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Head Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

RuneTech

Head of Mission Success

Arlington, VA · On-site

About the Role As Head of Mission Success , you will lead the deployment of Rune products and lead ... Collaborate cross-functionally with Rune Engineering, Product, Growth and Executive teams to ensure ...

Navier

Head of Defense

Washington, DC

Navier is seeking a strategic and results-driven Head of Defense to spearhead efforts in sourcing ... Collaborate with Navier's engineering leadership team to identify and capitalize on opportunities ...

Sweat DC

Head Strength Coach

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Head Strength Coach Why We Exist SWEAT DC was built on the belief that fitness should be about more ... programming at a high level • Help create a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented culture • ...

SWEAT DC

Head Strength Coach

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Head Strength CoachWhy We Exist SWEAT DC was built on the belief that fitness should be about more ... programming at a high level Help create a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented culture Bring ...

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All JobsHead Engineer JobsHead Engineer Jobs in Washington

Head Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$11

$42

$80

How much do head engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for head engineer in Washington is $42.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.45 and $51.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges a head engineer faces when leading cross-functional engineering teams?

One of the primary challenges for a Head Engineer is ensuring effective communication and alignment among diverse teams, such as software, hardware, and quality assurance. Balancing technical leadership with management duties—like resource allocation and project prioritization—can also be demanding. Additionally, the Head Engineer must foster collaboration and innovation while maintaining project timelines and meeting business objectives. Addressing these challenges requires strong interpersonal skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to adapt to evolving project needs.

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

To thrive as a Head Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, project management experience, and typically a relevant engineering degree with professional certification (such as PE or equivalent). Familiarity with industry-standard software (like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools) and compliance with regulatory frameworks is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding Head Engineers apart by enabling them to guide teams and drive innovation. These skills ensure successful project delivery, safety, and the development of efficient engineering solutions.

What is the difference between Head Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHead EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentProject management, team leadership, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, engineering firmsAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, manufacturing

The Head Engineer typically oversees engineering projects, manages teams, and sets strategic goals, requiring leadership skills and experience. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Head Engineer has a broader managerial scope, whereas Mechanical Engineers concentrate on technical tasks within their specialty.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Head Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Head Engineer job openings:

Head Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,949 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Civil Engineer, PE (Indian Head, MD)

Planate Management Group

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Planate Management Group (PMG) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, and Orlando, Florida USA with a technical support center in South East Asia and East Africa, that provides program management and facilities engineering services worldwide. Planate is a small business provider of planning, design, infrastructure management, technical consulting, engineering, and construction management services in support of the US Department of Defense (DOD) and its Service (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps) missions, along with other US federal agencies, all over the world.

We are seeking a skilled Civil Engineer to serve as the Special Inspector of Record (SIOR) on site at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, MD. As a Civil/Structural Engineer, you will ensure that all structural systems and materials are constructed according to design specifications, codes, and industry standards.

This is an on-site role in Indian Head, MD, requiring technical expertise in structural engineering and hands-on inspection.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the Special Inspector of Record (SIOR) for assigned projects.
    Conduct on-site inspections of: (Steel Construction and High Strength Bolting, Welding of Structural Steel, Nondestructive Testing of Welds, Cold Formed Steel Framing, Concrete Construction, Prestressed Concrete Construction, Masonry Construction, Verification of Site Soil Condition, Fill Placement, and Load-Bearing Requirement and Deep Foundations)
  • Ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, and applicable codes.
  • Prepare detailed inspection reports documenting observations and findings.
  • Collaborate with contractors, project teams, and design engineers to resolve non-compliance issues.
  • Stay current on industry standards, regulations, and best practices in structural engineering.

Qualifications to be successful in the role:

  • Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of related experience in construction inspection and structural engineering.
  • Knowledge of steel, concrete, masonry, and foundation construction practices.
  • Experience with nondestructive testing and verification of load-bearing requirements.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently on-site and manage multiple inspection responsibilities.

Why Planate? 

Planate Management Group is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Joining the Planate team opens you to an experience working for a Global company where you are among a team that is considered a premier trusted partner for planning, design, engineering, asset management, and professional service solutions anytime, anywhere.  We Take Care of Our Own; Personally, and Profession. 

Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

  • Medical insurance/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • 401K plan eligibility upon hire
  • Health and Savings Account plan
  • Life/AD&D Insurance Coverage
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Wellness Offering
  • Training and Development
  • License/Certification support
  • Recognition and Rewards program
  • Travel Insurance

We’d love for you to be a part of our Global workforce, helping us serve as an effective and integrated partner to advance every client's mission!

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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