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Sr Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Design Electrical Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$108K - $141K/yr

The Senior Design Electrical Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end electrical engineering design scope associated with the conversion of a crude oil refinery into a fuel terminal in Papua New ...

Senior Design Manager

Oak Hill, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Design Manager - IAD Does the thought of joining one of the fastest-growing, privately held ... Our culture is founded in passion, engineered from innovation, and driven by the pursuit of ...

Senior Design Coordinator

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Night and swing shift differential pay for select roles About the Role We are looking for a Senior ... Identify and address design and engineering challenges. * Collaborate with owners, designers ...

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Senior Airframe Design Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation through the development of hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to ...

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Senior Airframe Design Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation through the development of hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to ...

Showing results 21-40

Sr Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$69.9K

$133.4K

$193.3K

How much do sr design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr design engineer in Virginia is $133,423.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,600.00 and $156,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sr Design Engineer?

Sr Design Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components within an engineering team. They oversee the design process, ensuring projects meet technical specifications, regulatory standards, and budget constraints. Sr Design Engineers often mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and use advanced software tools for modeling and analysis. Their expertise helps drive innovation and ensures the successful delivery of complex engineering projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Design Engineer?

To thrive as a Sr Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and a relevant engineering degree, often with several years of industry experience. Expertise in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and familiarity with manufacturing processes are typically required, along with certifications like PE or Six Sigma being advantageous. Leadership, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for guiding teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are crucial to ensure innovative, reliable designs that meet technical requirements and project goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Sr Design Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Sr Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design solutions with cost and manufacturability constraints, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and ensuring effective communication across multidisciplinary teams. To address these challenges, it's important to stay current with industry tools and best practices, regularly collaborate with manufacturing and quality departments, and prioritize clear documentation. Developing strong project management and interpersonal skills can also help streamline workflow and reduce project bottlenecks.

What is the difference between Sr Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectSr Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, 3+ years experience, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsDesign teams, project-based environments, product development
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronicsSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Sr Design Engineer and a Design Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. A Sr Design Engineer typically has more years of experience, takes on complex projects, and may mentor junior staff. In contrast, a Design Engineer is often in an earlier career stage, focusing on executing design tasks under supervision. Both roles are essential in product development, but the Sr Design Engineer plays a leadership role in design innovation and project management.

How much does a senior design engineer get paid?

A senior design engineer's average salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have advanced skills in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence compensation levels.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sr Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Sr Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Sr Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,423 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Senior Navy Design Engineer - Clearance Required

Cydecor, Inc.

Annandale, VA โ€ข On-site

$166K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Cydecor is a premier Federal Government solutions provider, delivering differentiated innovations in mission systems and business platforms. We leverage leading-edge secure systems and software development, backed by industry-leading subject matter expertise, and business intelligence to enable decision-support and remain ahead of ever-evolving national security challenges. Our success rests squarely on three bedrock principles: People, our center of gravity; Mission, what inspires us; and an unyielding commitment to Excellence, what separates us.
Job Description:
Cydecor is looking for a highly experienced Senior Navy Design Engineer with expertise in mechanical, structural, electrical, or electronic design, specifically focused on shipbuilding and defense systems.
Responsibilities include:
  • Support the Navy acquisition organizations in acquiring or developing mission-appropriate Naval vessels and systems.
  • Lead the design and development of mechanical, structural, electrical, or electronic systems for shipbuilding and defense projects, enhancing design processes and technologies.
  • Prepare and present technical reports and documentation to stakeholders and stay abreast of industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional technical and acquisition team, comprising engineers from various disciplines, and lead technical activities supporting program office efforts.

Here's what you need:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 15+ years of experience in Navy shipbuilding and defense systems
  • Ability to analyze designs through review of design artifacts
  • Ability to perform quantitative analyses
  • Ability to work on a multi-disciplinary team consisting of systems engineers, electrical and electronics engineers, acquisition professionals, and logistics and sustainment professionals to achieve program outcomes
  • Interim or Active Secret clearance

Bonus points if you have:
  • 15 year of experience in Navy shipbuilding and defense systems
  • Knowledge of Navy acquisition processes
  • Knowledge of mechanical and electrical design standards and practices for Naval ships and systems
  • Knowledge of DoD or DoN procedures and policies, including the DoD 5000 process
  • Possession of excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Possession of excellent written and verbal technical communication skills
  • Master's degree in Engineering/Industrial Design
  • Professional Engineer (PE) Certification

Security Clearance:
Minimum: Interim or Active Secret security clearance; Preferred: Interim or Active Top Secret security clearance.
Education:
Bachelor's level degree in an Engineering discipline or Industrial Design.
Work Schedule:
M-F, Onsite
Compensation and Benefits:
The anticipated compensation range for this position is $166,100.00-$185,200.00. There are numerous factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the role, work location, education/certifications, and a contract's Labor Categories.
Cydecor offers a comprehensive compensation package including Health and Dental Insurance, Vision and Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(K) + company match, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Company Holidays, Tuition Assistance Program and more.
What We Believe
We have an unwavering commitment to diversity with the aim that every one of our people has a full sense of belonging within our organization. As a business imperative, every person at Cydecor has the responsibility to create and sustain an inclusive environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Cydecor is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (EEO/AA). All employment and hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity & expression, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and/or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request assistance by contacting [email protected] or calling 703-884-2105.