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Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Virginia

Gromelski & Associates

Mechanical Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

... Associates, Inc. (GAI) partners with prime contractors to provide professional services. Key service areas include Engineering Design and Documentation; Software Development and Testing; System ...

LaBella Associates

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Collaborate closely with the mechanical engineering team to formulate concepts, strategies ... LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies ...

LaBella Associates

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Collaborate closely with the mechanical engineering team to formulate concepts, strategies ... LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies ...

LaBella Associates

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Collaborate closely with the mechanical engineering team to formulate concepts, strategies ... LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies ...

Berriehill Research

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Are you a mechanical engineer virtuoso with a passion for engineering the world? Join us as a ... Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering ...

ARA

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Are you a mechanical engineer virtuoso with a passion for engineering the world? Join us as a ... Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering ...

Ara

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120 - $148/hr

Design mechanical equipment, components, and equipment-to-facility interfaces for chemical ... Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company ...

Stantec

Mechanical Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$90K - $131K/yr

Your Opportunity In this role, you will apply buildings mechanical engineering principles and ... LEED Green Associate or LEED AP is preferred. * Typical office environment working with computers ...

Stantec

Mechanical Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Your Opportunity In this role, you will apply buildings mechanical engineering principles and ... LEED Green Associate or LEED AP is preferred. * Typical office environment working with computers ...

Stantec

Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Your Opportunity In this role, you will apply buildings mechanical engineering principles and ... LEED Green Associate or LEED AP is preferred. * Typical office environment working with computers ...

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All JobsMechanical Engineering Associate JobsMechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Virginia

Mechanical Engineering Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$102K

$165.1K

How much do mechanical engineering associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering associate 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 is a mechanical engineering associate?

Mechanical Engineering Associates are early-career professionals who support engineering teams in designing, testing, and improving mechanical systems and products. They typically assist with creating technical drawings, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and solving engineering problems under the supervision of senior engineers. This role is often a starting point for recent graduates in mechanical engineering, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to learn industry practices. Mechanical Engineering Associates may work in various sectors, such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering associate?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Associate, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as exposure to industry standards like ASME, is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and convey technical concepts clearly. These capabilities ensure high-quality project outcomes and efficient integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What are the most common challenges faced by mechanical engineering associates when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering tasks?

One of the most common challenges Mechanical Engineering Associates encounter is adapting to the pace and complexity of real-world engineering projects compared to academic assignments. In industry, projects often involve tight deadlines, multidisciplinary teams, and the need to balance technical accuracy with practical constraints like budget and manufacturability. Associates must also become proficient in using industry-standard software and tools, and learn to interpret and apply company-specific standards. Effective communication with senior engineers and other departments is essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Associate vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineering AssociateMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or equivalentBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting roles in design, testing, and manufacturingDesign, analysis, and project management responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, product development, and technical supportDesign firms, industrial companies, and R&D departments

The Mechanical Engineering Associate typically holds an associate's degree and performs support tasks in engineering projects, while the Mechanical Engineer has a bachelor's degree and takes on more complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles are essential in engineering teams, but the associate role is more entry-level and supportive in nature.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings:

Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,996 per year, or $49 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Faculty

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

ECPI University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

555th of 623 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about ECPI Universityexternal

$1.8K - $1.9K/wk

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Compensation: $1,801 - $1,980 per course section. Compensation is determined by discipline, credential level, and course type. Ranges reflect good faith estimates based on current pay practices.
This position will work at ECPI University's Virginia Beach, VA campus location.
Transform your Career at ECPI University
Since 1966, the dedicated employees at ECPI University have helped students achieve their goals via practical training and career-focused education with over 50 Associates, Bachelor's and Master's Programs. Our culture is to prioritize our students' success through the support of our dynamic team and industry focused curriculum.
Visit www.ecpi.edu/employment to learn more about how you can help people improve their lives through education.
We are looking for instructors to teach in our undergraduate Mechanical Engineering program. This would be an ideal position for a Mechanical Engineering professional.
The School of Engineering Technology offers ABET accredited Baccalaureate degree programs in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Electronic Systems Engineering Technology.
Our terms are five weeks long and offer faculty the perfect environment in which to share their specific industry experiences to help students achieve learning outcomes. Candidates must be available evenings and weekends to support our busy adult learners.
Qualifications
Education/Certifications:
  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or in a related field with 18 graduate semester hours in the discipline from a regionally accredited educational institution; Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

Experience:
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD, Inventor or other 3D design software
  • Experience with Machine Tool Technology, CNC G-Code programming, and CAD/CAM software is a plus
  • 1 + years industry experience in a mechanical and/or manufacturing engineering field required; 7+ years career industry experience preferred.
  • Industry experience must be within the last 5 years.
  • Mechatronics candidates should have a strong background in control systems, instrumentation and measurements, and mechanical systems
  • Appropriate technical certification or licensure (if required)
  • Specifically looking for experience in any of the areas below:
  • Drafting & Modeling
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Manufacturing & machining
  • Machine Design & FEA
  • Thermal & Fluid Science

Required Skills:
  • The highest levels of integrity at all times.
  • Ability to quickly build connections with students using strong interpersonal skills (including approachability and empathy).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a 5-week accelerated course environment
  • Comfortable being first point of contact to troubleshoot software or technical concerns for students.

Benefits of Employment
ECPI University provides a comprehensive benefits program designed to help our faculty and staff stay healthy, feel supported, and maintain a work/life balance. To learn more about benefits at ECPI University, click HERE.
Committed to excellence and innovation, ECPI University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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