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Product Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

gaylor

Design Engineer

Richmond, VA

As part of Gaylor Electric's Production Innovation Center , this role also supports the design and continuous improvement of modular electric room skid solutions--bridging engineering, manufacturing ...

gaylor

Design Engineer

Indianapolis, IN

As part of Gaylor Electric's Production Innovation Center , this role also supports the design and continuous improvement of modular electric room skid solutions--bridging engineering, manufacturing ...

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All JobsProduct Design Engineer JobsProduct Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Product Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$60.5K

$130.4K

$155.2K

How much do product design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for product design engineer in Virginia is $130,446.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $153,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Product Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Design Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, problem-solving, and proficiency in industry-standard CAD software, typically backed by a degree in mechanical or product design engineering. Familiarity with tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and rapid prototyping technologies, as well as knowledge of manufacturing processes, is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration set exceptional candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure innovative, manufacturable, and user-centered products that meet both technical requirements and market demands.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Product Design Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and working in high-paying industries like technology or aerospace. Senior engineers with leadership roles or specialized expertise often reach this salary level.

What is the difference between Product Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProduct Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Industrial, or Product Design; CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labs, manufacturing settingsManufacturing plants, design offices, research labs
Industry UsageConsumer products, electronics, automotive, aerospaceMachinery, automotive, aerospace, energy

Product Design Engineers focus on creating and developing new products, emphasizing user experience and aesthetics, while Mechanical Engineers often work on designing and analyzing mechanical systems and components. Both roles require strong CAD skills and engineering fundamentals, but Product Design Engineers are more involved in the conceptual and aesthetic aspects, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on functionality and structural integrity.

What are some common challenges faced by Product Design Engineers during the product development process?

Product Design Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must also ensure that the product meets safety, regulatory, and usability standards, which often involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams like manufacturing, marketing, and quality assurance. Additionally, adapting to changing project requirements and tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards can be demanding. Overcoming these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and agility in managing multiple priorities.

What does a product design engineer do?

A product design engineer develops and improves products by combining engineering principles with user needs, often using CAD software and prototyping tools. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct testing, and ensure designs meet safety and quality standards throughout the development process.

What are Product Design Engineers?

Product Design Engineers are professionals who develop and refine products, focusing on functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. They work collaboratively with teams from engineering, manufacturing, and marketing to design products that meet customer needs and business goals. Their responsibilities include concept development, prototyping, testing, and ensuring products are manufacturable and cost-effective. Product Design Engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software and often coordinate with suppliers and clients throughout the product development lifecycle.

What Is a Product Design Engineer?

A product design engineer plans and creates safe and functional products for businesses. You take a product idea and research the various ways to effectively implement it. This research often involves gathering data out in the field and networking with other industry experts. Your job duties include designing quality products, keeping up with the latest market trends, and determining cost impacts for the resources used in their designs. You may also develop new products and work to improve existing ones.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced product design engineers, especially those in senior or executive roles at large technology companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often leadership responsibilities in innovative or high-demand sectors.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior product design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and a strong portfolio can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like technology and aerospace. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, leadership roles, and working in competitive markets or companies with high compensation packages.
More about Product Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Product Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Product Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Product Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Product Design Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Product Design Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Product Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Product Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Product Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Product Design Engineer jobs in VA? For Product Design Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Product Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,446 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Mechanical Product Design Engineer

Qualdoc

Chesterfield, VA

$95K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Mechanical Product Design Engineer

Location: Chesterfield, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Salary: From $95,000 per year (higher compensation available based on experience)

About the Role

We are hiring a Mechanical Product Design Engineer to support the design, development, and continuous improvement of heavy mechanical equipment used in industrial lifting, maintenance, and emergency response applications.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys taking products from concept through production while collaborating with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and field personnel to deliver reliable, high-quality equipment.

Schedule
  • 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off)
  • On-site in Chesterfield, VA
  • Approximately 10% travel for inspections, manufacturing support, vendor visits, customer locations, and field activities
  • Occasional after-hours support may be required during emergency situations
What You'll Do
Product Design
  • Design new mechanical equipment and improve existing products.
  • Create 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or comparable parametric CAD software.
  • Perform engineering calculations and reverse engineering when needed.
  • Validate designs through Finite Element Analysis (FEA), prototype evaluations, testing, and field verification.
  • Develop solutions that improve equipment performance, safety, serviceability, manufacturability, reliability, and cost efficiency.
  • Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, calculations, and design records.
  • Ensure designs comply with engineering standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.
Project Execution
  • Support projects from concept through manufacturing, testing, commissioning, implementation, and ongoing product support.
  • Assist with equipment rebuilds, upgrades, inspections, repair planning, and troubleshooting.
  • Work closely with manufacturing teams, operations, suppliers, and leadership to help keep projects on schedule.
  • Provide technical support for production, field service, inspections, and customer-related engineering issues.
  • Verify products are built according to engineering specifications and quality expectations.
Continuous Improvement
  • Solve technical challenges using sound engineering principles.
  • Participate in product standardization and quality improvement efforts.
  • Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and customers.
  • Manage multiple assignments while adapting to changing priorities.
  • Stay informed on current engineering methods, equipment technologies, and applicable industry standards.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
  • Experience with SolidWorks or similar parametric CAD software.
  • Working knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the ability to validate analysis using engineering calculations.
  • Understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing methods, and engineering documentation.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments.
  • Strong project and time management skills.
  • Commitment to engineering quality and workplace safety.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 10%.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) designation.
  • CSWA or CSWP SolidWorks certification.
  • Experience designing heavy equipment, industrial machinery, mobile equipment, or cranes.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems.
  • Experience supporting products throughout manufacturing, testing, and field deployment.
  • Familiarity with industry standards such as OSHA, ASME, AWS, AAR, or equivalent
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate throughout the workday.
  • Ability to climb on equipment during inspections, testing, and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Comfortable working in both office and industrial environments.
  • Willingness to work extended hours or provide emergency support when business needs require.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020

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