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

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

This role is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components such as Reactor Internal Structures, Steam Generator System, Helium Circulator ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

This role is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems, structures, and components such as Reactor Internal Structures, Steam Generator System, Helium Circulator ...

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

EMPLOYMENT We're looking for a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to design and analyze crane systems, supporting existing rebuilds and new product development. Key Responsibilities: * Develop ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Sterling, VA

$75K - $102K/yr

Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting-edge of innovation. Sr. Mechanical Engineers at Dedrone have full design ...

New

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting-edge of innovation. Sr. Mechanical Engineers at Dedrone have full design ...

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Mechanical Design Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$47.3K

$95.3K

$142K

How much do mechanical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design engineer in Reston, VA is $95,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,100.00 and $107,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mechanical design engineer do?

A Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices and systems. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed blueprints and models, ensuring that products meet required specifications and standards. Their work often involves problem-solving, selecting appropriate materials, and collaborating with other engineers and teams to bring a concept from idea to production. Mechanical Design Engineers are found in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and relevant certifications (like FE or PE) is highly valuable. Strong teamwork, creativity, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on multidisciplinary projects and present design solutions. These abilities are crucial for developing innovative, manufacturable designs that meet both technical requirements and client needs.

What are some typical challenges mechanical design engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Mechanical Design Engineers often collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing teams. One common challenge is ensuring that mechanical designs align with the requirements and constraints of other disciplines, such as electronics placement or thermal management. Effective communication and regular meetings are crucial to resolve conflicts, address design changes, and keep projects on schedule. Building strong cross-functional relationships helps Mechanical Design Engineers anticipate potential issues early and deliver integrated solutions.

What is the difference between Mechanical Design Engineer vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectMechanical Design EngineerMechanical Drafter
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredAssociate degree or technical diploma in drafting or CAD technology
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesDrafting departments, engineering firms, manufacturing settings
ResponsibilitiesDesigns, analyzes, and develops mechanical systems and componentsCreates detailed technical drawings and plans based on engineers' designs

The main difference is that Mechanical Design Engineers focus on designing and developing mechanical systems, requiring engineering degrees and licenses, while Mechanical Drafters prepare detailed drawings based on engineers' concepts, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles work closely in the engineering process but serve different functions within the product development cycle.

What is the work of a Mechanical Design Engineer?

A Mechanical Design Engineer develops and creates mechanical systems, components, and products using CAD software and engineering principles. They analyze specifications, perform simulations, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are functional, efficient, and manufacturable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Mechanical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Mechanical Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,274 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

  • CAD platform , Manufacturing Processes , SolidWorks
About Our Client

Our client develops wearable and hearable systems for demanding real-world environments. They are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to own products from early architecture through prototype development, verification, tooling, and production release.

This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in ambiguous environments, moves quickly, and enjoys solving tightly coupled engineering challenges involving fit, comfort, acoustics, ruggedness, miniaturization, manufacturability, and reliability.

Responsibilities
  • Own mechanical design from concept and architecture through detailed design, verification, manufacturing release, and production support.
  • Explore multiple design concepts, define requirements, evaluate tradeoffs, and select the best solutions under evolving system constraints.
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings.
  • Design compact enclosures, mechanisms, cable and connector interfaces, mounts, and structural components for wearable products.
  • Build and evaluate prototypes using machining, additive manufacturing, and practical bench fabrication techniques.
  • Design products to withstand drop, impact, vibration, flex, ingress, sweat, temperature, wear, comfort, and long-term lifecycle performance.
  • Work directly with suppliers, toolmakers, and contract manufacturers on materials, tooling, process capability, cost, yield, quality, and production readiness.
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, RF, audio, firmware, industrial design, and leadership teams to deliver complete product solutions.
What Youโ€™ll NeedRequired Qualifications
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • 2โ€“5 years of hands-on product development experience. Exceptional recent graduates with strong, relevant project experience are also encouraged to apply.
  • Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, Creo, or a similar CAD platform.
  • Experience designing plastic, silicone, aluminum, titanium, and composite components.
  • Demonstrated ability to transform ambiguous requirements into tested, manufacturable hardware.
  • Strong fundamentals in mechanics, materials, tolerancing, joints, sealing, thermal considerations, and failure analysis.
  • Experience with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, FDM, and SLA 3D printing.
  • Ability to manage fast-moving projects while balancing performance, size, weight, cost, schedule, and manufacturability.
  • Experience with wearables, hearables, consumer electronics, medical devices, robotics, defense products, or ruggedized systems is highly valued.
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