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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IBS Paper Performance Group is an internationally recognized leader in the custom design and fabrication of paper machine equipment. We are hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Are you a master of turning ideas into precision-engineered reality? Do 2D and 3D modeling get your gears turning? We're looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer who's ready to push boundaries and be part of our Engineering Team working closely with our Applications Engineers and Production Team creating customer and manufacturing drawings. The position includes some field trips to the customer site to obtain machine dimensions and measure up information.
What We're Looking For:
- Mechanical Engineering Degree/Engineering Technologist Diploma
- Minimum 3 – 5 years professional 3D design experience including 2D shop drawings
- Background in metal fabrication and custom build machinery preferred
- Strong understanding of materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes
- Strong eye-for-detail, organizational and problem-solving skills
Why Join us?
Stable, family-owned company. Pleasant and supportive environment. Competitive salary plus fringe benefits – 401k, health, dental, vision, disability and life Insurance. If you are looking for variety and a chance to establish your career with an innovative organization, apply today.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $68,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have 3-5 years of professional 3D mechanical design experience?
Ability to Commute:
- Chesapeake, VA 23323 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 21 Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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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
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Chemicals & Materials
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, Northrop Grumman, and Bowman, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Waynesboro, and Ashburn 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 17% of mechanical design engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 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 21 Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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