1

Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead, Mechanical Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$135K - $215K/yr

Lead, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 40268 Job Location: Millersville, MD/ Herndon, VA Schedule: 9 ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ... Aiblity to prepare mechanical engineering calculations, reports, construction drawings and ...

Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ... Aiblity to prepare mechanical engineering calculations, reports, construction drawings and ...

Lead, Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$102K - $189K/yr

Lead, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 43137 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 · On-site

$102K - $189K/yr

Lead, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 43137 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 · On-site

$102K - $189K/yr

Lead, Mechanical Engineer Job Code: 43137 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 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 ...

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 Sep 7, 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.

$56K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with technical aspects of marine or mechanical engineering projects.

  • Support field inspections to determine maintenance capabilities.

  • Gather data for reports related to marine and mechanical engineering principles.


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 540 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas as demonstrated in your resume:
GS-09:
  • Experience applying marine and mechanical engineering principles when gathering data for reports.
  • Experience assisting with technical aspects of the marine or mechanical engineering discipline projects.
  • Experience supporting field inspections to determine maintenance capabilities.
GS-07:
  • Experience reviewing plans, specifications and preliminary engineering reports and design drawings.
  • Experience communicating orally and in writing on a range of engineering matters.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
IOR:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/mechanical-engineering-series-0830/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:

**Applicants must meet the following Basic Requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess.**

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, for Professional and Scientific Positions and Professional Engineering Positions, 0800 Basic Requirements:
Combination of education and experience -- college-level education Degree: Engineering.
OR
Leading to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET;
OR
Include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
Training, and/or technical experience that furnish
1. A thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering.
2. A good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
You may qualify if you meet one of the following:
GS-07:
You must have completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's from an accredited institution AND must have documented Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) or one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least a GS-05 at the undergraduate level in one of the following:
A) Class Standing - upper third of the graduating class based on completed courses in the college, university, or major subdivision
B) Grade Point Average - 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; OR 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in your major field or the required courses in your major field completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum. If more than 10 percent of total undergraduate credit hours are non-graded, i.e. pass/fail, CLEP, CCAF, DANTES, military credit, etc., you cannot qualify based on GPA
C) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (note: freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position). (If qualifying based on class standing or honor society membership, provide appropriate documentation).
GS-09:
You have one full year (18 semester hours or the equivalent) of graduate level study, or possess a master's or higher degree, e.g., LL.B., J.D., LL.M., Ph.D., in a field that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of this position. Such fields include business administration, industrial management, industrial engineering, industrial psychology, public administration, political science, or government. (Submit copy of transcripts).
OR
You have at least one year (12 months) of specialized experience, that provided knowledge of to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower qualifying pay band or equivalent grade under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Equivalent experience may be at the level of the lowest GS grade covered by the applicable pay band; however, the experience must demonstrate KSA's to successfully perform the duties of the position being filled.
OR
You must have a combination of graduate education as described above and the type of specialized experience as described above, which when combined would equate to 100%. (To compute, first determine your total qualifying graduate level education as a percentage of the graduate education required; then determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage of experience described above; add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal to at least 100%.) (Submit a copy of your transcript.)

Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom