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Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Virginia

Mechanical Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$90K - $155K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer designs, models, fabricates, integrates, and evaluates mechanical solutions ... Recent experience with Group 1 or Group 2 unmanned systems is preferred; relevant Group 3 ...

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... Perform process coordination between architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and all ...

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... Perform coordination between architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical ...

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... May interface with various team members, architects, and mechanical contractors/engineers. * Work ...

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Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad information

What does a mechanical engineer recent grad do?

A Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad assists in designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems or products. They typically work on tasks such as creating technical drawings, running simulations, conducting experiments, and supporting senior engineers in project work. Recent grads often work in industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or energy, gaining hands-on experience and building their engineering skills. They also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, learn industry standards, and may help troubleshoot mechanical problems. This role serves as a foundation for professional growth and prepares them for more advanced engineering responsibilities.

What types of projects can a recent graduate in mechanical engineering expect to work on during their first year?

As a recent graduate, you can expect to be involved in a variety of entry-level projects such as assisting with product design, performing basic calculations and simulations, supporting prototype development, and preparing technical documentation. You'll often collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement—to gain exposure to different aspects of the engineering process. This hands-on experience is designed to build your technical skills, familiarize you with industry standards, and prepare you for more complex responsibilities as you advance.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and experience with simulation tools like ANSYS, are typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help distinguish you in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are vital to successfully design, analyze, and implement engineering solutions that meet project and industry requirements.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineer Recent GradMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internship experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, some design coursework
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, manufacturing or R&D settingsDesign-focused tasks, CAD software, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy sectorsProduct design firms, engineering consultancies, industrial equipment

The main difference between a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad and a Mechanical Design Engineer lies in their experience and focus. Recent grads are just starting their careers with foundational skills, while Mechanical Design Engineers typically have some experience in design processes and software. Both roles often overlap in industry and credentials, but the Design Engineer role emphasizes design-specific tasks and software proficiency.

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

Veraxx Engineering Corporation, a By Light Company is an engineering services company supplying modeling, simulation, and training solutions.  Services include hardware, software, and system engineering, requirements assessments, system development, integration, testing, documentation, and customer support services. Veraxx has a high level of expertise in flight simulation hardware and software development, as well as computer architecture, tactical environments, interoperability (HLA/DIS), avionics systems, graphics and real-time embedded systems. 

Position Overview

By Light is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and integration of flight simulation and training systems across multiple programs. Assignments will vary based on program needs and may involve new system development, upgrades to existing trainers, and integration of mechanical and electronic hardware.

This position is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who enjoys hands-on design, learning from experienced engineers, and working with multidisciplinary teams. The role provides opportunities to develop skills in mechanical design, equipment mounting, interface definition, prototyping, documentation, and system integration.

Responsibilities
  • Support the mechanical design of flight simulation and training systems, including  structures, equipment mounts, control interfaces, and cable-routing features.
  • Assist with defining mechanical interfaces, alignment requirements, and integration constraints across a variety of simulator and training-system platforms.
  • Prepare design materials and support Systems Engineering Technical Reviews (SETRs), including SRR, PDR, and CDR, under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Design and integrate cockpit hardware, flight controls, visual systems, and mixed reality (MR) equipment, including mounts, sensors, and cable routing.
  • Collaborate with systems, software, electrical, and manufacturing teams during design, integration, testing, and subsystem acceptance.
  • Develop and revise 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and fabrication documentation using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.
  • Support rapid prototyping and development using in-house 3D printing and other fabrication methods.
  • Participate in mechanical verification and validation activities, including fit, form, function, and basic failure mode assessments.
Required Experience/Qualifications
  • 0-3 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience; internships, co-op assignments, senior design projects, and other hands-on project experience are valued.
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • Foundational understanding of mechanical design principles, including materials, tolerancing, structural design, and manufacturing methods.
  • Working knowledge of 3D CAD software; Autodesk Inventor experience is preferred, and SolidWorks or similar CAD experience is acceptable.
  • Ability to create and interpret mechanical drawings, assemblies, and technical documentation.
  • Hands-on interest in prototyping, fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, or 3D printing.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to manage assigned tasks, respond to feedback, and support multiple projects in a collaborative engineering environment.
Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Internship, co-op, academic, or project experience involving mechanical design, complex electromechanical systems, or system integration.
  • Exposure to flight simulation, aerospace, defense, robotics, or other high-reliability systems.
  • Experience integrating computer, electronic, sensor, or control hardware into mechanical assemblies.
  • Familiarity with configuration management, revision-controlled CAD data, or product lifecycle management tools.
  • Awareness of ergonomic, safety, MIL-STD, or size, weight, and power (SWaP) design considerations.
Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance
Salary Range

Salary Minimum: $65,000

Salary Maximum: $85,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Employment Type: OTHER