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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L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer (Tool Design Engineer)
Job ID: 45128
Job Location: Orange, VA
Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week
Job Description:
Our site near Culpeper, VA, in Orange County is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics development as well as high-complexity production programs.
This position will focus on component and system tooling design for solid rocket propulsion systems and component sub-assembly operations. Work is performed with general direction and exercises considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches on assignments. The successful individual will guide design and development of Jigs, Fixtures, Lifting devices, and Semi-Automated Equipment to cast and assemble the final product.
Essential Functions:
- Under general supervision, provides engineering design concepts in support of manufacturing process and tooling.
- Develops CAD Model concepts, 3D modeling and detailed 2D drawings. Is active in design conception as well as assisting in the development of processes, working in a team environment.
- Responsible for design completeness through fabrication, including tool and process tryout. May support more senior Tooling Engineers to develop tooling concepts and designs.
- Directs or supports design, fabrication, modifications and repair of special tools in support of manufacturing operations and processes of solid rocket motor, air-breathing, and warhead programs.
- Provides technical support to product engineering for producibility through manufacturing, test and field use.
- Assists in tool acceptance criteria for in-house fabrication or outside procurement of special tools.
- Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 4 years of prior tool design experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
Preferred Additional Skills:
- Emphasis in mechanical tool design is preferred.
- CREO CAD modeling and drafting experience is preferred.
- Previous machine shop experience is desirable.
- Experience with solid rocket motors or other energetics is a plus
#LI-KF1
L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.
See All 96 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
- Amazon16

- BWX Technologies4

- Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson4

- SubSea Craft3S
- Amazon Web Services3

Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Sports & Recreation
- Chemicals & Materials
- Electronics & Hardware
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, BWX Technologies, and Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, Virginia Beach, and Dulles 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 29% of design engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 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 96 Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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