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Junior Design Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Sr Mechanical Engineer - MEP

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

The Design Engineer P.E. will plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate the activities and performance of direct reports. This person needs to be a leader who helps to mentor and teach junior engineers.

Sr Mechanical Engineer - MEP

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

The Design Engineer P.E. will plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate the activities and performance of direct reports. This person needs to be a leader who helps to mentor and teach junior engineers.

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Junior Design Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$34.9K

$74.7K

$113.9K

How much do junior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior design engineer in Reston, VA is $74,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $83,200.00 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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, software, aerospace, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. These roles often require specialized knowledge, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Design Engineer, and why are they important?

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and a high level of expertise in their field.

How much do junior design engineers earn?

Junior design engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and level of experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What does a junior design engineer do?

A junior design engineer assists in developing and modifying product designs, often using CAD software. They support senior engineers by preparing drawings, conducting research, and ensuring designs meet specifications and standards. This role typically requires basic engineering knowledge and attention to detail.

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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Junior Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Junior Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Junior Design Engineer job openings:
Principal Electrical Design Engineer

Principal Electrical Design Engineer

Trident Systems LLC

Sterling, VA • On-site

$114K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Principal Electrical Design Engineer
Requisition ID: 1766
Position Location: Sterling, VA
Position Reports To: Manager, Space Electronic Systems
Supervises Others: No

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.

Position Summary

An SES Principal Electrical Engineer will support a wide range of electrical design projects. You will contribute to all aspects of the full product lifecycle: from requirements development, through preliminary design, critical design, prototype, test, and production. A Principal Engineer is expected to work highly independently on their assignments, and provide guidance to more junior level staff on electrical designs when needed. An Engineer at this level is expected to have an expertise in one or more areas of electronics design and test and be a source of knowledge and resource for others in the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Designs analog and/or digital circuits in Orcad and/or Allegro, including schematic capture
  • Performs analysis of circuit designs, to include worst case analysis, stress analysis, and reliability analysis
  • Performs debug and checkout of first unit designs
  • Performs troubleshooting of production hardware as required
  • Authors and releases drawings, bills of materials, users guides, requirements documents for hardware
  • Performs simulation of circuit designs as required
  • Performs review of others’ designs, analysis, and assist more junior staff with debug and hardware checkout
  • Mentors others in the organization
  • Leads technical discussion, and may be asked to lead a small technical team or development
  • Ability and willingness to interface directly with external customers, and senior leadership within the organization
  • Ability to work to deadlines and self-manage schedule and priorities
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. with 9 years of related experience (or Graduate degree with 7 years)
  • Experience with electrical CAD design in OrCAD and Allegro, or Altium
  • Experience performing or reviewing electrical analysis, such as worst case, stress and FMECA
  • Experience with benchtop testing and debugging of analog and/or digital hardware
  • Electrical test plan/procedure generation
  • Fluency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Visio, and Excel

Preferred Qualifications

  • Building and designing of test equipment, including test script development using Matlab, Simulink, C, or Python
  • Experience with design for a radiation environment
  • Experience in space or related field
  • Good communication skills, including written and presentation skills

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $114,000 - $211,000
Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

  • Health benefits
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Basic life with AD&D
    • Short term disability
    • Long term disability
    • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
    • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays
  • 401(k) (including company match)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
  • Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)


Trident Solutions is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@tridsys.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)