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Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

X Energy LLC

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$92.80K - $126.90K/yr

X-energy is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer responsible for translating complex nuclear component designs into manufacturable products for our small modular reactor program. This role ...

MSD

Engineer IV, Manufacturing Research

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$116.60K - $177.80K/yr

This position will work with a team of engineers and scientists to design and evaluate novel and high throughput manufacturing techniques for next generation diagnostic consumables, and eventually ...

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Manufacturing Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$49.4K

$89.1K

$124.8K

How much do manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing engineer in Reston, VA is $89,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $97,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Manufacturing Engineer?

A manufacturing engineer is a specialized engineer who improves product manufacturing processes. As a manufacturing engineer, your primary duties are to design and develop production systems and improve the tools and systems within the manufacturing process. You will use computer software such as CAD to create, modify, and test the products and manufacturing processes.

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

To thrive as a Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and quality control, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and experience with automation systems are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you effectively collaborate and drive continuous improvement. These abilities ensure efficient production processes, cost reduction, and high product quality in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges a Manufacturing Engineer faces in optimizing production processes?

Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing efficiency with product quality, minimizing production costs while maintaining safety standards, and implementing new technologies without disrupting existing workflows. They may also need to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinate with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and maintenance, to resolve issues quickly. Staying up-to-date with industry advancements and continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma is essential to overcoming these challenges and driving process enhancements.

What are Manufacturing Engineers?

Manufacturing Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and improve manufacturing processes in factories and production plants. They focus on increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring that products are made safely and cost-effectively. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers, quality control teams, and production staff to optimize workflows and integrate new technologies into manufacturing systems.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectManufacturing EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering; certifications like CMfgEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, manufacturing facilitiesDesign offices, research labs, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, industrial sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, energy, product design

Manufacturing Engineers focus on optimizing production processes and workflows within manufacturing environments, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Manufacturing Engineers are more involved in process improvement and production efficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers often work on product design and mechanical system development.

More about Manufacturing Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Manufacturing Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Manufacturing Engineer job openings:
Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,068 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA • Hybrid

$84K - $108.20K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Manufacturing Engineer to provide part-time hybrid support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will apply a strong technical background and relevant experience in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office (TTO). Will lead periodic performer assessments to analyze programmatic, technical, and schedule risks; develop risk mitigation strategies; and communicate findings to the Program Manager. Utilize a manufacturing background to evaluate technical concepts being pursued by the Tactical Technology Office. Will assist with program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, and other program execution operations. Assist in coordinate performer meetings, assessing performer task progress and projected performer outcomes, and ensure that project management best practices are followed both at subject performers and within DARPA itself.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline
  • Active DoD Secret clearance and eligible for TS/SCI
  • 5+ years of experience, including experience providing independent technical and cost analysis
  • Experience in program management functions
  • Previous hands-on experience leading the manufacturing of complex systems

Desired:

  • Master's degree or PhD
  • Experience in a Research and Development organization/role
  • Experience working with, and strong relationships within the DoD--specifically OSD, USAF, or USN
Employment Type: OTHER

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