Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Mechanical engineer jobs in Virginia are consistently active, with strong demand from entry-level through senior positions across defense contracting, aerospace, shipbuilding, and federal systems integration. The largest concentrations of hiring are in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Richmond, where employers like Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Huntington Ingalls Industries maintain significant engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties include systems engineering, structural analysis, and propulsion, reflecting the state's deep ties to Navy and defense programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 119+ Mechanical Engineer jobs
$88,765.46 - $155,339.60 Annually
HERRITY BUILDING (B-2), 12055 GOVERNMENT CENTER PKWY, FAIRFAX (EJ26), VA
FT Salary W BN
26-01444
Park Authority
09/26/2026
10/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
S29
Open to General Public
Job Announcement
Under the general direction of the branch manager, this position is the licensed professional mechanical engineer for the Park Operations Division and will cover all Facilities within the Park Authority. This position is expected to perform/process work assignments and coordinate all phases of Park Authority Facilities HVAC, Building Automation Systems (BAS) from the initial design phase, system management, system/equipment diagnostics, system integrations, daily operations, training of staff on normal operations in all Park Authority owned properties. Other duties include:
- Review mechanical, design, and construction plans from county agencies, private developers, utilities, and internal divisions to assess impacts on Park Authority buildings and facilities.
- Conduct engineering evaluations focused on HVAC and Building Automation Systems (BAS), providing expert guidance and technical leadership on all HVAC related issues.
- Represent the Park Authority in multi-agency meetings, negotiations, and field inspections, serving as the primary technical and land use coordinator.
- Analyze complex engineering and regulatory issues, prepare formal comments, and negotiate solutions that balance competing standards and minimize impacts to park operations.
- Oversee design and construction coordination with engineers, contractors, and consultants, including site evaluations, cost estimate reviews, inspections, and project oversight.
- Prepare technical documents, reports, SOPs, and board materials; support legal document review; compile research and data; and contribute to public facing information and internal decision making.
Work schedules may vary, and occasional weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position. This position is also designated as Emergency Services Personnel for the Park Authority.
*A $5,000 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Engineer IV position.
Illustrative Duties
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)
Depending on the functional area of assignment:
- Secures all reviewing/permitting agencies’ approvals and permits as required in a timely manner;
- Administers design or construction contracts of large and complex projects;
- Performs advanced specialized engineering in the preparation and review of Hydrologic and Hydraulic engineering studies as required to achieve certification of the State regulated dams maintained;
- Applies advanced engineering and scientific techniques in evaluating complex solutions;
- Negotiates or oversees the negotiation of contracts for the full range of engineering/architectural, environmental and construction services;
- Coordinates County facility design or construction work with various architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants; supervises work performed under contract and maintains professional control of projects to completion;
- Estimates staffing, budget, schedules, and resources needed to meet completion dates;
- Supervises subordinate staff of engineers and/or technicians working multiple smaller projects, utilizing either internal staff or external consultants or contractors;
- Reviews and approves (or rejects with explanation) shop drawings and third party quality control inspection reports submitted pursuant to "Special Inspections Requirements" under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Fairfax County Special Inspections Program;
- Reviews the work of other engineers for complex permit applications, environmental analysis, design, or construction of Capital Projects;
- Reviews and approves plans in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code;
- Conducts field inspections of commercial construction projects to verify compliance with associated building code requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code;
- Conducts preliminary meetings with design professionals to discuss code issues related to complex projects;
- Proposes and prepares revisions to technical design standards and ordinances;
- Prepares and presents detailed reports, studies, and complex technical material to diverse groups of stakeholders to gain support and consensus;
- Prepares and presents reports to political boards and commissions at public hearings;
- Attends project and administrative meetings and conferences, and makes recommendations concerning budget issues;
- Serves as a technical advisor in specialty area;
- Signs off on the work of others that are supervised and signs off on own work as a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
Depending on the functional area of assignment:
- Considerable knowledge of the principles, theory, and practice of civil, architectural, and environmental engineering or urban planning;
- Considerable knowledge of computer applications and software (such as CAD) associated with the preparation of plans and engineering computations;
- Considerable knowledge of common methods and equipment used in engineering construction and of inspection methods used in reviewing such work;
- Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques relating to construction project management and contract administration;
- Considerable knowledge of Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the codes and ordinances which apply to building construction in Fairfax County;
- Considerable knowledge of real property descriptions;
- Considerable knowledge of environmental testing methods;
- Ability to review construction documents, designs and proposals for costs, design requirements and compatibility with County standards, guides and operational needs;
- Ability to prepare reports, specifications, and contract documents, studies, and technical analysis and present findings in clear and concise format;
- Ability to coordinate long-term, complex project plans;
- Ability to plan, coordinate and oversee the work of team(s), subordinates, and diverse professional and sub-professional engineering staff;
- Ability to communicate and interact effectively with the public, senior County staff, and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from a four-year college or university accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technologies with a bachelor's degree in the appropriate engineering or architectural field; plus, four years of progressively responsible professional experience in the appropriate engineering or architectural field. Possession of a valid Virginia Professional Engineer or Architect license is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5 Plus years’ experience as a lead mechanical P.E. responsible for design and sealing of commercial building mechanical and plumbing system projects.
- 3 years of experience as a lead mechanical P.E. with design of commercial building automation systems managing commercial building HVAC systems and operations and the design and construction of critical building mechanical and plumbing design and construction projects.
- Experience for designing and construction of life cycle mechanical systems and component replacement in occupied mission critical commercial buildings.
- Strong background in energy management informing, validating, and optimizing commercial building mechanical, automation and plumbing systems design and operation.
- Experience managing project design contracts.
- Strong contract management skills.
- Strong staff management skills.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
- Driver's License (Required)
- Professional Engineer - PE (VA) (Required)
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to walk, negotiate or traverse property sites that may be undergoing construction or having terrain that is not level.All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314.DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.govEEO/AA/TTY.
<#LI-SP1$88,765.46 - $155,339.60 Annually
HERRITY BUILDING (B-2), 12055 GOVERNMENT CENTER PKWY, FAIRFAX (EJ26), VA
FT Salary W BN
26-01444
Park Authority
09/26/2026
10/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
S29
Open to General Public
Job Announcement
Under the general direction of the branch manager, this position is the licensed professional mechanical engineer for the Park Operations Division and will cover all Facilities within the Park Authority. This position is expected to perform/process work assignments and coordinate all phases of Park Authority Facilities HVAC, Building Automation Systems (BAS) from the initial design phase, system management, system/equipment diagnostics, system integrations, daily operations, training of staff on normal operations in all Park Authority owned properties. Other duties include:
- Review mechanical, design, and construction plans from county agencies, private developers, utilities, and internal divisions to assess impacts on Park Authority buildings and facilities.
- Conduct engineering evaluations focused on HVAC and Building Automation Systems (BAS), providing expert guidance and technical leadership on all HVAC related issues.
- Represent the Park Authority in multi-agency meetings, negotiations, and field inspections, serving as the primary technical and land use coordinator.
- Analyze complex engineering and regulatory issues, prepare formal comments, and negotiate solutions that balance competing standards and minimize impacts to park operations.
- Oversee design and construction coordination with engineers, contractors, and consultants, including site evaluations, cost estimate reviews, inspections, and project oversight.
- Prepare technical documents, reports, SOPs, and board materials; support legal document review; compile research and data; and contribute to public facing information and internal decision making.
Work schedules may vary, and occasional weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position. This position is also designated as Emergency Services Personnel for the Park Authority.
*A $5,000 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Engineer IV position.
Illustrative Duties
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)
Depending on the functional area of assignment:
- Secures all reviewing/permitting agencies’ approvals and permits as required in a timely manner;
- Administers design or construction contracts of large and complex projects;
- Performs advanced specialized engineering in the preparation and review of Hydrologic and Hydraulic engineering studies as required to achieve certification of the State regulated dams maintained;
- Applies advanced engineering and scientific techniques in evaluating complex solutions;
- Negotiates or oversees the negotiation of contracts for the full range of engineering/architectural, environmental and construction services;
- Coordinates County facility design or construction work with various architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants; supervises work performed under contract and maintains professional control of projects to completion;
- Estimates staffing, budget, schedules, and resources needed to meet completion dates;
- Supervises subordinate staff of engineers and/or technicians working multiple smaller projects, utilizing either internal staff or external consultants or contractors;
- Reviews and approves (or rejects with explanation) shop drawings and third party quality control inspection reports submitted pursuant to "Special Inspections Requirements" under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Fairfax County Special Inspections Program;
- Reviews the work of other engineers for complex permit applications, environmental analysis, design, or construction of Capital Projects;
- Reviews and approves plans in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code;
- Conducts field inspections of commercial construction projects to verify compliance with associated building code requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code;
- Conducts preliminary meetings with design professionals to discuss code issues related to complex projects;
- Proposes and prepares revisions to technical design standards and ordinances;
- Prepares and presents detailed reports, studies, and complex technical material to diverse groups of stakeholders to gain support and consensus;
- Prepares and presents reports to political boards and commissions at public hearings;
- Attends project and administrative meetings and conferences, and makes recommendations concerning budget issues;
- Serves as a technical advisor in specialty area;
- Signs off on the work of others that are supervised and signs off on own work as a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
Depending on the functional area of assignment:
- Considerable knowledge of the principles, theory, and practice of civil, architectural, and environmental engineering or urban planning;
- Considerable knowledge of computer applications and software (such as CAD) associated with the preparation of plans and engineering computations;
- Considerable knowledge of common methods and equipment used in engineering construction and of inspection methods used in reviewing such work;
- Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques relating to construction project management and contract administration;
- Considerable knowledge of Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the codes and ordinances which apply to building construction in Fairfax County;
- Considerable knowledge of real property descriptions;
- Considerable knowledge of environmental testing methods;
- Ability to review construction documents, designs and proposals for costs, design requirements and compatibility with County standards, guides and operational needs;
- Ability to prepare reports, specifications, and contract documents, studies, and technical analysis and present findings in clear and concise format;
- Ability to coordinate long-term, complex project plans;
- Ability to plan, coordinate and oversee the work of team(s), subordinates, and diverse professional and sub-professional engineering staff;
- Ability to communicate and interact effectively with the public, senior County staff, and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from a four-year college or university accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technologies with a bachelor's degree in the appropriate engineering or architectural field; plus, four years of progressively responsible professional experience in the appropriate engineering or architectural field. Possession of a valid Virginia Professional Engineer or Architect license is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5 Plus years’ experience as a lead mechanical P.E. responsible for design and sealing of commercial building mechanical and plumbing system projects.
- 3 years of experience as a lead mechanical P.E. with design of commercial building automation systems managing commercial building HVAC systems and operations and the design and construction of critical building mechanical and plumbing design and construction projects.
- Experience for designing and construction of life cycle mechanical systems and component replacement in occupied mission critical commercial buildings.
- Strong background in energy management informing, validating, and optimizing commercial building mechanical, automation and plumbing systems design and operation.
- Experience managing project design contracts.
- Strong contract management skills.
- Strong staff management skills.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
- Driver's License (Required)
- Professional Engineer - PE (VA) (Required)
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to walk, negotiate or traverse property sites that may be undergoing construction or having terrain that is not level.All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314.DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.govEEO/AA/TTY.
<#LI-SP1See All 119+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Find Mechanical Engineer JobsMechanical Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Transportation & Logistics
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or closely related engineering discipline required
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation preferred for senior roles
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA
- Experience with systems design, structural analysis, or thermal and fluid systems
- Active U.S. security clearance or eligibility to obtain one for defense positions
- Familiarity with engineering standards including ASME, MIL-SPEC, or similar regulatory frameworks
Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical engineer in Virginia?
Becoming a licensed mechanical engineer in Virginia requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gaining qualifying work experience, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Licensure is issued through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. While licensure is not required for all positions, it is expected for senior, supervisory, and government contract roles.
How much do mechanical engineers make in Virginia?
Mechanical 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 engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring mechanical engineers in Virginia right now include Northrop Grumman, Amazon, and Sargent & Lundy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense primes, naval shipyards, and federal agency contractors means mechanical engineers here often work on aerospace, propulsion, or large-scale infrastructure systems.
Which Virginia cities have the most mechanical engineer jobs?
Herndon, Dulles, and Reston have the most mechanical engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's proximity to the Pentagon and federal contracting agencies drives demand there, Hampton Roads anchors shipbuilding and Naval Station Norfolk support work, and Richmond draws roles from manufacturing, utilities, and state infrastructure projects.
Are there remote mechanical engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Mechanical engineering is primarily a hands-on discipline involving labs, manufacturing floors, test facilities, and physical systems, so most roles require on-site presence. About 44% of mechanical engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be design review, analysis, or project management functions rather than fabrication or testing work.
How can I get hired as a mechanical engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate rotational or associate engineer programs at Virginia's large defense contractors, including Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics, which regularly recruit from Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, and George Mason University. Entry-level titles like engineering technician, junior systems engineer, or design engineer associate are common on-ramps. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam while still in school gives candidates a measurable edge in a competitive applicant pool.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 119+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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