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Manufacturing Engineering Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

This includes deliverable engineering development units (EDUs) and flight units as well as low-rate initial production. In addition to manufacturing execution, this role oversees production planning ...

R&D Manufacturing Director

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

This includes deliverable engineering development units (EDUs) and flight units as well as low‑rate initial production. In addition to manufacturing execution, this role oversees production ...

R&D Manufacturing Director

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

This includes deliverable engineering development units (EDUs) and flight units as well as low-rate initial production. In addition to manufacturing execution, this role oversees production planning ...

Our client is seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead the manufacturing of ... This includes engineering development units (EDUs), flight units, and early production builds. This ...

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Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Validation, and Quality teams to ensure validation deliverables are completed on time and in compliance with applicable procedures and regulations. * Assess ...

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Manufacturing Engineering information

See Reston, VA salary details

$49.4K

$89.1K

$124.8K

How much do manufacturing engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing engineering 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 manufacturing engineering?

Manufacturing engineering is a branch of engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and improving manufacturing processes, systems, and equipment. Manufacturing engineers work to make production more efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality by implementing new technologies, optimizing workflows, and ensuring safety and sustainability. They collaborate closely with other departments to bring products from design to production, troubleshoot issues, and continuously improve operations. This field is vital in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods.

How does a manufacturing engineer typically collaborate with other departments to improve production processes?

Manufacturing Engineers work closely with cross-functional teams, such as design, quality assurance, and operations, to optimize production processes. They often participate in meetings to review product designs, address manufacturing challenges, and develop solutions that enhance efficiency and quality. Regular collaboration with maintenance and supply chain teams is also common, ensuring equipment reliability and timely material flow. This teamwork fosters a dynamic environment where continuous improvement is encouraged, and successful projects can lead to increased responsibility and advancement opportunities.

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 generally need a degree in engineering (often mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing), along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC programming, Lean Manufacturing principles, and Six Sigma certification is commonly required. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are important soft skills for collaborating across departments and responding to production challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient production processes, reducing costs, and maintaining high product quality in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectManufacturing EngineeringMechanical Engineering
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 plants
Industry UsageHeavy in manufacturing, production, and process optimizationBroader, including automotive, aerospace, energy, and product design
Common Search/ComparisonManufacturing EngineeringMechanical Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering focuses on designing, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes and systems within production environments. Mechanical Engineering covers a broader scope, including design, analysis, and development of mechanical systems across various industries. While both roles require engineering degrees and share some certifications, Manufacturing Engineers specialize in production efficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers often work on product design and development.

Are manufacturing engineers in demand?

Manufacturing engineers are in demand due to ongoing needs for process optimization, automation, and quality control in manufacturing industries. Employment prospects are strong in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics, especially for those with skills in CAD, PLCs, and lean manufacturing principles.

What does a manufacturing engineer do?

A manufacturing engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, quality, and safety. They analyze production workflows, select appropriate tools and equipment, and often use CAD software to optimize operations. The role typically requires knowledge of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Reston, VA?

For Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Manufacturing Engineering jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Manufacturing Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Engineering job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,068 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer-Laurel, Maryland

Glen Echo, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with engineering teams to develop manufacturing plans, process flows, work instructions, and production strategies for prototype hardware.

  • Coordinate with engineers, machinists, technicians, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project execution.

  • Serve as the subject matter expert for mechanical fabrication technologies and support the application of design for manufacturing principles.


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Are you interested in working in a state-of-the-art manufacturing center that helps develop hardware for space, land, sea, and air applications?
Are you motivated to help provide mechanical manufacturing solutions that address our nation's most pressing challenges?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to help us ensure the successful delivery of large, critical, and complex manufacturing projects through technical expertise in manufacturing. The ME will work with staff at all levels to implement design for manufacturing principles, manage operations, improve quality, and drive continuous improvement.
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will collaborate with engineers, designers, machinists, and program teams to solve some of the nation's most challenging technical problems. You will provide manufacturing leadership from concept through fabrication, influencing design decisions and manufacturing process to improve quality and performance, reduce cost and schedule risk, and ensure the successful fabrication of complex mechanical hardware.
As a Manufacturing Engineer you will...
  • Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for many mechanical fabrication technologies (e.g., machining, additive manufacturing, welding, sheet metal, composites, etc.), supporting space, land, sea, and air programs.
  • Partner with engineering teams to apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles that improve manufacturability, quality, cost, and schedule.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to translate design intent into effective manufacturing solutions.
  • Develop manufacturing plans, process flows, work instructions, and production strategies for prototype hardware
  • Leverage ERP/MRP systems to support production planning, routing, material management, and manufacturing execution.
  • Coordinate with engineers, machinists, technicians, inspectors, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project execution.
  • Develop manufacturing estimates, schedules, and resource plans for complex fabrication efforts.
  • Lead or support R&D initiatives to evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing technologies and processes.
  • Stay current with emerging manufacturing technologies, industry standards, and best practices.
  • Help strengthen APL's manufacturing ecosystem through technical leadership and continuous process improvement.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Have 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience across multiple fabrication processes, with broad knowledge of mechanical fabrication and deep expertise in one or more of the following: 3- and 5-axis CNC machining, turning, EDM, sheet metal fabrication, welding, additive manufacturing, composites, or tooling/mold design.
  • Experience developing prototype hardware and transitioning designs into manufacturing.
  • Experience with CAD tools such as CREO or SolidWorks.
  • Can interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to support manufacturing and inspection activities.
  • Demonstrate strong planning, communication, and collaboration skills while working with multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing teams.
  • Are willing and able to work in a laboratory environment and travel as needed to support testing, sponsor engagements, conferences, and technical presentations.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience performing mechanical stress analyses and evaluating structural failure modes.
  • Have experience with PLM and ERP/MRP systems to support engineering change management, production planning, and manufacturing execution.
  • Have experience planning, developing, or optimizing manufacturing facilities, production layouts, or new manufacturing capabilities.
  • Have led manufacturing process improvements or implemented new manufacturing technologies that improved quality, cost, schedule, or throughput.
  • Have supported hardware through the full product lifecycle, from concept and prototype through production, assembly, and test.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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