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Junior Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Provide technical leadership and engineering guidance to project teams and junior engineers. * Facilitate engineering discussions, working groups, and design reviews across technical stakeholders.

AV Design Engineer 3 - Tysons, VA

Tysons, VA · On-site

$81K - $107K/yr

We are seeking an AV Design Engineer 3 to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES) business ... Demonstrated experience performing technical cross-training/coaching of junior colleagues

Mission Intelligence Group is seeking a Junior Cloud Engineer to help design, implement, and optimize cloud-based solutions that support GEOINT missions. In this role, you will collaborate with ...

Mission Intelligence Group is seeking a Junior Cloud Engineer to help design, implement, and optimize cloud-based solutions that support GEOINT missions. In this role, you will collaborate with ...

Mission Intelligence Group is seeking a Junior Cloud Engineer to help design, implement, and optimize cloud-based solutions that support GEOINT missions. In this role, you will collaborate with ...

As a junior engineer at EXP, you'll work on a variety of applied engineering programs with the goal ... the design, development, troubleshooting, and debugging of cutting-edge software programs and ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 11, 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Junior Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Junior Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,184 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Peraton

Herndon, VA • On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Shape the Future of America's Skies with Peraton

Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep our nation's skies safe, secure, and connected.

We're seeking innovative professionals who thrive in high-impact, mission-driven environments and are excited to help transform the future of air traffic management. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world's most vital transportation infrastructures while collaborating with leaders in aviation, engineering, data science, and systems integration.

At Peraton, you won't just support the mission-you'll help define it.

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Location: Herndon, VA 

We are seeking a Design Engineer for our Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) program to lead the systems engineering activities that support the design and implementation of new large-scale radio network equipment at more than a thousand FAA air traffic control centers across the United States. Applicants must have experience with site surveys, radio network configurations, racks and cable routings and have familiarity with safety and risk management issues while creating site installation engineering packages (detailed drawings, BOM, installation steps and schematics).This position will work closely with our FAA client, Peraton CAD drafters and schedulers, and third-party installation teams, and must be attentive to detail, have strong problem-solving ability and display strong communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct large-scale radio network planning, including site surveys, radio network configurations, racks and cable routings.
  • Create site installation engineering packages (detailed drawings, BOM, installation steps and schematics) to support implementation and deployment of radio communication equipment.
  • Develop system design packages that support site preparation, procurement, and installation activities.
  • Support development of site engineering packages required for radio equipment installations.
  • Perform requirements definition and system decomposition.
  • Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to support system modeling and documentation.
  • Conduct trade-off analyses to support engineering decisions and system design optimization.
  • Provide technical leadership and engineering guidance to project teams and junior engineers.
  • Facilitate engineering discussions, working groups, and design reviews across technical stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including field engineering, deployment teams, and program leadership to ensure design alignment with operational requirements.
  • Ensure designs comply with program standards, engineering best practices, and technical requirements.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 6 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 3 years with PhD; 10 years with an AS degree; 12 years in lieu of degree
  • US Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain a public trust clearance 
  • Experience with systems engineering processes, including requirements definition, system decomposition, and architecture development.
  • Experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles.
  • Ability to perform engineering trade studies and technical evaluations.
  • Experience providing technical leadership or mentorship within engineering teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to support technical working groups and design reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting radio communication systems with telecommunications infrastructure for interface, or similar technical deployments.
  • Familiarity with site survey analysis and site engineering documentation.
  • Experience supporting large federal or aviation-related programs.
  • Proficiency with engineering and design tools such as SysML, UML, and CAD.

#BNATCS 

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017