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Professional Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Schnabel Engineering

Engineering Technician

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural ...

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All JobsProfessional Engineering JobsProfessional Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Professional Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$46.1K

$96.2K

$135.3K

How much do professional engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineering 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 some typical challenges professional engineers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Professional engineers often collaborate with teams from different disciplines, such as architects, construction managers, and environmental specialists. One common challenge is ensuring effective communication across these diverse teams, as each may have its own technical language and priorities. Additionally, coordinating project timelines and integrating various technical requirements can be complex. Developing strong project management and interpersonal skills is key to overcoming these hurdles and delivering successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Professional Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectProfessional EngineeringMechanical Engineering
CredentialsRequires PE license, degree, work experience, examRequires degree, possibly internship, but not necessarily PE license
Work EnvironmentDesign, review, and approve engineering projects; often in consulting or governmentDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of mechanical systems
Industry UsageUsed across multiple engineering disciplines, especially in regulated projectsPrimarily in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

Professional Engineering (PE) is a licensed credential that allows engineers to sign off on projects and work independently, often in consulting or regulatory roles. Mechanical Engineering is a specific discipline focused on designing and analyzing mechanical systems. While many mechanical engineers pursue PE licensure, it is not mandatory for all roles. The main difference lies in licensure and scope of practice, with PE providing legal authority to approve projects.

What is professional engineering?

Professional engineering refers to the practice of applying scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and oversee projects in various engineering fields. Professional engineers (PEs) are licensed individuals who have met education, experience, and examination requirements, allowing them to take legal responsibility for engineering work. They ensure public safety, compliance with regulations, and uphold ethical standards. Obtaining a PE license often leads to greater career opportunities, leadership roles, and increased trust from employers and clients.

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 background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and typically a relevant engineering degree along with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and project management tools, as well as knowledge of applicable codes and regulations, is essential. Strong communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking are valuable soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies ensure engineers can design effective solutions, maintain safety and compliance, and collaborate efficiently on complex projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Professional Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Engineering job openings:
Professional Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Engineering job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 17% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,231 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

US Department of the Navy

Dahlgren, VA

$46K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:To Be Considered for the ND-02:
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower pay band, ND-01 (GS 01-04 equivalency), in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
You must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study as described in the Education section of this flyer.
To Be Considered for the ND-03:
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower pay band, ND-02 (GS 05-08 equivalency), in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
As a professional engineer or scientist performing design, development, testing, and integration of software for weapon systems.
To Be Considered for the ND-04:
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower pay band, ND-03 (GS 09-11 equivalency), in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
As a professional engineer or scientist leading or performing design, development, testing, and integration of software for weapon systems.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Occupational-Series
Computer Engineering Series, 0854
Computer Science Series, 1550
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet at least one of the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:
  • Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Degree: A professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited college or university; OR a degree with curriculum in differential and integral calculus, with additional courses in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics; or electronics; OR
  • Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Substitution of Education/Experience: A combination of education and experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering; and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (a) professional registration, (b) evidence of successfully passing the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination; (c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified above; or (d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering provided that it included at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. (Note to Applicants: Please see the Qualifications & Education sections of this announcement for a link to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements. OPM guidance indicates that there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience. This training plan or experience must be well documented and provided at time of application.); OR
  • 1550-Computer Science Series: A degree in computer science; or a degree with at least 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of these 30 semester hours must have been in a combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus.
Employment Type: OTHER

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