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Professional Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Quantum Engineer SME

Springfield, VA

$86K - $115K/yr

The Quantum Engineer SME will provide expert guidance on quantum computing technologies and deliver ... Recognition may include distinctions from federal, national, or international professional ...

Precast Engineer, PE

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$81K - $108K/yr

We are Engineered to Serve. Tindall Corporation is a leading Precast Concrete Manufacturer, with locations throughout the Southeastern U.S. Our mission is to support our customers, create remarkable ...

Precast Engineer, PE

Petersburg, VA

$81K - $108K/yr

We are Engineered to Serve. Tindall Corporation is a leading Precast Concrete Manufacturer, with locations throughout the Southeastern U.S. Our mission is to support our customers, create remarkable ...

Ground Engineer (SETA Support)

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$136K - $169K/yr

Title: Ground Engineer (SETA Support) Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... We support career advancement through professional training and development. Belong, Connect and ...

Ground Engineer (SETA Support)

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$136K - $169K/yr

Title: Ground Engineer (SETA Support) Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... We support career advancement through professional training and development. Belong, Connect and ...

AI/ML Solutions Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$84K - $112K/yr

Introduction We are seeking a highly skilled AI/ML Solutions Engineer to design, develop, and ... PTO * tuition reimbursement * bonuses * professional development, and more. Ready to make an impact?

AIOps Engineer SME

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$93K - $124K/yr

Leidos is seeking a AIOps Engineer SME to support critical mission operations within a secure environment and lead the transformation of our IT Service Management (ITSM) capabilities in Fort Belvoir ...

Showing results 21-40

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 7, 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 can professional engineers do?

Professional engineers design, develop, and evaluate systems, structures, and processes across various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technology. They apply scientific and mathematical principles, often hold licensure, and are responsible for ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency in their projects.

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 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 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 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 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, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,231 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

$86K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

DCS is an employee-owned organization with a reputation for agile and efficient development of technology solutions for U.S. Defense, Aerospace, Human Factors, and Security markets. We continue to provide innovative solutions with our multidisciplinary teams formed with exceptional employees. The DCS Air and Space Technology Sector are seeking a qualified candidate to apply subject matter expertise in the areas of quantum engineering, analysis, and system design of complex programming projects supporting National Agencies.

The Quantum Engineer SME will provide expert guidance on quantum computing technologies and deliver advanced support for complex GEOINT challenges. This role includes conducting analysis, designing systems, and evaluating performance using both quantum and classical methods.

Essential Job Functions:

Deliver technical expertise and analysis across quantum computing technologies, including quantum machine learning, quantum architectures, and quantum simulation.

Provide functional analysis, system design, integration support, documentation, and strategic advice for exceptionally challenging GEOINT problems requiring specialized knowledge in quantum computing.

Apply principles and methods from quantum machine learning and related quantum computing fields to address highly complex, narrowly scoped technical challenges in engineering and other scientific applications.

Perform trade studies and conduct analyses to evaluate proposed quantum machine learning approaches, review technical reports, assess product-quality impacts, and characterize performance using quantum simulation or related technologies to support verification and quality assurance.

Serve as an SME across topic areas such as R&D in quantum computing, quantum machine learning, classical machine learning, classical computing, and GEOINT data domains.

Required Skills:

Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, US citizenship is required.

Must have an active TS/SCI security clearance.

PHD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline with 10+ years; or a Masters degree with 12+ years experience.

More than 5 years of demonstrated experience supporting quantum computing.

Experience working within the Intelligence Community or related mission areas.

At least 3 years of experience in one or more of the following: Quantum Algorithms, Quantum Machine Learning, Quantum Clouds, quantum simulation tools, PennyLane, Qiskit, or Quantum Encoding.

At least 3 years of experience developing algorithms in one or more areas such as image processing, object detection, image classification, synthetic image generation, anomaly detection, or graphbased routing.

At least 3 years of experience developing algorithms related to GEOINT missions, ElectroOptical imagery, and/or HyperSpectral Imagery.

At least 2 years of experience creating briefing materials and technical documentation to translate quantum computing concepts for nontechnical audiences.

Desired Skills:

One of the following experience/education combinations:

15 years of experience and a PhD, or

18 years of experience and a MA/MS degree, or

20 years of experience with a BA/BS degree, along with recognition in a discipline relevant to the position.

Recognition may include distinctions from federal, national, or international professional organizations or academia, as well as relevant publications in reputable media.

Employment Type: Full Time

DCS logo

About DCS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DCS Corp is a renowned name in the technology industry, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, US. Found in the late 1970s, DCS Corp provides a broad spectrum of advanced technology, engineering, and analytic solutions for national security clients. The firm specializes in delivering sophisticated systems and technology for land, air, and maritime platforms. They are known for being deeply committed to their mission of enhancing national security.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

Year founded

1977

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