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Mechanical Engineer Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer/Designer

Vienna, VA · Hybrid

$76K - $103K/yr

Mechanical Engineer/Designer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects.

Mechanical Engineer/Designer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Mechanical Engineer/Designer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects.

Mechanical Designer

Powhatan, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Mechanical Designer / Mechanical Engineer (HVAC & Plumbing) Entry-Level to Experienced | Contract-to-Hire or Direct Hire Location: Richmond, VA (Local Projects Only) Pay: $70,000 - $100,000+ annually ...

Mechanical/HVAC understanding preferred * Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience * Strong problem-solving and communication skills Why Join Munters? * Global leader in sustainable ...

Mechanical/HVAC understanding preferred * Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience * Strong problem-solving and communication skills Why Join Munters? * Global leader in sustainable ...

Mechanical Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Our team is looking for a Mechanical Engineer with a focus in HVAC and Plumbing design. You will ... Designing HVAC and plumbing systems for facilities and built environments. * Position requires the ...

Mechanical Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$90K - $131K/yr

Our team is looking for a Mechanical Engineer with a focus in HVAC and Plumbing design. You will ... Designing HVAC and plumbing systems for facilities and built environments. * Position requires the ...

Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Our team is looking for a Mechanical Engineer with a focus in HVAC and Plumbing design. You will ... Designing HVAC and plumbing systems for facilities and built environments. * Position requires the ...

Develop plumbing system designs for new construction and renovation projects. * Select HVAC ... Manage mechanical engineering projects, including planning, scheduling, and tracking progress.

Develop plumbing system designs for new construction and renovation projects. * Select HVAC ... Manage mechanical engineering projects, including planning, scheduling, and tracking progress.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

... engineering designs and plans for mechanical utility systems (e.g., heating, ventilating, air ... conditioning, and refrigeration) as a part of complex construction projects  * Knowledge of DoD ...

New

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

... engineering designs and plans for mechanical utility systems (e.g., heating, ventilating, air ... conditioning, and refrigeration) as a part of complex construction projects * Knowledge of DoD and ...

New

Designs/Documentations services including site specific energy sources, energy conservation, energy ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related * Required : At least Two (2) years ...

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Create detailed mechanical designs, drawings, assemblies, and technical documentation in SolidWorks ... Mentor junior engineers by modeling technical rigor, practical problem-solving, strong ...

Create detailed mechanical designs, drawings, assemblies, and technical documentation in SolidWorks ... Mentor junior engineers by modeling technical rigor, practical problem-solving, strong ...

Mechanical Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

Mechanical Engineer Required Tasks: • Designs and develops mechanical and/or electromechanical products. • Conducts stress, structural/dynamic, and thermal design testing and analysis relating to ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$135 - $155/hr

... engineering designs and plans for mechanical utility systems (e.g., heating, ventilating, air ... conditioning, and refrigeration) as a part of complex construction projects * Knowledge of DoD and ...

Posted today

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

... engineering designs and plans for mechanical utility systems (e.g., heating, ventilating, air ... conditioning, and refrigeration) as a part of complex construction projects * Knowledge of DoD and ...

New

Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and experience designing and analyzing mechanical and optomechanical systems.Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).Ability to learn new ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Engineer Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$90.8K

$135.3K

How much do mechanical engineer designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer designer in Virginia is $90,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineer designer?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Designer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics, and a relevant engineering degree. Expertise with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like FE or PE is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborating with teams and developing innovative solutions. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient, and safe design processes that meet technical and client requirements.

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

AspectMechanical Engineer DesignerMechanical Drafter
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, PE license (optional)Associate degree or technical certificate in drafting or CAD
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesDesign departments, engineering firms, manufacturing plants
Job FocusConceptual design, analysis, and development of mechanical systemsCreating detailed technical drawings and plans from designs

Mechanical Engineer Designers focus on developing and analyzing mechanical systems, requiring engineering degrees and licenses. Mechanical Drafters primarily produce detailed drawings based on engineers' designs, often with technical certificates. Both roles work closely in the design process but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the typical collaboration practices for a mechanical engineer designer within a multidisciplinary team?

Mechanical Engineer Designers frequently work alongside electrical engineers, industrial designers, and project managers to develop innovative products or systems. Regular collaboration involves participating in design reviews, sharing CAD models, and integrating feedback to ensure mechanical components align with overall project requirements. Effective communication and openness to interdisciplinary input are essential, as successful designs often depend on harmonizing mechanical solutions with electrical and aesthetic considerations. This team-oriented environment fosters continuous learning and can lead to increased responsibilities or leadership roles as you gain experience.
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Designer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Designer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Designer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Mechanical Engineer Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineer Designer jobs in VA? For Mechanical Engineer Designer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,792 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer/Designer

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Vienna, VA • Hybrid

$76K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Mechanical Engineer/Designer

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary: The Mechanical Engineer/Designer serves to design HVAC systems for buildings such as multi-family, data centers, commercial interiors, retail/mixed-use spaces, and institutional.

General Duties:

  • Design Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning Systems for various types of facilities
  • Produce mechanical design drawings in AutoCAD and/or Revit software
  • Perform field investigations
  • Coordinate quality control, scheduling, and programming
  • Coordinate and communicate information and progress with all three disciplines (mechanical, electrical and plumbing)

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in an Engineering field.
  • Experience: 5+ years of experience in HVAC design and construction

Skills:

  • Technical Skills:
    • solid understanding of duct design, piping design, air handlers, heat pump, and boiler systems
    • experience with performing load calculations, equipment selection and design, wet and dry side system design
    • knowledge of IBC, IMC and IECC codes, DDC controls, HAP or Energy Pro
  • Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to work on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
  • Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.

Location: Tyson, VA (hybrid preferred), remote considered

Travel: minimal

Benefits:

This role is eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, 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/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

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