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Senior Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Imperative Systems

Design Engineer

Alexandria, VA

... a Design Engineer to join our Critical Infrastructure Protection team supporting priority ... Present information and briefings to senior managers, government clients, and technical ...

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Position OverviewElectra is seeking a Senior Airframe Design Engineer to lead key aspects of the design, integration, and development of primary and secondary structures for our nine-passenger EL9 ...

Imperative Systems

Design Engineer

Alexandria, VA

\n \n \n Design Engineer Imperative Systems is a privately\-owned company established in 2017 to ... Presenting information and briefings to senior managers orally and in writing. \n \n \n Work ...

Imperative Systems

Design Engineer

Alexandria, VA

\n \n \n Design Engineer Imperative Systems is a privately\-owned company established in 2017 to ... Presenting information and briefings to senior managers orally and in writing. \n \n \n Work ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsSenior Design Engineer JobsSenior Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$62.5K

$120.4K

$189.9K

How much do senior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior design engineer in Virginia is $120,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,200.00 and $137,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do senior design engineers earn?

Senior design engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have specialized skills in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence salary levels.

How does a senior design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

Senior Design Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from manufacturing, quality assurance, project management, and marketing to ensure the successful development and launch of products. They lead design reviews, gather input from other departments, and address technical challenges collaboratively. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance design intent with practical constraints such as cost, manufacturability, and regulatory requirements. Regular meetings and iterative feedback loops are a standard part of the process, making teamwork and adaptability essential for success.

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

To thrive as a Senior Design Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, reliable designs while leading teams and projects to successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Senior Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience in design, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, design experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, project management, cross-disciplinary collaborationDesign and development of mechanical components, CAD work, prototype testing
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, product design, machinery development

The main difference is that a Senior Design Engineer typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and may oversee projects, while a Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on creating and testing mechanical components. Both roles require similar technical skills and work in related environments, but the senior position involves more oversight and strategic input.

What does a senior design engineer do?

A Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components, often within engineering or manufacturing industries. They create detailed technical drawings and specifications, oversee project timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Additionally, they mentor junior engineers, troubleshoot design challenges, and may interact with clients or stakeholders to clarify requirements and present solutions. Their role combines technical expertise, project management, and leadership skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Design Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Design Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Design Engineer jobs in VA? For Senior Design Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,424 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Design Engineer

Imperative Systems

Alexandria, VA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

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About Imperative Systems<\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Imperative Systems is a privately\-owned company established in 2017 to enable the National Security Community to achieve their critical missions effectively, efficiently, and securely. We provide expeditionary mission support, critical infrastructure protection, and strategic advisory services on a worldwide basis to support the National Security Community. We are adaptive and agile, meeting the emerging needs of our specialized clientele. We strive to build a culture of excellence around a team of the best people, equipped with the best skills and technical support to deliver results that exceed expectations, even in the most difficult circumstances.
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Position Overview<\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Imperative is seeking a Design Engineer to join our Critical Infrastructure Protection team supporting priority electronic security systems (ESS) integration within the Department of State. In this role, you will design comprehensive ESS architectures for small\-to\-medium scale facilities-from individual buildings to campus environments of 2-10 structures. You will develop complete engineering packages at progressive levels of detail (30%, 80%, 90%, and final design), incorporating physical security infrastructure including intrusion detection, CCTV, access control, emergency notification, and power distribution systems. You will also test, evaluate, and integrate a range of sensors and protective technologies as part of a larger team supporting deployment of bespoke solutions for our clients.
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Responsibilities<\/span><\/span><\/b>
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ESS Architecture & Facility Design<\/b>
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Design electronic security system (ESS) architectures for single\-building and multi\-building campus facilities (2-10 structures), integrating CCTV, intrusion detection, access control, emergency notification, and perimeter security systems into cohesive, site\-specific designs.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop ESS engineering packages at progressive detail levels: 30% (conceptual\/schematic), 80% (design development), 90% (construction documents), and final (as\-built) design-ensuring each phase meets customer requirements and compliance standards.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Produce facility security plans, riser diagrams, floor plans, site plans, and system interconnect drawings using AutoCAD and related design tools.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Coordinate ESS designs with building infrastructure systems including power distribution, telecommunications, conduit\/cable pathways, and life safety systems to ensure proper integration within the built environment.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Conduct technical security assessments of existing facilities and recommend security upgrades based on identified vulnerabilities, customer requirements, and applicable standards.
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Systems Integration & Testing<\/b>
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop strategies to test and verify electronic security systems and make recommendations to improve testing and operational demonstration.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Document and analyze test data; develop systems integration plans to network sensors and provide data feeds to command\-and\-control (C2) systems.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop code to network sensors or provide data feeds in C2 systems using relevant programming languages.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Specify, design, and procure equipment for technical security systems including: CCTV (analog and digital\/IP), intrusion detection and alarm systems, locking devices and automated access control systems, emergency notification and mass warning systems, countermeasures equipment, and acoustic\/RF attenuation technologies.
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Documentation & Communication<\/b>
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Produce a variety of written documents including engineering surveys, service reports, memoranda, trip reports, telegraphic communications, and maintenance reports detailing specific engineering services planned or performed.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Develop strategies and materials for transition of completed systems to operators, including training documentation and operational guides.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Present information and briefings to senior managers, government clients, and technical stakeholders both orally and in writing.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Conduct periodic and refresher training on the proper use, care, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of assigned systems in accordance with program guidance.
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Program Support<\/b>
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Support the team lead including the ability to respond to urgent requirements quickly and to analyze complex technical problems.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Maintain expert\-level knowledge of installed base products and strive to sustain and improve current technical security capabilities.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Provide expert consulting services on new product developments and technological applications in the electronic security market.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Identify security risks, analyze those risks, and specify system requirements and procedural measures to ensure the integrity of security systems.
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Work Environment & Travel<\/span><\/span><\/b>
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Work Environment: <\/b>Full\-time, 40 hours per week when assigned to a domestic location. Full\-time, 60 hours per week when deployed overseas.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Travel: <\/b>Position is based domestically but requires approximately 25% travel to various overseas locations. Domestic travel may be required for training and coordination.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Physical Requirements: <\/b>Work can on occasion be physically demanding, including site surveys, equipment installation oversight, and field assessments.
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Requirements<\/h3>\n
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Requirements<\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Citizenship & Clearance<\/b>
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Citizenship: <\/b>Must be a US citizen.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Passport: <\/b>Must be able to obtain and travel on a US passport.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Security Clearance: <\/b>Must possess a minimum SECRET clearance to start and be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance. Candidates without an existing clearance but with otherwise exceptional qualifications will be considered.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Medical: <\/b>Must be able to obtain and maintain a Class 1 medical clearance prior to deployment.
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Education<\/b>
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>BS\/BA in a related engineering discipline or advanced degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Preferred disciplines: <\/b>Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, or Building Systems Engineering.
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Technical Skills<\/b>
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Design Software: <\/b>AutoCAD (required), SolidWorks, Autodesk Revit, Visio, Microsoft Office Suite.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Programming: <\/b>MATLAB, C, C++, Java, Python, Linux, or other relevant language.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Security Systems Knowledge: <\/b>Familiarity with CCTV systems (analog and IP), intrusion detection systems (IDS), automated access control systems (AACS), emergency notification systems, and life safety systems.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Infrastructure Knowledge: <\/b>Understanding of building power distribution, conduit and cable pathways, telecommunications infrastructure, and how these systems integrate within facility design.
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Experience (1-5 Years Preferred)<\/b>
<\/p>

       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience designing or supporting electronic security system installations for small\-to\-medium scale facilities (single buildings or campuses of 2-10 structures).
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience producing engineering drawings, facility plans, or system design packages at multiple levels of detail (conceptual through construction documents).
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Ability to work collaboratively within a cross\-functional development team, managing multiple tasks with competing priorities in dynamic, politically sensitive environments.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience effectively and professionally communicating technical and program\-related information to multiple stakeholders.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Knowledge of Agile development and systems engineering processes.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Direct working knowledge of computer systems, computer security, and familiarity with operating systems, hardware platforms, and networks.
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Additional Desired Experience<\/b>
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Construction management experience (electrical\/power, cabling, telecommunications).
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience with facility infrastructure design: power systems, grounding, conduit routing, and cable management.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience with building management systems (BMS) and building automation.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Fiber optic certification.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience conducting technical security assessments, product evaluations, and recommending security upgrades.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Familiarity with DoS or DoD facility security standards and compliance requirements.
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       <\/span><\/span><\/span>Experience with acoustic\/RF attenuation technologies and countermeasures equipment.
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Benefits<\/h3>\n
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Benefits<\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Successful candidates will be eligible to participate in Imperative's Health Benefits for the duration of their employment. They will also be eligible to enroll in Imperative's 401(k).
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Equal Opportunity Statement<\/span><\/span><\/b>
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Imperative Systems LLC provides equal opportunity to all applicants for employment as required by and\/or consistent with applicable country law and company policy. Consistent with the foregoing, Imperative Systems LLC provides qualified applicants consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veterans' status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status(s) protected by law. In the United States, Imperative Systems LLC ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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