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

Artis, LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Herndon, VA

$115K - $180K/yr

M echanical Design Engineer III/IV Security Clearance An active security clearance or the ability ... complex mechanical systems. You will develop designs from concept to production, with hands-on ...

X Energy LLC

HVAC Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD

$77K - $105K/yr

X-energy LLC is hiring HVAC Mechanical Design Engineers to support a Plant & Process Design team. This role is responsible for designing and developing mechanical systems and components. It includes ...

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All JobsMechanical Design Engineer JobsMechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

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 Jul 17, 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 Is a Mechanical Design Engineer?

A mechanical design engineer is a professional who designs mechanical products or systems. Mechanical design engineers often work in every aspect of product development: conducting research, designing, prototyping, and testing. Mechanical design engineers use their knowledge of science, technology, design, and mathematics to meet the product requirements.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior mechanical design engineers working in industries like aerospace or defense with advanced skills and certifications may also reach this level, especially in leadership roles or with extensive experience.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management or technical expertise.

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 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.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Earning $200,000 annually as a mechanical design engineer is possible but typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, working in high-paying industries such as aerospace or automotive, and often holding senior or managerial positions. Salaries vary based on location, education, certifications, and the complexity of projects handled.

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 does a mechanical designer engineer do?

A mechanical design engineer develops, analyzes, and tests mechanical devices and systems, creating detailed drawings and specifications using CAD software. They collaborate with teams to ensure designs meet functional, safety, and manufacturing requirements, often working within project deadlines and industry standards.
More about Mechanical Design Engineer jobs
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:
Mechanical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,274 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Artis, LLC

Herndon, VA

$115K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Security Clearance

An active security clearance or the ability to obtain a clearance is required. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for security clearances.

Overview

You will work to develop new generations of sensing and real-time processing and actuation technologies in a fast-paced and exciting environment. As part of a small and dedicated team, you will be given immediate responsibility for designing and analyzing complex mechanical systems. You will develop designs from concept to production, with hands-on involvement to oversee parts fabrication, system assembly and validation testing along the way. Typical day-to-day work is done using CAD for design, along with analysis tools such as Excel and MATLAB. Prototype part fabrication often occurs in-house, with larger orders outsourced to local vendors under the engineer's direct supervision. Once parts or systems become available, validation testing occurs on a regular basis at internal Artis facilities and may occur at other test facilities.

This advanced position will also require the application of your experience across a wide range of design challenges including designing for a variety of manufacturing methods, thorough analysis of designs before fabrication, validation and failure analysis of produced parts and assemblies, and production documentation preparation and review. Additionally, your significant experience will be utilized to help guide the effort of those engineers on the team with less experience. You will also aid in the identification and implementation of new processes or design approaches to improve the quality of our products and efficiency of our engineering process.

Skills

  • Diverse design experience required, preferably to include design for military and/or automotive systems
  • Experience bringing a product to full-scale production preferred
  • Strong reasoning and math/science background
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Highly motivated, interested in learning and ready to take on a variety of tasks
  • CAD experience required (SolidWorks preferred)
  • FEA experience preferred (SolidWorks Simulation preferred)
  • Use of hand tools and measurement equipment required
  • Experience using basic fabrication equipment (mills, lathes, welders, etc.) preferred
  • Experience with MIL-STDs and qualification testing preferred
  • Computer Skills: Should be comfortable with standard Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.); experience with MATLAB and similar analysis tools preferred.
  • GD&T experience a plus

Work Environment

This position works in an office environment 75% of the time with remaining time spent in shop areas and indoor and outdoor testing areas.

Position Type

This is a full-time, exempt position. Work from home one day a week with generous flexibility on the other days.

Physical Demands

The employee will be required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee will be required to sit and climb or balance on a ladder at heights up to 10 ft. The employee will be required to work outdoors periodically in all weather conditions. The employee will be required to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Travel

Travel may be required up to 15% of the time.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years' experience, or related degree and experience

Preferred Education and Experience

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years' experience, or related degree and experience.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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