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Mechanical Engineering Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$59K - $62K/yr

... developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We ... a ship's major mechanical components and systems. Their work takes place on naval vessels at ...

$59K - $62K/yr

... developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We ... a ship's major mechanical components and systems. Their work takes place on naval vessels at ...

$59K - $62K/yr

... developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We ... and mechanized techniques. All work will meet stringent nondestructive testing requirements ...

Showing results 21-40

Mechanical Engineering Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$102K

$165.1K

How much do mechanical engineering trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering trainee 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 trainee?

Mechanical Engineering Trainees are entry-level professionals or recent graduates who work under the supervision of experienced engineers to learn practical skills and gain hands-on experience in the field of mechanical engineering. Their responsibilities may include assisting with design, analysis, testing, and maintenance of mechanical systems or products. The trainee period helps them understand industry standards, tools, and workflows, preparing them for more advanced engineering roles in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Trainee, a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and problem-solving abilities is essential, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (like SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help trainees effectively collaborate and learn from experienced engineers. These skills are crucial for successfully contributing to projects, addressing technical challenges, and developing into a competent mechanical engineer.

What types of projects and tasks can a mechanical engineering trainee expect to work on during their first year?

As a Mechanical Engineering Trainee, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on and design-oriented projects under the guidance of experienced engineers. Typical tasks include assisting with CAD modeling, performing basic calculations, supporting prototype development, and helping with testing and data collection. You may also participate in team meetings, collaborate with other departments like manufacturing or quality assurance, and contribute to process improvement initiatives. These experiences are designed to build your technical skills and provide exposure to the full product development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Trainee vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineering TraineeMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in mechanical engineeringBachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship or entry-level position, often in manufacturing or design firmsDesign departments, engineering firms, or manufacturing companies
Job FocusLearning, assisting, and gaining practical experience in mechanical systemsCreating, analyzing, and improving mechanical designs and components

The main difference is that a Mechanical Engineering Trainee is an entry-level role focused on learning and gaining experience, while a Mechanical Design Engineer is a specialized professional responsible for designing mechanical systems. Trainees often work under supervision, whereas Design Engineers handle complex projects independently.

How do I get my first job as a mechanical engineering trainee?

To secure your first mechanical engineering trainee position, build a strong foundation with a relevant degree or diploma, gain practical experience through internships or projects, and develop skills in CAD software and basic engineering principles. Networking with industry professionals and applying through company career portals or job boards can also improve your chances.
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 job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineering Trainee jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineering Trainee jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Trainee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Mechanical Engineering Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Trainee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,996 per year, or $49 per hour.

(DoW SkillBridge), Specialist, Integration & Test Engineer

L3HHCM20

Herndon, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Title: (DoW SkillBridge), Specialist, Integration and Test Engineer

Job Code: 29068

Job Location: Herndon, VA

Job Schedule: 1st shift, 9/80

L3Harris' DoW SkillBridge is connecting transitioning service members to career training opportunities within our organization. We will provide service members with valuable civilian work experience through industry specific training, certifications and on the job experience during their DoW SkillBridge internship to help them ready themselves for their next mission.

L3Harris aims to attract and retain veteran talent and to help bridge the gap between their military service and civilian careers within our organization. L3Harris is eager to share our knowledge and experience with our service members. This internship is an opportunity for the service member to gain a full understanding of the job position outlined below.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DOW SKILLBRIDGE JOB OPPORTUNITES YOU MUST BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE U.S. MILITARY WITH 180 DAYS OF SERVICE OR FEWER REMAINING PRIOR TO YOUR DATE OF SEPARATION AND HAVE AT LEAST 180 CONTINUOUS DAYS OF ACTIVE SERVICE.

Job Description: 

This Integration and Test Engineer will be part of our training team that provides technical training for a complex communications system. This Integration and Test / Technical trainer needs to experience in developing and executing structured training sessions tailored to customer needs, ensuring knowledge retention and effective skills transfer. The engineer needs to have strong teaching skills with an adaptable approach to meet various learning styles and technical aptitudes. Exceptional customer service skills to engage effectively with customer groups and trainees, fostering a supportive and positive learning environment. Capacity to quickly learn and master complex technologies, including advanced system support equipment, and relay this expertise in accessible, practical terms. Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities, with experience in identifying, diagnosing, and resolving system issues to maintain smooth operation. Experience working with cross-functional design teams to stay up to date on system updates, gather insights, and incorporate feedback into training content.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 6 years' experience in operating, testing and troubleshooting complexed electronic based systems. The ideal candidate would also have training certifications such from military programs (tech schools). The successful candidate will be responsible for integration of customized software and hardware in a quick paced, engineering oriented environment.  This engineer will maintain development, test and production environments while integrating new technologies and maintaining system stability. This engineer will support creation of training material and conduct training of the products to the end user.

 Essential Functions:

  • Support the set-up, configuration, and documentation of hardware and software systems under test, including loading custom and commercial software onto multiple systems
  • Developing and executing structured training sessions
  • Builds, configures, troubleshoots, and integrates new and existing configuration items (hardware) packages to provide service enhancements, application deployments and infrastructure upgrades
  • Responsible for configuration hardware, mastering the system and training others to successfully use the system.
  • Supports training system operations
  • Ability to take ownership of training classes through completion
  • Long periods of travel is required

Qualifications:

  • BS/BA (or equivalent) in Optical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field, and minimum 6 years Software or systems experience or Graduate's degree and 4 years software or systems experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior military or related experience
  • TS/SCI W/ Poly Clearance is required.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience in STEM (Optical, Electrical, mechanical engineering)
  • Leading technical training or maintaining sensitive optical equipment including Calibration
  • Engineering principles, especially verification/validation.
  • US Military Training Certifications
  • Self-motivated individual able to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Direct experience interfacing with customer personnel and leadership
  • Demonstrated ability and desire to learn from self-training as well as via transfer of experience and technique
  • Demonstrated humble, leadership in small, diverse team, fast paced environment
  • Strong communication ability: verbal and written using MS Word and PowerPoint
  • Experience communicating and presenting complex technical issues to various audiences (technical counterparts, program management, customer leadership, etc.)
  • Strong ability to develop and manipulate MS Excel
  • Training the trainer certifications