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Junior Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Intellectt INC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Henrico, VA · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Henrico, VA (Onsite) Job Summary Seeking a Mechanical Design ... Thanks & Regards, Mahalakshmi Junior Recruiter Intellectt Inc mahalakshmi.n@intellectt.com Direct ...

Actalent

Structural Design Engineer

Winchester, VA

As a junior-level structural design engineer, you will work closely with the firm's leadership, gain hands-on experience in both Building Information Modeling (BIM) and traditional CAD environments ...

New

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Charlottesville, VA

$71K - $96K/yr

Occasionally mentor junior engineers, sharing best practices, reviewing their work, and supporting their technical development. * Contribute to project coordination efforts, including design reviews ...

Arlington County, VA

Water Design Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$83K - $149K/yr

The Design Engineer at the senior-level (Engineer III) is expected to perform the specific duties ... The junior-level (Engineer I) is expected to perform the specific duties listed below with ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 3, 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 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.

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 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 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 technical specifications and safety standards.

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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,184 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Junior Mechanical Equipment Design Engineer

Qualdoc

Chesterfield, VA • On-site

$80K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Junior Mechanical Equipment Design Engineer

Location: Chesterfield, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: From $80,000 per year (higher compensation available based on experience)

Position Summary

We are looking for a Junior Mechanical Equipment Design Engineer to support the design, development, and improvement of heavy mechanical equipment used for lifting, maintenance, and emergency response operations. This role offers the opportunity to work on equipment from the initial concept stage through manufacturing, testing, field support, and continuous product improvements.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges, working with cross-functional teams, and contributing to projects that require practical, real-world engineering solutions.

Work Schedule
  • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Based in Chesterfield, VA
  • Occasional travel to manufacturing facilities, supplier locations, customer sites, and field operations
  • May be asked to assist with emergency response activities outside normal business hours when needed
Primary Responsibilities
Mechanical Design
  • Design new mechanical equipment and update existing systems to improve functionality and performance.
  • Create engineering solutions using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
  • Perform engineering calculations, reverse engineering, CAD modeling, prototyping, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate designs.
  • Evaluate opportunities to improve product reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, safety, and overall cost efficiency.
  • Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, bills of materials, calculations, and technical documentation.
  • Ensure all designs meet applicable engineering standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.
Project Support
  • Assist with engineering projects from concept through production, testing, implementation, and ongoing product support.
  • Participate in equipment inspections, rebuilds, repair planning, upgrades, testing, and commissioning activities.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and project teams to support production schedules and successful project completion.
  • Provide technical assistance during troubleshooting, field inspections, customer support visits, and equipment evaluations.
  • Help ensure products are manufactured according to engineering specifications and quality expectations.
Engineering & Continuous Improvement
  • Apply sound engineering principles to solve technical challenges.
  • Support quality improvement, product standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Communicate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers.
  • Manage multiple assignments while adapting to changing project priorities.
  • Continue developing knowledge of mechanical systems, engineering standards, and industry best practices.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Experience using SolidWorks or similar parametric CAD software.
  • Working knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the ability to verify results using engineering calculations.
  • Understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing methods, and engineering documentation.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Commitment to workplace safety and engineering quality.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Ability to travel approximately 10% for customer support, inspections, and field assignments.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification.
  • CSWA or CSWP SolidWorks certification.
  • Experience with heavy equipment, cranes, industrial machinery, or mobile equipment.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems.
  • Experience supporting products through manufacturing, testing, and field implementation.
  • Familiarity with OSHA, ASME, AWS, AAR, or comparable engineering and safety standards.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate throughout the workday.
  • Ability to climb onto equipment during inspections, testing, and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work safely in office, manufacturing, and industrial environments.
  • Ability to work extended hours or respond to emergency situations when business needs require.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020

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