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Professional Engineering Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Engineer VI

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

A Professional Engineering License, awarded patents, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium are ...

Vice President of Engineering

Vinemont, AL · On-site

$157K - $203K/yr

Recruit, mentor and manage professional engineers, engineers-in-training, interns, and other engineering personnel fostering a culture of innovation, quality and technical expertise. * Develop ...

Group Manager

Huntsville, AL

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE). About Us ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in ...

Owner's Engineer

Madison, AL · On-site +1

$74K - $98K/yr

A Bachelor's degree in engineering from and ABET accredited university is preferred * Professional Engineer license is a plus but not required Experience: * 15+ years of progressive experience in ...

Owner's Engineer

Madison, AL · On-site +1

$74K - $98K/yr

A Bachelor's degree in engineering from and ABET accredited university is preferred * Professional Engineer license is a plus but not required Experience: * 15+ years of progressive experience in ...

Intern - Thermal Analysis Fall Intern

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The role may require some work in a professional engineering lab setting, including interaction with test hardware and instrumentation. Physical Requirements: * Ability to sit for extended periods ...

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Professional Engineering information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$43.6K

$91K

$128K

How much do professional engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineering in Decatur, AL is $90,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $103,100.00 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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain software engineering positions can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-demand industries. These roles typically require advanced experience, specialized skills, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 you do as a professional engineer?

A professional engineer designs, develops, and tests systems, structures, or products within their engineering discipline. They often hold a license that allows them to approve projects, oversee construction, and ensure safety standards are met. Professional engineers use technical skills, engineering principles, and tools like CAD software to solve complex problems and contribute to infrastructure, manufacturing, or technology sectors.

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 skills, and leadership roles. High-paying positions typically require specialized expertise, advanced degrees, and sometimes professional certifications like PE or PMP.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain software engineers with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and work in high-demand industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or technology. Compensation varies based on location, company, and individual expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Professional Engineering jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Professional Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Engineering job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,992 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Engineer VI

$116K - $208K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


General Atomics rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
We have an exciting opportunity within our Aerospace Mechanics Department for a Senior Design Analyst to join our team in Huntsville, Alabama.
With limited direction, this position exercises considerable latitude for formulating the analytical approach to model and analyzing developing designs to resolve advanced technical structural and thermal engineering problems for missile, projectile and small satellite programs. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of broad specifications, objectives, possible results anticipated and critical reference points requiring special attention. This position guides the successful resolution of engineering problems, serves as a consulting resource of engineering knowledge, apply the modeling and analytical technological advancements to the problem, and may function in a project leadership role. In addition, this position documents findings, communicate results to engineering staff, make technical presentations, and may represent the organization as the prime technical contact on identifiable projects. This position also may provide directions to design or technical staff and may lead a team of experienced professional staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assess and/or develop requirements.
  • Primary point of contact for the missile, projectile or small satellite structural or thermal analyses.
  • Supports planning, budgeting, and status of missile, projectile or small satellite structural or thermal analyses tasks.
  • Facilitates rapid resolution of technical delays that impact tasks including real-time, thorough communication with the chief engineer, program management and other IPT Leads as required.
  • Collaborates with GA and customer engineering and program management teams.
  • Provides documentation and makes technical presentations as required.
  • Support development, review, and editing of technical documents as required.
  • Develops innovative but practical engineering solutions to advanced technical problems in missile, projectile or small satellite structural or thermal analyses that are focused on economical and manufacturable products.
  • Provides focal point for technical communication within the Company management and may represent the Company as the prime technical contact to customers and/or government regulatory agencies.
  • Presents report(s) at engineering meetings, participates in program reviews and consults on missile, projectile or small satellite structural or thermal analyses problems or issues.
  • Review or perform detailed analysis with emphasis on the structural or thermal analysis aspects of a part or subassembly of a missile, projectile, small satellite or other defense systems.
  • Provides expert guidance and consulting with other staff members working on challenging structural or thermal engineering problems.
  • Anticipates future engineering needs and the modifications required to accomplish technical goals.
  • Addresses complex and difficult technical issues requiring novel and highly creative approaches drawing on advanced engineering concepts.
  • May assume technical and engineering responsibility for the success of an identifiable project.
  • Directs activities of design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Must possess DOD Secret security clearance with ability to upgrade to Top Secret if needed
  • Demonstrates extensive technical expertise and application of warhead engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
  • Must have significant structural analytical experience using Ansys, Simcenter and NASTRAN.
  • Must have significant thermal analytical experience using Ansys, Thermal Desktop, Simcenter and ablation codes.
  • Familiarity with SolidWorks and CREO for model importing and working within PDMPro and Windchill.
  • Experience modelling passive (tapes, coatings, etc.) and active thermal control systems.
  • Experience with correlation of experimental and environmental testing with FEM results.
  • Demonstrates extensive understanding of advanced aerospace materials and their properties to produce unique and innovative design solutions.
  • Familiarity with MBE/MBSE is desired.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
  • Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
  • Must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment.
  • Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • A Professional Engineering License, awarded patents, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium are desirable.

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955