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Professional Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Performs professional architectural/engineering work in connection with preparation of scope, written descriptions, schematic drawings and fixture plans of projects. Manages and coordinates design ...

$77K - $103K/yr

Defense Mission Professional The Opportunity: As a defense mission professional, you ask questions ... You will be responsible for defining mission architectures, managing multi-disciplinary engineering ...

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$102K/yr

Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: as a professional Engineer or Scientist performing Platform or DevSecOps software development activities to include administrating Kubernetes ...

Stormwater Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

In addition, this role may support professional engineering services during construction ... construction observation, review of shop drawings, responses to request for information (RFIs) and ...

Stormwater Engineer

Arlington, VA

$94K - $126K/yr

In addition, this role may support professional engineering services during construction ... construction observation, review of shop drawings, responses to request for information (RFIs) and ...

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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Showing results 1-20

Professional Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$46.1K

$96.2K

$135.3K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 are Professional Engineers?

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 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.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Professional engineers can earn $250,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in high-demand industries such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and employer, with senior-level positions and specialized skills commanding higher compensation.

What Do Professional Engineers 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 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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

High-level engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and engineering managers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often involve working in specialized industries, managing large projects, or overseeing teams in high-demand sectors like oil and gas, aerospace, or technology companies.

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 can you do as a professional engineer?

A professional engineer designs, develops, and evaluates systems, structures, or processes within their engineering discipline. They often hold a license that allows them to approve projects, sign off on plans, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Professional engineers work in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technology, using technical skills and tools like CAD software and engineering principles.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-demand industries.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,231 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Professional Engineer

Professional Engineer

Alexcom & Associates Inc

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Hiring CERTIFIED Professional Engineers and EIT's specializing in STRUCTURAL engineering; a branch of civil engineering dealing primarily with the design and construction of structures. Structural engineering deals with the construction, design and maintenance of load bearing structures. Must be proficient in structural analysis of structural components of residential and commercial buildings. A structural engineer is responsible for designing any kind of structure so that it can fulfill a specific purpose, to remain safe, economic, and functioning throughout its intended lifetime. Must be prepared to assist in the development of the growth of the structural group. Designing and constructing buildings and structures that are safe and capable of withstanding the elements to which they will be exposed, as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings, including wind/wall bracing, load calculations, etc.

Must be willing to visit job sites to perform inspections of various structural issues and determine the structural integrity of buildings and generate reports to satisfy the County requirements as necessary. Good communication skills are a must. AutoCad experience is not required. Also willing to consider freelance engineers. Must be fully certified and licensed in the State of Virginia.

Also Hiring Certified Inspectors: The inspector primarily performs the inspection of concrete placement, prior to placement of concrete, including footings, walls, and slabs in various counties, and jurisdictions. It is the inspector’s job to approve or reject a site based on compliance with the codes, county-approved plans, and minimum building standards.

Certification Requirements: WACEL SOILS I/ WACEL CONCRETE I/ WACEL FOUNDATIONS, or equivalent.

Please submit your resume with your application. Compensation and benefits package negotiable.

Company Description

Alexcom & Associates, Inc. has been under new ownership since 2018 and our services are in HIGH demand! We are a growing engineering company seeking team members who are motivated to grow and succeed together!