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Hardware Startup Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tech Specialist 2 (BMS and EMCS)

Tysons, VA · On-site

$42K/yr

The role performs startup, point-to-point verification, and sequence testing (L3), supports ... Dean facilities in Tysons, Ruther Glen, or Harrisonburg, VA, as well as software and hardware ...

TekSky

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

... hardware from early concept through flight testing and production. This role is highly hands-on, with an emphasis on execution, iteration, and practical engineering judgment in a fast-moving startup ...

Molg

Technical Program Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

We work with hyperscalers and leading electronics manufacturers to automate how hardware is ... in a fast-moving startup environment. * Establish lightweight, scalable program management ...

New

Darksaber Labs

DSP Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

About Darksaber Labs A new Defense Tech startup focused on building next gen EW systems. About the ... Conduct research and development on current and future hardware. Qualifications * Security ...

City of Charlotte

$105K - $117K/yr

... hardware that operate with the SCADA systems; generates reports; assists operations staff in ... Provides technical support during the design, construction, and startup for assigned capital ...

New

Fend Incorporated

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Arlington, VA

$118K - $162K/yr

Fend needs you to help improve our hardware and software. Fend has created a new category of ... Fend is very much a startup environment with new challenges every day. Fend is hiring new teammates ...

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Hardware Startup information

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How much do hardware startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware startup in Virginia is $24.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware startup?

A hardware startup is a company focused on designing, developing, and bringing to market physical products or devices that typically incorporate electronics, mechanics, or related technologies. These startups often work on innovative consumer gadgets, industrial equipment, or connected devices (IoT). The process usually involves prototyping, manufacturing, and scaling production, which can present unique challenges compared to purely software-based startups. Hardware startups require expertise in product design, engineering, supply chain management, and may need significant capital for manufacturing and distribution.

What are some common challenges faced by team members working at a hardware startup, and how can they be addressed?

Team members at hardware startups often encounter challenges such as tight development timelines, limited resources, and the need to iterate quickly on physical prototypes. Collaboration between engineers, designers, and supply chain specialists is essential to ensure that the product moves efficiently from concept to production. Open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to take on varied responsibilities are key to overcoming these challenges and driving the company’s success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware startup founder?

To thrive as a Hardware Startup Founder, you need a solid background in engineering, product development, and business strategy, often supported by relevant degrees or entrepreneurial experience. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, supply chain management systems, and fundraising platforms is typically essential. Leadership, resilience, and effective communication are standout soft skills for successfully guiding teams and building partnerships. These competencies are crucial for navigating technical challenges, attracting investment, and bringing innovative hardware products to market.

What is the difference between Hardware Startup vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware Startup

AspectHardware Startup

Hardware Startup professionals focus on developing new hardware products from concept to prototype, often working in small teams or startups with a flexible environment. Hardware Engineers typically work within established companies, focusing on designing, testing, and maintaining hardware components. Both roles require technical skills in electronics and engineering, but Hardware Startups emphasize innovation and product development, while Hardware Engineers prioritize reliability and manufacturing processes.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Startup jobs in Virginia? For Hardware Startup jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Startup jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Startup jobs in Virginia are:
Hardware Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Startup job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,715 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Tech Specialist 2 (BMS and EMCS)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$42K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
Technical Specialist 2 (BMS & EMCS) supports onsite startup, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Monitoring and Control Systems (EMCS) on active project sites and at M.C. Dean facilities. The role performs startup, point-to-point verification, and sequence testing (L3), supports functional commissioning (L4), and assists with Integrated Systems Testing (IST, L5) under the direction of senior technicians and controls engineers. Responsibilities may also include supporting Pre-Installation Testing and Checkout (PITCO) activities at M.C. Dean facilities in Tysons, Ruther Glen, or Harrisonburg, VA, as well as software and hardware acceptance testing at M.C. Dean or customer locations.
The TS-2 typically has several years of experience with BMS or HVAC controls from construction projects or service and maintenance work. The role involves hands-on troubleshooting of controllers, field devices, and HVAC integrations, with the ability to distinguish controls programming or configuration issues from sensor, device, or equipment faults. Experience with Niagara, Siemens Desigo, and Schneider EcoStruxure platforms is preferred; EPMS experience is a plus. Projects are primarily located in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, with travel to other U.S. locations as required.
Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the Tech Specialist 2 (BMS & EMCS) include:
  • Support the delivery of BMS, EMCS, and EPMS systems with a primary focus on startup, integration, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting
  • Perform L3 startup activities, including point-to-point verification and sequence testing for BMS and EPMS systems
  • Assist with L4 functional commissioning and L5 Integrated Systems Testing (IST) under the direction of senior technicians, controls engineers, or commissioning personnel
  • Support Pre-Installation Testing and Checkout (PITCO) activities at M.C. Dean facilities and assist with software and hardware acceptance testing at M.C. Dean or customer locations
  • Navigate BMS applications to configure, monitor, trend, troubleshoot, and retrieve system data
  • Load, update, and configure BMS controllers and communication parameters in accordance with project standards and vendor requirements
  • Perform basic controls programming tasks and assist with troubleshooting logic, configuration, or sequence-related issues
  • Configure and troubleshoot TCP/IP-based communications, including controllers, networks, and communication devices
  • Configure and troubleshoot Modbus communications, including gateway devices, using diagnostic tools such as Modscan or equivalent
  • Configure BMS/EPMS communications for VFDs, chillers, CRACs, power meters, PDUs, ATSs, generators, STSs, UPSs, battery systems, and related equipment following vendor documentation
  • Perform hands-on troubleshooting of controllers, field devices, sensors, and HVAC equipment, with the ability to distinguish controls issues from sensor, device, or equipment faults
  • Execute startup and commissioning scripts, complete testing documentation, and generate fault or issue reports as required
  • Redline BMS, EMCS, EPMS, and controls drawings to reflect as-built field conditions
  • Assist with the review of supplier and vendor documentation for compliance with project specifications
  • Apply a working knowledge of basic electrical and mechanical theory
  • Demonstrate familiarity with HVAC systems, including AHUs, CRACs, RTUs, chillers, pumps, and VFDs
  • Demonstrate familiarity with power systems, including switchgear, transformers, circuit breakers, power panels, UPS systems, and power monitoring equipment
  • Maintain basic awareness of applicable codes, standards, and safe work practices
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, engineers, and field personnel through clear verbal and written communication

Qualifications
Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience supporting BMS and/or HVAC controls systems through construction projects or service and maintenance contracts
  • Hands-on experience with system startup, point-to-point testing, and basic functional testing of BMS and/or EMCS systems
  • Experience troubleshooting controllers, field devices, sensors, and HVAC equipment, with the ability to distinguish controls programming or configuration issues from equipment or wiring faults
  • Working knowledge of at least one major BMS platform such as Niagara, Siemens Desigo, or Schneider EcoStruxure
  • Basic understanding of IP-based control networks and building automation communication protocols (e.g., BACnet/IP, Modbus)
  • Familiarity with HVAC systems including AHUs, CRACs, RTUs, chillers, pumps, and VFDs
  • Basic familiarity with electrical and power monitoring systems; EPMS experience is a plus
  • Ability to follow defined procedures, complete test documentation, and support commissioning activities under supervision
  • Ability to read and interpret controls drawings, schematics, and vendor documentation
  • Strong commitment to safe work practices and high-quality installation and testing
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Willingness and ability to travel to project sites in VA, DC, MD, and other U.S. locations as required
  • Note: The Technical Specialist 2 role is execution-focused and works under the direction of senior technicians and engineers. Progression to TS-3 is based on demonstrated independence, advanced troubleshooting capability, and leadership on commissioning and integration activities.

Education:
  • Requires 8 or more years of experience with installation, troubleshooting and/or testing of EPMS, BMS, Industrial instrumentation and/or SCADA systems
  • 8+ years of experience with a High School Diploma 6+ years of experience with an Associate's or 2+ with a Bachelor's
  • Requires reliable attendance at customer site during work hours required by customer
  • Preferred Certifications:
  • BMS or automation platform certifications (e.g., Niagara N4, Siemens Desigo, Schneider EcoStruxure, Ignition).

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $90,640.00 - USD $113,300.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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