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Vehicle Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Hatch

Project Manager - Rail Vehicle

Washington, DC · On-site

Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management Location: Washington, DC, United States Join a company that is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change.

Hatch

Project Manager - Rail Vehicle

Washington, DC · On-site

Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management Location: Washington, DC, United States Join a company that is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change.

SAIC

Space Vehicle Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The Space Vehicle Engineer will work daily on-site with the Government to provide advice and ...

SAIC

Space Vehicle Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Provide Government with space vehicle and sub-systems engineering support and recommended inputs and courses of action for technical and programmatic topics. * Oversee multidisciplinary system level ...

SAIC

Space Vehicle Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The Space Vehicle Engineer will work daily on-site with the Government to provide advice and ...

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All JobsVehicle Engineering JobsVehicle Engineering Jobs in Washington

Vehicle Engineering information

See Washington salary details

$28

$46

$59

How much do vehicle engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle engineering in Washington is $46.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $45.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is vehicle engineering?

Vehicle engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and buses. It combines elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineering to create vehicles that are efficient, safe, and reliable. Vehicle engineers work on everything from the engine and transmission to aerodynamics and onboard systems, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and automotive engineering principles, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, vehicle simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like SAE or ISO are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help drive innovation and project success. These competencies are vital for designing safe, efficient vehicles and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in a highly competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in vehicle engineering, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Vehicle engineering professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing regulatory compliance with innovation, managing tight project deadlines, and integrating new technologies into existing vehicle platforms. Applicants can prepare by staying up to date with industry standards, developing strong project management skills, and gaining familiarity with emerging trends like electric and autonomous vehicles. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams—including design, manufacturing, and software engineers—is also crucial for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Vehicle Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectVehicle EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Vehicle Engineering; certifications in automotive designBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentAutomotive companies, R&D labs, manufacturing plantsFactories, design firms, research labs across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily automotive, transportation, motorsportsBroad industry applications including aerospace, manufacturing, energy
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Vehicle Engineering focuses specifically on designing, developing, and testing vehicles and automotive systems, often requiring specialized knowledge of automotive components. Mechanical Engineering offers a broader scope, covering various mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both fields share foundational engineering principles and credentials, Vehicle Engineering is more specialized for automotive applications.

Do vehicle engineers make money?

Vehicle engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, often supplemented by benefits and bonuses. The profession generally offers stable income within the engineering industry.

What does a vehicle engineer do?

A vehicle engineer designs, develops, and tests vehicles and their components, such as engines, chassis, and safety systems. They use CAD software, perform simulations, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards throughout the development process.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Vehicle Engineering jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Vehicle Engineering job openings:

Vehicle Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Engineering job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,731 per year, or $46 per hour.

Manager, Vehicle Engineer

Hyattsville, MD • On-site

Washington Metroplitan Area Transit Authority
See more jobs at Washington Metroplitan Area Transit Authorityexternal

Other

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
Marketing Statement
WMATA is seeking an experienced Manager, Vehicle Engineering, Bus to lead engineering strategy for a fleet of more than 1,400 transit buses and support vehicles serving the Washington, DC region. In this role, you will drive initiatives that improve fleet safety, reliability, sustainability, and operational performance while advancing innovative vehicle technologies. Working closely with operations, maintenance, safety, procurement, and training teams, you will lead fleet modernization efforts, support emerging propulsion technologies, and deliver engineering solutions that enhance service for millions of customers.
Why WMATA?
  • Lead fleet innovation and modernization programs
  • Influence the future of sustainable transit technologies
  • Collaborate with industry leaders and manufacturers
  • Competitive benefits, retirement plans, and tuition assistance
  • Free Metrobus and Metrorail transportation

Join WMATA and help shape the future of safe, reliable, and sustainable public transportation.
Job Summary
The Manager, Vehicle Engineering is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the activities of the Vehicle Engineering Branch of the Department of Bus Services (BUSV). The role is accountable for accomplishing a full range of technical tasks and ensuring the effective achievement of bus development and procurement actions within strict cost constraints and critical time schedules while satisfying operational needs. The Manager, Vehicle Engineering may manage the activities of bus vehicle consultants, vehicle rehabilitation contracts, as well as consultants employed for inspections and related technical services.
Principal Job Duties
  • Participates in all aspects of the procurement efforts, including recommending contractual actions. Identifies design and procurement problems and coordinates corrective actions for vehicle and related equipment.
  • Analyzes and assesses the scope and extent of assigned projects. Ensures item availability meets project needs with optimum use of available resources.
  • Consults with equipment engineers for vehicle engineering and related technical activities. Researches advanced engineering designs or applications.
  • Coordinates efforts of personnel from other offices to ensure conformance to overall project plan and budget. Represents the Contracting Officer in meetings pertaining to vehicle and related equipment design or procurement.
  • Develops and implements quality assurance, project evaluation programs and specifications for major rehabilitation of the existing fleet.
  • Directs vehicle configuration control and configuration management programs, as well as vehicle rehabilitation and replacement programs.
  • Establishes production or quality control standards. Provides technical direction to other engineers or staff members. Performs failure, variation, or root cause analyses and manages vehicle procurements to ensure work is accomplished according to plan.
  • Defines mission and objectives of the work unit. Establishes work plans and evaluates staff performance. Supervises staff members and ensures proper training is provided.
  • Assists in the development of designs for transit vehicles and transit work equipment. Reviews engineering documentation. Reviews or recommends project design changes. Oversees testing/performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
  • Monitors the performance of the manufacturers of vehicles to assure Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)'s contract terms are fulfilled. Provides engineering support to BUSV as needed.
  • Monitors budget, expenditures, and resource allocation to evaluate project conformance with goals and established policies. Recommends budget estimates for procurement of vehicle equipment. Recommends management strategies to meet vehicle objectives within the approved budget.
  • Reviews contract specifications, analyzes bids for ability to perform, and makes recommendations regarding award of vehicle equipment related procurement contracts. Reviews contracts or cost estimates.

Other Duties
N/A
Safety Sensitive
  • Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Knowledge
  • Knowledge of budget formulation, scheduling, maintenance, and control
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance
  • Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
  • Knowledge of the principles, practices, analysis, and techniques of program and project management and controls
  • Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and public transportation policies and strategies for communicating with public officials

Skills
  • Analytical and critical thinking skills in analyzing information, using logic and in applying logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems
  • Skilled in managing budgets to accomplish departmental need
  • Skilled in providing customer services, including listening to customers' needs, identifying customer solutions, assessing quality of customer services, and evaluating customer satisfaction
  • Skilled in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
  • Skilled in using a personal computer to perform functions such as accessing the internet, creating and maintaining spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases, and/or word processing documents
  • Skilled in interpreting, writing, and administering contracts
  • Skill in analyzing, evaluating, and deploying complex performance management systems
  • Skilled in defining an organization's strategy or direction and making decisions on allocating resources to pursue this strategy
  • Skilled in identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance

Abilities
  • Ability to use business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
  • Ability to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to achieve program objectives within fiscal and time constraints
  • Ability to evaluate issues and recommend corrections using sound judgement

Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required
Supervisory Responsibility
Supervises work of others, including planning, assigning, scheduling and reviewing work, ensuring quality standards. Is responsible for hiring, terminating, training and developing, reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. Plans organizational structure and job content.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related field
    • In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a high school diploma or GED and four(4) years of diversified experience in managing and supervising a comprehensive engineering design, installation, and maintenance effort

Minimum Experience
  • A minimum of eight (8) years' experience in technical vehicle engineering project and contract management to include management of large engineering support projects, and in managing and supervising a comprehensive engineering design, installation, and maintenance effort

Minimum Certification/Licensure
  • N/A

Preferred Qualifications
  • Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)certification

ABOUT US
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region's leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation's busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.
Evaluation Criteria
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.
Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
  • Skills and/or behavioral assessment
  • Personal interview
  • Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
  • Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
  • Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
  • Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.

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