Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Mechanical design engineer jobs in Virginia are consistently in demand, with activity concentrated in defense and aerospace systems, advanced manufacturing, and government contracting sectors that range from entry-level design roles through senior principal engineers. Northern Virginia, the Hampton Roads metro, and the Richmond corridor are the largest hiring centers, anchored by long-established employers such as Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Leidos. The most sought-after specialties include CAD-driven product development, systems integration for defense platforms, and precision mechanical design for aerospace components. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Overview
We are seeking a motivated Associate Engineer – Mechanical Design & Fabrication for a confidential opportunity with an established engineering and manufacturing company specializing in advanced protective enclosures, shielding systems, and custom-engineered solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.
In this role, you will combine SolidWorks/CAD design with hands-on fabrication, CNC operations, mechanical assembly, and field installation. You will work closely with senior engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers to develop practical, manufacturable designs and support projects from initial concept through fabrication, assembly, and installation.
This opportunity is ideal for recent engineering graduates or early-career professionals who enjoy both mechanical design and hands-on manufacturing and are interested in growing their careers in specialized engineering applications.
Responsibilities
- Develop and modify 2D and 3D CAD models, mechanical drawings, and assemblies using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
- Prepare detailed fabrication drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and engineering documentation.
- Support hands-on CNC operations, plasma cutting, Plexiglass cutting, and other fabrication processes using shop-floor tools and equipment.
- Assist with mechanical fabrication, structural framing, component fit-up, and assembly of custom-engineered protective systems.
- Collaborate with senior engineers and manufacturing personnel to troubleshoot design challenges and improve manufacturability.
- Support mechanical design reviews, tolerance analysis, and implementation of design modifications during production.
- Travel to customer facilities throughout the continental United States to assist with installation, testing, and commissioning of engineered systems, with approximately 25–30% travel.
- Communicate directly with customers regarding technical drawings, project specifications, installation requirements, and engineering questions.
- Research and evaluate advanced protective materials, including polycarbonates, ceramics, aramid fibers, ballistic glazing, and other high-performance materials.
- Coordinate engineering and fabrication activities to support project schedules, product quality, and successful project delivery.
- Your Impact: Your mechanical designs and hands-on fabrication contributions will help deliver reliable, high-performance protective systems used in demanding aerospace, defense, and industrial environments.
Skills
- Essential: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
- Essential: Proficiency in CAD software, with SolidWorks strongly preferred, including 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical assemblies, and fabrication drawings.
- Essential: Hands-on experience or familiarity with CNC equipment, plasma cutting, Plexiglass cutting, mechanical fabrication, and assembly processes.
- Essential: Ability to interpret engineering drawings, understand mechanical components, and translate designs into manufacturable products.
- Essential: Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and willingness to work in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
- Essential: Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with engineers, shop-floor personnel, and customers.
- Essential: Willingness to travel approximately 25–30% throughout the continental United States for customer installations and commissioning.
- Essential: U.S. citizenship required due to export-controlled technical data and customer facility access.
- Essential: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Preferred: Experience with sheet metal fabrication, welding, weldments, machining, structural framing, or steel assemblies.
- Preferred: Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance analysis, and interpreting fabrication drawings.
- Preferred: Knowledge of structural framing, steel design, anchorage, connection design, or mechanical assembly methods.
- Preferred: Exposure to Finite Element Analysis (FEA), basic structural analysis, or mechanical design calculations.
- Preferred: Academic projects, internships, or professional experience involving CNC fabrication, mechanical product development, or hands-on manufacturing.
- Preferred: Strong interest in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, and custom-engineered mechanical systems.
Compensation & Career Growth
- Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
- Hands-on mentorship from experienced engineers and project managers.
- Opportunities to work on specialized aerospace, defense, and industrial engineering projects.
- Professional development in mechanical design, fabrication, manufacturing, and field installation.
- Potential career advancement into senior engineering and technical leadership roles.
Note: This position is part of a confidential recruitment search. Additional details about the employer will be shared with qualified candidates during the recruitment process.
Consolidate and prioritize the qualificationsShorten the responsibilities and skills sections
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
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Find JobsMechanical Design Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Design Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical design engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo for design work
- Experience with GD&T, engineering drawings, and design for manufacturability principles
- Ability to obtain or hold an active U.S. security clearance for defense-sector roles
- Familiarity with FEA tools and simulation software for structural or thermal analysis
- Experience supporting full product development lifecycle from concept through production release
Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical design engineer in Virginia?
Most mechanical design engineer roles in Virginia require a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. While a Professional Engineer license issued through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation is not required for most industry design roles, it strengthens candidacy for senior or government-adjacent positions. Many Virginia employers, particularly in defense contracting, also expect candidates to be eligible for a security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
How much do mechanical design engineers make in Virginia?
Mechanical design engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $104,180 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,840 for the lowest 10% to over $160,770 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire mechanical design engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring mechanical design engineers in Virginia right now include Amazon, North Wind, and Hitachi Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's dense concentration of defense contractors and federal agencies means many of these employers require or prefer candidates who are already cleared or clearance-eligible.
Which Virginia cities have the most mechanical design engineer jobs?
Herndon, Dulles, and Chantilly have the most mechanical design engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia drives volume through its cluster of defense contractors and federal technology firms, while Hampton Roads reflects the heavy presence of shipbuilding, naval systems, and military installation support that defines that region's engineering market.
Are there remote mechanical design engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields because mechanical design work regularly involves lab access, physical prototypes, and manufacturing coordination. About 0% of mechanical design engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and the roles most likely to allow remote work are those focused on CAD modeling, documentation, and design review rather than hands-on testing or hardware integration.
How can I get hired as a mechanical design engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate or associate engineer programs at large Virginia defense and aerospace employers such as Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics, both of which run structured early-career rotational programs. Candidates who have completed relevant internships, built a CAD portfolio through coursework or personal projects, or hold an Engineer-in-Training designation from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation gain a measurable edge. Adjacent roles such as manufacturing engineer or mechanical design technician also serve as common starting points.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical design engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to mechanical design engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and engineering services employers. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 26 Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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