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Trainee Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Trainee Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$30.2K

$68K

$114.5K

How much do trainee design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee design engineer in Virginia is $68,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,600.00 and $73,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Trainee Design Engineer do?

A Trainee Design Engineer assists in creating and developing engineering designs for products, systems, or structures under the supervision of senior engineers. Their tasks often include using CAD software to draft plans, conducting research, preparing documentation, and collaborating with other team members on design projects. The role is aimed at recent graduates or those new to engineering, providing them with practical experience and training to build their technical skills and understanding of engineering processes.

What kinds of projects and tasks can a Trainee Design Engineer expect to work on in the early stages of their career?

As a Trainee Design Engineer, you'll typically assist with creating and modifying CAD drawings, supporting senior engineers on design calculations, and participating in team meetings to discuss project requirements. Early on, you may contribute to prototype development, perform basic testing, and help prepare documentation needed for client presentations or regulatory submissions. You'll also gain exposure to industry-standard software and best practices, setting a foundation for more complex design responsibilities as you progress. Collaboration with other engineers and departments is common, helping you build both technical and communication skills.

What is the difference between Trainee Design Engineer vs Junior Design Engineer?

AspectTrainee Design EngineerJunior Design Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant degreeCompleted degree in engineering or related field
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experienceSome practical experience or internships
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in design tasks under supervisionExecuting design tasks with moderate independence
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, mentorship-focusedActive project involvement in engineering teams

In summary, a Trainee Design Engineer is usually at the beginning of their career, focusing on learning and assisting, while a Junior Design Engineer has more practical experience and takes on more independent design responsibilities within engineering projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics and physics, and usually a relevant engineering degree or pursuing one. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks) and basic knowledge of industry standards and design processes are typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and learn quickly in a team environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing accurate designs, meeting project requirements, and contributing effectively to engineering projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Trainee Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,028 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Electronic Ground Station Technician

Associates Systems LLC

Dulles, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

PPRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under minimal supervision, performs routine technical functions related to the support of development engineering activities such as assemble, test, checkout, fabrication, modification, and assembly of electronics and Electro-mechanical systems, experimental design circuitry, prototype models or specialized test equipment. Applications may include analog, digital and/or video type circuits and logic systems. Guidance is readily available from superiors.

Works from schematics, diagrams, written and verbal descriptions, layouts or defined plans to perform routine testing, checkout, troubleshooting, prototype building, environmental testing, and simple developmental engineering tasks.
Performs routine operational tests and fault isolation on development systems and equipment to ensure conformance with design specifications. Diagnoses and isolates malfunctions down to component level. Conducts defined engineering tests and collects data as assigned

Utilizes routine development or diagnostic equipment including oscilloscope, VOM, DVM, signal generators and similar test apparatus. Dedicated to Electronic Ground support activities. Excludes those assigned to production test activities.
Entry Level

Excludes trainees with no academic preparation or experience. EXPERIENCE and TRAINING: Electronics training equivalent to 2 years technical trade school or military technical school or 4 years of aviation or spacecraft related electrical system equipment. Will consider candidates with minimum of 6 years of communication data center server and cabinet wiring and assembly.

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