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Junior Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Mechanical Design Engineer

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of growth * Engage clients directly - define problems, develop solutions, sell the design Must-Have Qualifications * Active PE license (reciprocity ...

Daikinapplied

Staff Design Engineer

Staunton, VA · Hybrid

$109K - $188K/yr

This candidate will provide technical guidance to more junior team members. Come be a part of an ... Investigate engineering/manufacturing issues related to the assembly of the new product design and ...

Thompson & Litton Inc

Civil Design Engineer

Radford, VA · On-site

$63K - $79K/yr

Are you an aspiring or junior engineer looking to build a versatile foundation in civil design? Thompson & Litton, an established multi-disciplined firm serving both public and private sector ...

Thompson and Litton Inc

Civil Design Engineer

Bristol, VA · On-site

$63K - $79K/yr

Are you an aspiring or junior engineer looking to build a versatile foundation in civil design? Thompson & Litton, an established multi-disciplined firm serving both public and private sector ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsJunior Design Engineer JobsJunior Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Junior Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$33.2K

$71.2K

$108.6K

How much do junior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior design engineer in Virginia is $71,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior design engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), simulation tools, and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset help you excel in team settings and adapt to project needs. These skills ensure accurate design work, efficient project collaboration, and successful development of innovative engineering solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by junior design engineers during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Junior Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to company-specific design processes, managing multiple project deadlines, and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Building strong communication with senior engineers and actively seeking feedback can help address these hurdles. Participating in team meetings and collaborating closely with other departments, such as manufacturing or quality assurance, also enhances understanding and ensures smoother project execution. Embracing continuous learning and leveraging available training resources will further boost confidence and technical growth in the role.

What is the difference between Junior Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectJunior Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internships or entry-level certificationsBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering; professional certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesDesign departments, R&D labs, manufacturing industries
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles in engineering firms, manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceMid to senior-level roles in similar industries, often with more project responsibility

The main difference is that a Junior Design Engineer is an entry-level position focusing on learning and supporting design tasks, while a Mechanical Design Engineer typically has more experience and responsibility in designing mechanical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Mechanical Design Engineer usually has more advanced skills and project ownership.

Are junior design engineers well paid?

Junior design engineers typically earn entry-level salaries that vary by industry and location but generally range from $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Compensation can increase with experience, additional skills such as CAD proficiency, and relevant certifications. Entry-level roles often include opportunities for professional development and skill-building in design software and engineering principles.

What is the role of a junior design engineer?

A junior design engineer assists in developing and modifying engineering designs, often using CAD software, under the supervision of senior engineers. They support project planning, perform calculations, and help ensure designs meet specifications and standards. This role typically requires basic engineering knowledge, attention to detail, and good communication skills.

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

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Design Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Junior Design Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Design Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Junior Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Junior Design Engineer job openings:

Junior Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,184 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

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$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Mechanical Project Engineer

Williamsburg, VA or Raleigh, NC | 

About the Role

We're partnering with an established MEP engineering firm specializing in federal (DoD), higher education, and state/local government projects across the Southeast. We're looking for a hands-on Mechanical Project Engineer to join our clients team and take ownership of projects from concept through closeout. You'll work across all mechanical disciplines - HVAC, plumbing, controls - and be a key technical voice on a lean, collaborative team.


What You'll Do

•      Lead mechanical design from schematic through construction documents

•      Coordinate with project teams across disciplines (architecture, electrical, structural)

•      Attend construction meetings and produce site observation reports

•      Prepare engineering cost opinions and review contractor estimates

•      Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of growth

•      Engage clients directly - define problems, develop solutions, sell the design


Must-Have Qualifications

•      Active PE license (reciprocity to VA and/or NC required or obtainable)

•      U.S. Citizenship required

•      5+ years of mechanical engineering design experience in commercial or institutional buildings

•      Proficiency in Revit/BIM and AutoCAD

•      Experience with load calculation software (Trane Trace or Carrier HAP)

•      Working knowledge of RSMeans for cost estimating

•      Strong communication skills - written, verbal, and client-facing


Preferred Background

•      Experience in K-12, higher education, or institutional/government building design

•      Familiarity with Bluebeam, SpecsIntact (DoD), or MasterSpec

•      Project leadership or project management experience

•      Proposal preparation experience


Why Join

•      Broad project exposure - all mechanical disciplines, full project lifecycle

•      Clear career path and growth projection

•      Competitive base salary + 90% of health insurance premiums covered by company

•      Summer alternate schedule (alternating Fridays off - June through August)