ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mechanical Engineer Startup Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

TekSky

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Hampton, VA About the job Senior Mechanical Engineer - UAS About ... As a fast-paced, veteran-owned startup, we are driven by one mission: delivering reliable, high ...

Psionic, LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Psionic, Inc. is seeking an early career Mechanical Engineer to help develop innovative ... We are a startup, focused on lidar sensors for autonomous vehicles. We are building a culture of ...

Psionic

Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

What a Great Mechanical Engineer will be doing This role focuses on developing next-generation ... We are a startup, focused on lidar sensors for autonomous vehicles. We are building a culture of ...

Psionic

Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Psionic, Inc. is seeking an early career Mechanical Engineer to help develop innovative ... We are a startup, focused on lidar sensors for autonomous vehicles. We are building a culture of ...

Toyon

Mechanical Engineer

Ashburn, VA

$125K - $165K/yr

Experience leading mechanical design projects through installation, submittals, and system startup * Professional Engineering license (active or ability to reactivate) WE OFFER AN EXCEPTIONAL ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Mechanical Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

Mechanical inputs to plant control systems, including startup and shutdown sequences, interlocks, trip logic, and PLC/DCS integration requirements * Perform site assessments, engineering calculations ...

MOLG Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Design and Development: Engage in the ... As a growing company and startup, priorities may shift as customer or business requirements change.

Progressive Design

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree from an ABET accredited school Job Responsibilities ... Our team's knowledge and hands-on experience can take projects from concept to startup. As a full ...

Progressive Design

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree from an ABET accredited school Job Responsibilities ... Our team's knowledge and hands-on experience can take projects from concept to startup. As a full ...

Progressive Design

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree from an ABET accredited school Job Responsibilities ... Our team's knowledge and hands-on experience can take projects from concept to startup. As a full ...

Asiacom Americas Inc.

Be Seen First

MEP Engineer (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineer)

Sterling, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... startup, and commissioning activities. · Verify installed systems meet operational and performance requirements. Operations and Maintenance Support · Assist in troubleshooting mechanical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Engineer Startup JobsMechanical Engineer Startup Jobs in Virginia

Mechanical Engineer Startup information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$102K

$165.1K

How much do mechanical engineer startup jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer startup in Virginia is $101,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $125,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineer at a startup compared to a larger company?

Mechanical Engineers in startup settings often take on a broader range of responsibilities, including designing components, building prototypes, testing products, and sometimes managing supply chain or manufacturing partners. Unlike in larger companies where roles can be highly specialized, startup engineers frequently wear multiple hats and get involved in early-stage product development, troubleshooting, and even customer feedback loops. This hands-on, cross-disciplinary environment offers rapid learning opportunities and direct impact on product direction. Team sizes are typically smaller, leading to more collaboration across functions like electrical engineering, software, and business operations. If you enjoy working on diverse tasks and seeing your ideas quickly brought to life, a startup can be an exciting and rewarding environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Mechanical Engineer Startup position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer in a startup environment, you need a solid background in mechanical design, prototyping, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), rapid prototyping tools, and hands-on fabrication methods is highly valued, along with relevant certifications like EIT or FE. Strong soft skills such as adaptability, creative thinking, and excellent teamwork are crucial for navigating the fast-paced, resource-constrained startup culture. These abilities are essential for driving innovation, overcoming technical and logistical challenges, and contributing effectively in a dynamic, collaborative setting.

What is a Mechanical Engineer Startup job?

A Mechanical Engineer Startup job involves designing, prototyping, and testing mechanical systems or products in an early-stage company. Engineers in this role often wear multiple hats, working on product development, manufacturing processes, and even cost optimization. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, designers, and business leaders, to bring innovations to market. The fast-paced startup environment requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and creativity.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in Virginia? For Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Mechanical Engineer Startup job openings:
Mechanical Engineer Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Startup job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,996 per year, or $49 per hour.
Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer

TekSky

Hampton, VA • On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Hampton, VA
About the job
Senior Mechanical Engineer - UAS
About Advanced Aircraft Company (AAC)
Do you want to be part of a culture that inspires people to think big, perform with excellence, and build products that matter? At Advanced Aircraft Company (AAC), we design and manufacture high-performance VTOL unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for defense and commercial applications. As a fast-paced, veteran-owned startup, we are driven by one mission: delivering reliable, high-performance systems that help save the lives of our men and women in uniform. Our work is inspired directly by the warfighter. If you have the passion, courage, and curiosity to solve difficult engineering problems, we invite you to help us build a world defined by Peace Through Strength.
Position Overview
AAC is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with deep intuition and hands-on experience in small UAS (sUAS) design. You will serve as the owner of the complete mechanical CAD assembly, leading the design, fabrication, integration, and sustainment of current and future aircraft hardware from early concept through flight testing and production. This role is highly hands-on, with an emphasis on execution, iteration, and practical engineering judgment in a fast-moving startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Mechanical Design Ownership
  • Own and maintain the master CAD assembly for AAC aircraft, ensuring high-fidelity models and accurate subsystem integration.
  • Manage configuration control and version tracking of all mechanical components.
  • End-to-End Product Development
  • Execute all stages of the product lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, flight testing, and manufacturing transition.
  • Design and refine composite structures, fuselages, flight surfaces, internal structures, component mounting solutions, propulsion systems, and payload integrations.
  • Design Iteration & Manufacturing Optimization
  • Redesign aircraft components to optimize manufacturability, reliability, weight, and performance.
  • Continuously improve fabrication and assembly processes to support efficient, scalable production (e.g., composite layups, machined parts, 3D-printed structures).
  • Technical Leadership
  • Serve as the mechanical technical lead, mentoring and guiding other engineers as the team grows.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to optimize system-level performance against mission requirements.

This is a 90% individual contributor / 10% leadership role, ideal for a senior engineer who leads by doing.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience & Expertise
  • 10+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience, with deep expertise in small UAS or aerospace systems.
  • Proven ability to design lightweight, high-performance flight hardware using sound engineering judgment and intuition.
  • Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in Autodesk Fusion 360.
  • Strong understanding of aircraft structural design, manufacturing methods, and mechanical integration.
  • Strong understanding of latest 3D printing techniques and material selection.
  • Communication
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to document designs and communicate technical decisions clearly.
  • Eligibility & Location
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Ability to work on-site at AAC's offices in Hampton, VA.

Desired Characteristics
  • Military or Defense Affinity
  • U.S. military veteran experience is a strong plus.
  • Drone Enthusiast Mentality
  • A true "drone nerd" who builds, flies, and experiments with UAS as a hobby.
  • Startup Mindset
  • Proactive, adaptable, and positive, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve quickly.
  • Research & Documentation
  • Strong research and documentation skills to rapidly increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of new designs.

Apply