Manage utilization of staff, support workforce planning, and develop skill mix for existing and future portfolio.
  • Support an engaged workforce and drive best practices in employee engagement.
  • Develop training strategy for department as a whole in conjunction with leadership, in order to support staff development and future business needs.
  • Drive functional headlight metrics in project execution, innovation and continuous improvement in engineering practices and processes. Foster a data driven approach to improvement throughout department.
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies, including ITAR, EAR, and CUI data handling when applicable.
  • Drive compliance to processes and procedures, and participate in process development and improvement.
  • Foster a culture of excellence and accountability within the engineering team.
  • Participate in strategic planning and decision-making at the management level.
  • Serve as a technical expert and advisor for complex engineering issues.
  • Manage usage and adoption of engineering tools as appropriate.
  • Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects, ensuring they meet quality standards, budget constraints, and project timelines.
  • Ensure all bids within portfolio are compliant to requirements and best practices.
  • Review portfolio of programs to ensure program performance.
  • Up to 15% business travel will be required to support the ADG and S&S offices.
  • Ability to obtain a US Secret security clearance.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with minimum of 12 years of prior related engineering experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 10 years of prior related engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related engineering experience.
  • At least 5 years experience in one or more of the following: UAS technology, electronics packaging, or weapon and sensor design.
  • At least 5 years in a functional management or leadership role.
Preferred Additional Skills
  • Proven track record of managing and delivering large-scale developmental engineering projects.
  • Excellent organizational, leadership, and decision‑making skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering and product lifecycle management.
  • Familiarity with defense industry standards and practices.
  • Earned value management experience is desired.
Salary & Benefits

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $146,000 - $271,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company‑paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Many positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

L3Harris Technologies is an E‑Verify Employer.

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