Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are concentrated in the Northern Virginia technology corridor, Hampton Roads defense hub, and Richmond manufacturing belt, with openings at every level from junior associate to principal engineer. Employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and General Dynamics rely heavily on design engineers to support defense systems, aerospace structures, and advanced electronics programs that define the state's engineering economy. The most in-demand specialties are mechanical systems design, electrical and PCB layout engineering, and systems integration for defense and government applications. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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This position is part of Framatome's Installed Base Outage Services organization. This organization focuses on performing Reactor maintenance and refueling activities during scheduled outages. The Outage Services Engineering team develops tooling that is used during these outages to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and increase reliability. They also support specialized and/or infrequently performed maintenance activities to ensure first time quality that meets our customers’ needs. As a member of the engineering team you will contribute to the successful execution of these special projects and tooling development for the PWR and BWR fleet.
- Performs non-standard engineering, varied engineering, and new-to-you assignments typically in areas of design, development, analysis, evaluation, testing, preparation of specifications, execution of field tasks and resolution of field problems and resolution of quality events.
- Receives minimal assistance and instruction and works autonomously on most assignments and solutions.
- Ensures compliance with government regulations, organization, industry and customer engineering standards.
- Independently evaluates, selects and applies a variety of technical techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgement in making adaptations and modifications for tasks not previously performed.
- Continues to develop knowledge of organization, processes and customers.
- Works on special projects, as directed.
- Provides suggestions for improving processes and implementing process improvements.
- Maintain a safety mindset.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
- Dependent on the position, degrees in Physics, Engineering Technology and Engineering Science may also be accepted.
- Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
- Knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria.
- Good communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
- Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Good problem identification and problem resolution skills.
- Displays informal leadership characteristics.
- Exhibits questioning attitude and practices self-checking.
- Background in the development of tooling, especially tools used in underwater applications.
- Experience working in the nuclear industry.
- Experience working with SolidWorks and/or SmarTeam applications.
- Generic knowledge of commercial nuclear reactor disassembly, reassembly, and fuel handling activities.
- Salary: $100,000 - $110,000, and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
- Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
- Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
- Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
- Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.
From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.
At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:
- Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
- Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
- Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.
Framatome is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE 810 Appendix A).
This position is part of Framatome's Installed Base Outage Services organization. This organization focuses on performing Reactor maintenance and refueling activities during scheduled outages. The Outage Services Engineering team develops tooling that is used during these outages to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and increase reliability. They also support specialized and/or infrequently performed maintenance activities to ensure first time quality that meets our customers’ needs. As a member of the engineering team you will contribute to the successful execution of these special projects and tooling development for the PWR and BWR fleet.
- Performs non-standard engineering, varied engineering, and new-to-you assignments typically in areas of design, development, analysis, evaluation, testing, preparation of specifications, execution of field tasks and resolution of field problems and resolution of quality events.
- Receives minimal assistance and instruction and works autonomously on most assignments and solutions.
- Ensures compliance with government regulations, organization, industry and customer engineering standards.
- Independently evaluates, selects and applies a variety of technical techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgement in making adaptations and modifications for tasks not previously performed.
- Continues to develop knowledge of organization, processes and customers.
- Works on special projects, as directed.
- Provides suggestions for improving processes and implementing process improvements.
- Maintain a safety mindset.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
- Dependent on the position, degrees in Physics, Engineering Technology and Engineering Science may also be accepted.
- Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
- Knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria.
- Good communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
- Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Good problem identification and problem resolution skills.
- Displays informal leadership characteristics.
- Exhibits questioning attitude and practices self-checking.
- Background in the development of tooling, especially tools used in underwater applications.
- Experience working in the nuclear industry.
- Experience working with SolidWorks and/or SmarTeam applications.
- Generic knowledge of commercial nuclear reactor disassembly, reassembly, and fuel handling activities.
- Salary: $100,000 - $110,000, and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
- Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
- Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
- Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
- Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.
From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.
At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:
- Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
- Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
- Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.
Framatome is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE 810 Appendix A).
See All 80 Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Amazon18
- Inner Circle Agency3
- Qualdoc2
- Automated Conveyor Systems2
- Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority2
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
- Manufacturing
- Chemicals & Materials
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering from an accredited program
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA for design and modeling work
- Experience with engineering design lifecycle processes including design review and change control
- Ability to obtain or active possession of a U.S. security clearance for defense and government roles
- Knowledge of GD&T, engineering tolerances, and manufacturing processes relevant to the design output
- Familiarity with industry standards such as MIL-SPEC, ISO, or ASME applicable to Virginia defense and manufacturing sectors
Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design engineer in Virginia?
Most design engineer roles in Virginia require a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited program. Virginia does not mandate a state license to work as a design engineer in a private-sector or defense contractor role, but engineers who sign and seal public-works documents must hold a Professional Engineer license issued by the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects. Many employers in Northern Virginia also expect candidates to be eligible for a federal security clearance.
Which companies hire design engineers in Virginia?
Virginia design engineer roles are posted by Amazon, Inner Circle Agency, and Qualdoc and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Northern Virginia's dense concentration of defense primes and federal contractors makes it one of the most active hiring markets for design engineers in the country.
Which Virginia cities have the most design engineer jobs?
Herndon, Arlington, and Richmond account for the largest share of design engineer openings in Virginia right now. Northern Virginia cities dominate because of the region's unmatched density of defense contractors and federal agencies, while Hampton Roads openings are driven by naval shipbuilding and aerospace programs, and Richmond draws hiring from industrial manufacturing and civil infrastructure firms headquartered in the metro.
Are there remote design engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because design engineers frequently need access to labs, prototypes, and hardware. About 48% of design engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those arrangements are most often available for roles focused on CAD modeling, simulation, and technical documentation rather than hands-on testing or manufacturing-floor work.
How can I get hired as a design engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to co-op and new-graduate programs run by large Virginia defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Leidos, which recruit from Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and Old Dominion University each year. Titles like junior design engineer, design engineering technician, and CAD designer are common stepping stones that require less experience. Building a portfolio of SolidWorks or AutoCAD projects and beginning the clearance eligibility process early will give candidates a meaningful edge over others at the same experience level.
Where can I find and apply to design engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to design engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, Richmond, and other parts of the state. Search the listings, identify the roles that match your background and interests, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 80 Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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