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Professional Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Professional Engineer (PE)

Chantilly, VA

$84K - $112K/yr

Summary Our client, a leading utility engineering and construction company recognized as a Best Choice Employer for Utility and Network Construction, is seeking a Professional Engineer (PE) to ...

Stormwater/Stream Restoration Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

Collaborating with our experienced Water Professionals, you will support and lead the development ... As a Stormwater/Stream Restoration Engineer , you will evaluate, plan, design, permit, and support ...

Stormwater/Stream Restoration Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

Collaborating with our experienced Water Professionals, you will support and lead the development ... As a Stormwater/Stream Restoration Engineer , you will evaluate, plan, design, permit, and support ...

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Professional Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$46.1K

$96.2K

$135.3K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Virginia is $96,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $109,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional engineer?

Professional Engineers (PEs) are licensed engineers who have met the education, experience, and exam requirements established by their state or country. They are legally authorized to sign off on engineering projects, offer their services to the public, and take responsibility for the safety and integrity of engineering work. Becoming a PE typically involves earning an accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. The PE license signifies a high standard of competence and ethics in the engineering profession.

What does a professional engineer do?

A professional engineer uses mathematics and science to create safe and efficient buildings, machines, and applications. Engineers typically specialize in a particular field, such as aerospace, mechanical, or structural engineering. Your job duties vary depending on your area of expertise and employer but may include creating plans, designing machinery, or building skyscrapers. This career often involves a combination of office and field work. Frequent travel is an additional job requirement for many professional engineering jobs. Long hours and overtime work are also expected to meet deadlines.

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

To thrive as a Professional Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a degree in engineering, typically complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, along with ongoing continuing education, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help engineers deliver effective solutions and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure engineers can design safe, efficient systems and maintain high professional standards in complex technical environments.

What are some common challenges professional engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Professional Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, coordinating with diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to handle shifting deadlines and resource allocation. Collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and other engineers helps maintain project momentum and quality, while regular progress reviews ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.

What is the difference between Professional Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProfessional EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsRequires PE license, degree, work experience, examRequires degree, possibly fundamentals exam, but not license
Work EnvironmentDesign, review, sign off on projects, often in consulting or engineering firmsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in various industries
Industry UsageLicensed in engineering projects, legal responsibilityCommonly employed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more

The main difference between a Professional Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer is that the PE is licensed and authorized to sign off on engineering projects, ensuring legal and safety standards are met. Mechanical Engineers typically hold the necessary education and experience but do not have licensing requirements unless they pursue PE licensure. Both roles work closely in engineering fields, but the PE designation signifies a higher level of responsibility and legal accountability.

What can professional engineers do?

Professional engineers design, develop, and evaluate systems, structures, and products across various engineering disciplines. They apply technical knowledge, use tools like CAD software, and often require licensure to approve projects and ensure safety standards are met.

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

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in VA?

For Professional Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,231 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Professional Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site


Navy Exchange Service Command
Retail • 10K+ employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

277th of 737 rated retailers

People enjoy working here


$90.93 - $116.72/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description - Professional Engineer (2600016O)

Job Description

Professional Engineer Job Number

2600016O

Primary Location Organization

NEXCOMHQ Pay Range : $90,925 - $116,717 Based on exp

Job Summary

Licensed architect or engineer serving as Project Manager in the Facilities Division (Design and Construction Branch). Performs professional architectural/engineering work in connection with preparation of scope, written descriptions, schematic drawings and fixture plans of projects. Manages and coordinates design, prototype design standards, fixture plates, schedules, construction and budgets.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develops and/or reviews designs and estimated costs of construction of new buildings and renovations of Navy Exchanges, Mini-Marts, Warehouses and Navy Lodges worldwide. Assists in selecting architectural and engineering (AE) firms to prepare plans and specifications for such projects and related activities, and inspection and acceptance of construction sites.
  • Develops budget costs for new projects from preliminary plans and functional requirements originating from Navy Exchanges system-wide. Projects range from all Navy Lodges, old and new, to one-stop shopping complexes (large, multi-store, multi-purpose conglomerates costing up to approximately 14 million dollars), to such minor constructions or renovations projects as construction of gasoline dispensing facilities. Upon tentative approval, these projects form the basis of the NEXCOM Capital investment Program for the ensuing fiscal year(s).
  • Prepares scope of project, written description and schematic drawing of projects which form the basis for advertisement in connection with the selection of architectural and engineering (A/E) firms and renovation work to be done by NEXCOM in-house construction crew.
  • Provides resource forecasts and constraints for NEXCOM departments supporting/informing the project decisions and generates/modifies the design and construction schedules in coordination with code BP, the DOR (designer of Record), the Construction contractor and the end-user/customer.
  • Thoroughly understands the plans and specs of assigned project and is the focal point/SME for NEXCOM. Additionally, coordinated phasing requirements and incorporates those into the design and subsequent construction contracts to allow continued store operations where relevant/applicable.
  • Attends meetings of panels convened by NAVFACENGOM (or another executive agent) for the purpose of slating and selecting qualified A/E firms to prepare designs for projects. Participates in the interviewing of firm representatives to determine most qualified firm. Also, participates in technical evaluation review boards and source selection boards. Note: Voting panel membership usually requires professional licensing.
  • Actively participates and represents NEXCOM in pre-negotiation, pre-design and coordination meetings, chaired by execution agent representative with selected architectural and engineering firms and the field activities concerned for the purpose of instructing in specific design and construction procedures and requirements to be followed. Discusses and clarifies problem areas and answers technical architectural and engineering questions.
  • Reviews and coordinates with executive agent in such matters as scheduling; siting problems and relationship to other existing structures. Acts as primary point of contact (P.O.C.) and project representative with outside organizations such as NAVFAC, USACE, DeCA and local activities during design and construction phases.
  • Reviews, on a continuing basis, design submittals of contracted architect and engineering firm, for functional, technical and aesthetic adequacy, including their cost estimates. Where inadequacies and/or deficiencies are noted, advises architect and engineering firms of corrective submittal stages until final package is obtained. Coordinates with NAVFAC and other Navy commands as well as with the field activities concerned for concurrence of designs submitted.
  • Reviews long range master planning of the various Naval activities systemwide, with regard to Exchanges and lodges. Reviews for site-planning adequacy; advises Naval Facilities Engineering Command of corrections required, etc.
  • Approves drafts of purchase orders to NAVFACENGCOM for design construction and construction change orders, for the signature of the appropriate contracting officer in Acquisition Division in order to maintain control over non-appropriated project funds. Reviews bids received from executive agent to assure they are responsive; makes recommendations/decisions concerning award of contract and bid items.
  • Monitors construction progress, through NAVFAC, USACE, and DeCA to avoid slippages of schedules and budgets in compliance with contract documents. Where slippage occurs, contacts concerned NEXCOM divisions to advise and coordinate the revisions.
  • Develops prototype designs, fixture/finish plates, and technical manuals relating to standards, criteria and construction specifications for system wide Exchange facilities. Prepares guide specifications for types of work that occur frequently, problem areas frequently causing controversy or unsatisfactory finished work, can and should be standardized, and new materials for which adequate specifications have not been previously prepared.
  • Travel extensively to resolve on-site problems and to do field inspections of facilities scheduled for renovations.
  • Attends professional conventions, seminars and trade shows to keep abreast of latest products and techniques used in design, construction and project management.
  • Works under the general supervision of the Branch Manager who outlines general objectives and assigns projects. Incumbent works within the purview of directives and instructions promulgated by higher authority, which form the regulatory framework, as well as in accordance with professional architectural and engineering principles and practices.
  • Exercises considerable judgment in interpretation and application of NEXCOM policy and technical practices to cases and problems. Decisions and commitments generally affect other divisional branches; serious consequences or monetary loss may result from poor judgment. Work is monitored, for the most part, through discussions with Branch Manager and reviewed in terms of meeting of objectives.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Position requires travel to various locations that may account for 15% of job responsibility.

REQUIREMENT
  • Architect or Engineer License
  • Degree in architecture or engineering or related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture/engineering or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural/engineering design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems.
  • OR A combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural/engineering principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings.
  • AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Four years of responsible experience that demonstrated a knowledge of all architectural/engineering aspects of construction/renovation projects including coordinating and developing building design, specifications and cost estimating; or similar work which provided the knowledge and abilities to perform architectural or engineering work.
  • And a valid architecture or engineering license.
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