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Reliability Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Reliability Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$104K - $131K/yr

Who We're Looking For We are seeking a Reliability Engineer to ensure the reliability, safety, and mission assurance of our next-generation spacecraft and supporting systems. In this role, you will ...

Reliability Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Who We're Looking For We are seeking a Reliability Engineer to ensure the reliability, safety, and mission assurance of our next-generation spacecraft and supporting systems. In this role, you will ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Reston, VA · On-site

$59.25 - $78.75/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)  Work Authorization: All Work Authorizations Location: Reston, VA Contract: 24 months Description: Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) roles and responsibilities The SR ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Mclean, VA · Remote

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Remote No sponsorship available. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance. What You Will Do We are seeking a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to support the SBA ...

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) (TS)

Washington, DC · On-site

$64.50 - $85.75/hr

We are seeking an experienced Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) to blend software engineering and systems administration practices to ensure the reliability, availability, and performance of ...

SRE Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$65.75 - $87.25/hr

The SRE Engineer will improve the reliability, availability, performance, and operational resilience of mission-critical systems for a federal enterprise program. Responsibilities : • Define ...

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Showing results 1-20

Reliability Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$63.5K

$122.7K

$146.7K

How much do reliability engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for reliability engineer in Reston, VA is $122,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,600.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reliability engineer?

Reliability Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that systems, equipment, or processes function consistently and efficiently over time. They analyze data, identify potential points of failure, and develop maintenance strategies to improve system reliability and minimize downtime. Their work spans various industries, including manufacturing, energy, and technology, and often involves collaborating with design, operations, and maintenance teams. By implementing reliability-centered maintenance and predictive analysis, they help organizations save costs and increase safety.

What does a reliability engineer do?

As a reliability engineer, your duties are to test and evaluate the manufacturing of products and components and ensure that the procedures are efficient and do not lead to abnormally high maintenance or operational costs. Your other responsibilities are to find solutions to product reliability risks. You may manage risk in a supply chain, develop loss prevention strategies, and track the entire lifecycle of product development, from building prototypes to moving a product into full-scale production. You analyze information from department heads and recommend strategies to reduce risk and ensure that the product works reliably.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reliability engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reliability Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, failure analysis, and reliability modeling, typically with a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as FMEA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) software, and certifications like Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure systems are dependable, downtime is minimized, and organizational performance and safety are optimized.

What are some typical challenges reliability engineers face when implementing preventive maintenance strategies?

Reliability Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing preventive maintenance schedules with production demands, ensuring buy-in from operations teams, and accurately predicting equipment failures. They must analyze large sets of historical data to identify trends and root causes, which can be complex in facilities with diverse machinery. Collaboration with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams is essential to develop effective strategies that minimize downtime while optimizing resources.

What is the difference between Reliability Engineer vs Maintenance Engineer?

AspectReliability EngineerMaintenance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degree, certifications in reliability or asset managementOften requires engineering or technical diploma, certifications in maintenance or equipment repair
Work EnvironmentFocuses on analysis, design, and improvement of systems for reliabilityHands-on maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of equipment
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and industrial sectorsPrevalent in manufacturing, facilities, and industrial plants

Reliability Engineers focus on designing and improving systems to prevent failures, using data analysis and modeling. Maintenance Engineers perform hands-on repairs and upkeep of equipment to ensure operational continuity. While both roles aim to optimize equipment performance, Reliability Engineers work proactively on system reliability, whereas Maintenance Engineers handle reactive and scheduled maintenance tasks.

Are reliability engineers in demand?

Reliability engineers are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and aerospace due to their role in improving system performance and reducing downtime. Employers seek professionals with skills in data analysis, failure modes, and maintenance strategies, often requiring certifications like Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE). The job outlook is positive, with steady growth expected as companies prioritize operational efficiency and risk management.

How much do reliability engineers get paid?

Reliability engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized reliability engineers with certifications and advanced skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Reliability Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Reliability Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Reliability Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Reliability Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Reliability Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Reliability Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Reliability Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,734 per year, or $59 per hour.

Reliability Engineer

Rockville, MD • On-site

Quantum Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

$104K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking a Reliability Engineer to ensure the reliability, safety,
and mission assurance of our next-generation spacecraft and supporting systems. In this role, you will perform reliability analyses, influence system architecture and hardware design, support environmental testing and failure investigations, and help establish the processes that ensure mission success throughout the product lifecycle. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about building next-generation space systems that support mission success.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Perform functional and interface Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analyses (FMEA/FMECA) at the part, assembly, and system levels, and maintain the Critical Items List (CIL).
  • Develop Fault Tree Analyses (FTA), Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD), and reliability predictions including MTBF and MTTF to support design trades, redundancy decisions, and sparing strategies.
  • Apply physics-of-failure methodologies, Weibull analysis, accelerated life testing, and probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) to evaluate mission-critical hardware.
  • Support EEE parts reliability through component selection and derating, parts stress analysis, worst-case analysis, and radiation effects screening in accordance with EEE-INST-002.
  • Monitor GIDEP alerts and supplier advisories, tracking limited-life and limited-shelf-life components throughout the production lifecycle.
  • Partner with design and systems engineering teams to integrate reliability requirements into spacecraft architecture, supplier selection, and manufacturing processes early in development.
  • Provide actionable reliability analyses that influence redundancy, design margins, and component selection while maintaining documentation for technical reviews and audits.
  • Support environmental qualification, life testing, and verification activities by reviewing test plans, evaluating results, and assessing reliability impacts.
  • Tailor reliability activities to mission risk classifications while maintaining rigorous standards for safety-critical and range safety systems.
  • Help develop and continuously improve Quantum Space's reliability engineering processes, procedures, analysis templates, and requirements within our AS9100 Rev D Quality Management System.

What It Takes
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Approximately 5+ years of reliability, mission assurance, or closely related engineering experience supporting flight hardware or similarly high-reliability systems; senior candidates typically possess 8-10+ years of relevant experience.
  • Hands-on experience developing FMEA/FMECA, FTA, Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD), and reliability predictions.
  • Working knowledge of reliability and mission assurance standards including NASA-STD-8729.1, MIL-STD-882, and EEE-INST-002.
  • Experience applying reliability engineering principles to complex aerospace or high-reliability systems.
  • Strong technical writing and analytical skills with the ability to assess risk and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment.
  • Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR/EAR regulations.

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline or ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) certification.
  • Direct spacecraft, satellite, or flight hardware development experience.
  • Familiarity with NASA reliability, workmanship, and mission assurance standards.
  • Experience with PLM/PDM tools such as Creo and Windchill.
  • Familiarity with propulsion systems, pressure systems, batteries, ordnance, or other safety-critical spacecraft subsystems.
  • Experience supporting rideshare launch programs or range safety requirements.

What You'll Get
  • Ownership - Own reliability analyses and mission assurance activities that directly influence spacecraft design, qualification, and mission success.
  • Innovation - Apply advanced reliability engineering techniques to improve the performance, safety, and resilience of next-generation spacecraft systems.
  • Impact - Partner across engineering disciplines to identify and mitigate technical risks, ensuring reliable spacecraft performance from development through launch.
  • Growth - Collaborate with experienced aerospace engineers while helping mature Quantum Space's reliability engineering and mission assurance capabilities.
  • Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

Location: Rockville, MD
Base Salary: $120,000 - $180,000
The salary range for this role is determined based on a variety of factors including work experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.