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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 ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$74K/yr

Professional Engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ...

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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 Aug 26, 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 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 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 can professional engineers do?

Professional engineers design, develop, and evaluate systems, structures, and products across various industries such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. They apply technical knowledge, use engineering tools, and often require licensure to approve projects and ensure safety standards are met.

What is the work of a professional engineer?

A professional engineer designs, develops, and evaluates systems, structures, or processes in various engineering fields. They apply scientific principles, use technical tools, and often require licensure to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency in their projects.

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

The most popular types of 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,231 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Naval Sea Systems Command > Home > Warfare Centers > NUWC Newport

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

$143K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project. The ND-5 pay band encompasses positions equivalent to GS-14 and GS-15.
You will serve as the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) Zumwalt Platform Integration Chief Engineer (CHENG) in the Integrated Engagement Systems Department, Advanced Hypersonic Weapons & Guided Munitions Division (Code E20) of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.Qualifications:This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled by a General Engineer (0801-series), a General Physical Scientist (1301-series), an Operations Research Analyst (1515-series), a Mathematician (1520-series), or a Computer Scientist (1550-series) depending upon the qualifications of the candidate. Applicants in positions with occupational series other than those listed (0801, 1301, 1515, 1520 and 1550) may apply; however, you must apply directly to the series listed in this vacancy that is most applicable to your qualifications.
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the ND-4 pay band (GS-12 and GS-13 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 applying technical project management principles to lead technical teams in the integration of weapons systems onto US Navy ship platforms.
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=List-by-Occupational-Series
Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR):
All Professional Engineering Positions, 08XX
General Physical Science Series, 1301
Operations Research Series, 1515
Mathematics Series, 1520
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
  • 1301-General Physical Science Series: A degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; or education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education; OR
  • 1515-Operations Research Series: A degree in operations research; or a related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses. At least 3 of these 24 semester hours must have been in calculus; OR
  • 1520-Mathematics Series: A degree in mathematics; or a combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), plus appropriate experience or additional education. The total coursework described above must have included differential and integral calculus and, in addition, four advanced mathematics courses requiring calculus or equivalent mathematics courses as a prerequisite; 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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