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Rotational Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

DevOps Engineer

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

... s Engineer to support our development teams and the cloud environments their applications run in ... Participate in an on-call rotation, diagnose and resolve incidents across both the application and ...

DevOps Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$54 - $74/hr

Active security clearance with full scope polygraph is required Pager/On-call: Pager rotation may be required Top 5 Reasons to Work at Anthem Engineering: * We realize that we all spend a ...

DevOps Engineer

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

... s Engineer to support our development teams and the cloud environments their applications run in ... Participate in an on-call rotation, diagnose and resolve incidents across both the application and ...

DevOps Engineer

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

... s Engineer to support our development teams and the cloud environments their applications run in ... Participate in an on-call rotation, diagnose and resolve incidents across both the application and ...

DevOps Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$54 - $74/hr

Active security clearance with full scope polygraph is required Pager/On-call: Pager rotation may be required Top 5 Reasons to Work at Anthem Engineering: * We realize that we all spend a ...

DevOps Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$54 - $74/hr

Active security clearance with full scope polygraph is required Pager/On-call: Pager rotation may be required Top 5 Reasons to Work at Anthem Engineering: * We realize that we all spend a ...

Mechanical Engineer FEA

Jessup, MD · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Perform fatigue analysis for rotating and non-rotating components with a variety of loading ... Provide engineering support by creating parts and assemblies in SolidWorks, along with detailed ...

Mechanical Engineer FEA

Jessup, MD · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Perform fatigue analysis for rotating and non-rotating components with a variety of loading ... Provide engineering support by creating parts and assemblies in SolidWorks, along with detailed ...

Mechanical Engineer FEA

Jessup, MD · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Perform fatigue analysis for rotating and non-rotating components with a variety of loading ... Provide engineering support by creating parts and assemblies in SolidWorks, along with detailed ...

Systems Engineer - Expert

Mclean, VA · On-site

$180K - $205K/yr

Rotation is typically to be on-call 1 full calendar week every 2 months. Compensation & Benefits: Estimated Starting Salary Range for Systems Engineer - Expert : $180,000-$205,000 Pay commensurate ...

Systems Engineer - Expert

Mclean, VA · On-site

$180K - $205K/yr

Rotation is typically to be on-call 1 full calendar week every 2 months. Compensation & Benefits: Estimated Starting Salary Range for Systems Engineer - Expert : $180,000-$205,000 Pay commensurate ...

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Rotational Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$27.2K

$122.3K

$194.8K

How much do rotational engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for rotational engineer in Washington is $122,271.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $151,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rotational engineer?

Rotational Engineers are entry-level professionals who participate in structured programs that allow them to work in various departments or roles within an organization over a set period, typically one to two years. These programs are designed to provide broad exposure to different aspects of the business, helping engineers develop a diverse skill set and understand how various teams operate. Rotational Engineers often gain experience in fields such as manufacturing, design, quality, and project management, preparing them for future leadership or specialized roles. The goal is to accelerate professional growth and enable participants to make informed decisions about their long-term career paths.

How does participating in a rotational engineering program help accelerate career development?

Rotational engineering programs are designed to provide early-career engineers with broad exposure to different projects, teams, and technical disciplines within an organization. By rotating through various departments, participants build a diverse skill set, gain a better understanding of the company’s operations, and develop a strong professional network. This experience not only helps identify areas of particular interest but also enhances adaptability and problem-solving abilities, making graduates of the program strong candidates for advancement and specialized roles in the future.

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

To thrive as a Rotational Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in engineering, strong analytical skills, and adaptability to various technical domains. Familiarity with industry-specific software (like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SAP), project management tools, and sometimes certifications like EIT (Engineer-In-Training) are valued. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you excel across diverse assignments and teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully navigating different roles, quickly learning new systems, and contributing effectively to multiple projects.

What is the difference between Rotational Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectRotational EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or related fields; often requires internshipsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentRotates through different departments or projects within a companyTypically works in design, analysis, or manufacturing departments
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, aerospace, and energy sectorsWidespread across various engineering sectors including automotive, aerospace, and industrial
Search & ComparisonOften compared for career development and diverse experienceCompared for specialization and technical expertise

While both roles require a strong engineering background, a Rotational Engineer gains diverse experience by rotating through different departments, whereas a Mechanical Engineer typically specializes in design, analysis, or manufacturing within a specific area. The choice depends on whether you seek broad exposure or technical specialization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rotational Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Rotational Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Rotational Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Rotational Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rotational Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Rotational Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Rotational Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Rotational Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Rotational Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,271 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

2027 PhD Graduate - Rotational Discovery Program

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research


Job description

Description
Do you love to solve complex engineering, analytical, or research problems?
Are you interested in exploring different domains such as defense systems, undersea warfare, cyber operations, and national security analysis?
If you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate with a PhD in a STEM field and a desire to make critical contributions to critical challenges, we'd love to have you join our team!
We are seeking talented and highly motivated entry-level PhD technical staff members to join the Discovery Program, APL's two-year rotational program. The program offers a unique opportunity for recent PhD graduates, those who graduated in or after May 2026 or those soon to be awarded their PhD by the Discovery Program begin date of May 2027 to July 2027, to gain valuable experience across multiple technical areas. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills while exploring a breadth of professional interests. You will apply innovative solutions to our nation's critical challenges, collaborate with experts, and develop a strong foundation for your career.
Selected candidates must have the ability to begin the Discovery Program between May and July 2027. Specific start dates will be coordinated based on degree completion, organizational needs, and onboarding schedules.
As a member of the Discovery Program, you will...
  • Contribute to a varied set of projects, employing and honing a wide range of skills to meet unique mission needs.
  • Collaborate with technical experts to drive impact.
  • Accelerate your technical and professional development through targeted training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
  • Innovate through a dedicated Innovation Challenge Project, where you'll design and pitch a solution to a complex technical problem.

Common disciplines and example technical areas:
  • Electrical Engineering
    • signal processing, telecommunications, control systems, RF and electromagnetics, electrical systems, instrumentation
  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering
    • software engineering, hardware engineering, cybersecurity, networking, data science, modeling and simulation, embedded systems, artificial intelligence
  • Mathematics
    • statistics, data science, data analysis, modeling and simulation, numerical analysis, algorithm development, operations research
  • Physics
    • data analysis, algorithm development, optics and photonics, environmental physics, experimental physics
  • Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
    • modeling and simulation, mechanical design, thermodynamics and heat transfer, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, mechatronics, dynamics and controls
  • Systems Engineering
    • software engineering, digital engineering, model-based systems engineering, modeling and simulation

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a PhD in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Are able to provide unofficial or official transcripts during the application process.
  • Have strong technical experience, as proven through demonstrated impact in at least one internship, research experience, or project outside of the classroom.
  • Have demonstrated initiative that has enabled excellence in technical projects, professional experiences, or extracurricular activities.
  • Thrive in a collaborative team environment with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Have demonstrated the ability to quickly contribute to projects in technical areas that are new to you.
  • Are interested in solving complex research, engineering, and/or analytical problems that present critical challenges to U.S. government agencies including the Department of War.
  • Are comfortable conducting work in support of the Department of War, including offensive military systems.
  • Are able to acquire an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have engaged in multiple internships, research experiences, or projects outside of the classroom.
  • Have leadership experience.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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