Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Mechanical Project Engineer jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, concentrated in defense systems, federal contracting, energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing across a market that runs from entry-level project support roles to senior program engineers. Northern Virginia, the Hampton Roads metro, and Richmond are the largest hiring hubs, anchored by long-established employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and BAE Systems. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia listings are systems integration, HVAC and MEP design, and propulsion or naval engineering tied to the region's defense base. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 31+ Mechanical Project Engineer jobs
Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.
Job Description
Position Purpose:
Project Engineer – Performs commissioning of mechanical systems. Must be a self-motivated & energetic professional. Must have understanding of building mechanical systems design, construction & operation. Must have experience with commissioning process of mechanical systems ranging in size, rating and complexity. The ideal candidate shall possess theoretical and practical knowledge in the commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and related controls. Candidate will be responsible for reviewing project information; executing daily field activities; maintaining project documentation; assisting the Senior Project Engineer; and providing guidance to associate project engineers. This role requires the candidate to have technical competency, organizational skills and is expected to work well in a team environment.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities:
- Commission mechanical, plumbing & fire alarm and suppression equipment and related controls, primarily in data center environments.
- Review system designs for compliance with client facility goals.
- Assist with preparing plans and procedures for execution of the commissioning process.
- Conduct commissioning activities from the design phase through the occupation phase, in accordance with client requirements and industry commissioning process best practices.
- Attend factory testing of equipment and document procedures and results.
- Conduct functional testing of equipment and measure results using test instrumentation.
- Fully document all field procedures including results, issues and observations either via company provided templates or online applications.
- Report on system performance and make technical recommendations on issues.
- Work with project teams to coordinate and execute field activities.
- Review and provide input on commissioning project documentation and schedules.
- Assist with submitting and maintaining daily commissioning reports.
- Assist in the training of Associate Project Engineers.
- Respond to project team and client inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
- Comply with company, client, and project safety requirements.
-
Be knowledgeable with Mechanical, Plumbing & FLS building systems & equipment, including, but not limited to:
- Air Cooled Chiller
- Water Cooled Chiller
- Cooling Tower
- Direct Evaporative Cooling System
- Air Handling Unit
- Computer Room Air Conditioning Unit
- Process Water Plants
- Boilers
- Fuel Systems
- Backup Generators
- Gas turbines
- Reciprocating Engines
- Steam Turbines
- Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems
- Fan Coil Unit
- DX Split System
- Fan Array
- Chemical Injection System
- Variable Frequency Drive
- Variable Refrigerant Volume System
- Rooftop Unit
- Variable Air Volume Unit
- Makeup Air Unit
- Hydronic Pump
- Leak Detection
- Heat Trace
- DDC & PLC Controls
- Fire Pumps & Controller
- Pre-Action Fire Suppression System
- Fire Alarm Control Panel
- VESDA System
- Domestic Water Pumps & Heaters
Qualifications
Qualifications
Education/Experience/Background:
- BSc/MSc in Mechanical Engineering with 2 or more years with mission critical project experience, or relevant and applicable industry mechanical and/or controls experience;
OR
- Minimum of 4 or more years of experience in commissioning with mission critical project experience, or relevant and applicable industry mechanical and/or controls experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Experience in Mission Critical facility commissioning essential.
- Organized, detail-oriented, analytical, proactive, problem solver.
- Good communication and relationship skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work with limited supervision.
- Knowledge & experience with ASHRAE or BCxA commissioning guidelines preferred.
- Control and programming experience a plus.
- Reasonable understanding of building management systems (BMS) and/or electrical power monitoring system (EPMS).
- Deep understanding and application of test instrumentation.
- Team player and a “client-first” mentality.
Required Certification/Licenses/Training:
- Professional Engineers (PE) License and/or a commissioning certification a plus but not required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to walk up to 5 miles per day.
- Carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to wear required PPE daily.
- Travel nationwide 50% - 75% if not assigned locally; may have periods of higher travel expectation.
Additional Information
Additional information
Pay Range: $104,000 to $119,000 Per Year.
Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.
Job Description
Position Purpose:
Project Engineer – Performs commissioning of mechanical systems. Must be a self-motivated & energetic professional. Must have understanding of building mechanical systems design, construction & operation. Must have experience with commissioning process of mechanical systems ranging in size, rating and complexity. The ideal candidate shall possess theoretical and practical knowledge in the commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and related controls. Candidate will be responsible for reviewing project information; executing daily field activities; maintaining project documentation; assisting the Senior Project Engineer; and providing guidance to associate project engineers. This role requires the candidate to have technical competency, organizational skills and is expected to work well in a team environment.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities:
- Commission mechanical, plumbing & fire alarm and suppression equipment and related controls, primarily in data center environments.
- Review system designs for compliance with client facility goals.
- Assist with preparing plans and procedures for execution of the commissioning process.
- Conduct commissioning activities from the design phase through the occupation phase, in accordance with client requirements and industry commissioning process best practices.
- Attend factory testing of equipment and document procedures and results.
- Conduct functional testing of equipment and measure results using test instrumentation.
- Fully document all field procedures including results, issues and observations either via company provided templates or online applications.
- Report on system performance and make technical recommendations on issues.
- Work with project teams to coordinate and execute field activities.
- Review and provide input on commissioning project documentation and schedules.
- Assist with submitting and maintaining daily commissioning reports.
- Assist in the training of Associate Project Engineers.
- Respond to project team and client inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
- Comply with company, client, and project safety requirements.
-
Be knowledgeable with Mechanical, Plumbing & FLS building systems & equipment, including, but not limited to:
- Air Cooled Chiller
- Water Cooled Chiller
- Cooling Tower
- Direct Evaporative Cooling System
- Air Handling Unit
- Computer Room Air Conditioning Unit
- Process Water Plants
- Boilers
- Fuel Systems
- Backup Generators
- Gas turbines
- Reciprocating Engines
- Steam Turbines
- Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems
- Fan Coil Unit
- DX Split System
- Fan Array
- Chemical Injection System
- Variable Frequency Drive
- Variable Refrigerant Volume System
- Rooftop Unit
- Variable Air Volume Unit
- Makeup Air Unit
- Hydronic Pump
- Leak Detection
- Heat Trace
- DDC & PLC Controls
- Fire Pumps & Controller
- Pre-Action Fire Suppression System
- Fire Alarm Control Panel
- VESDA System
- Domestic Water Pumps & Heaters
Qualifications
Qualifications
Education/Experience/Background:
- BSc/MSc in Mechanical Engineering with 2 or more years with mission critical project experience, or relevant and applicable industry mechanical and/or controls experience;
OR
- Minimum of 4 or more years of experience in commissioning with mission critical project experience, or relevant and applicable industry mechanical and/or controls experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Experience in Mission Critical facility commissioning essential.
- Organized, detail-oriented, analytical, proactive, problem solver.
- Good communication and relationship skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work with limited supervision.
- Knowledge & experience with ASHRAE or BCxA commissioning guidelines preferred.
- Control and programming experience a plus.
- Reasonable understanding of building management systems (BMS) and/or electrical power monitoring system (EPMS).
- Deep understanding and application of test instrumentation.
- Team player and a “client-first” mentality.
Required Certification/Licenses/Training:
- Professional Engineers (PE) License and/or a commissioning certification a plus but not required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to walk up to 5 miles per day.
- Carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to wear required PPE daily.
- Travel nationwide 50% - 75% if not assigned locally; may have periods of higher travel expectation.
Additional Information
Additional information
Pay Range: $104,000 to $119,000 Per Year.
Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
See All 31 Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Find JobsMechanical Project Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Project Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical project engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline required
- Professional Engineer license or active EIT registration with the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects preferred
- Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA for design and documentation
- Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables across engineering teams
- Familiarity with federal acquisition or defense contracting standards relevant to Virginia employers
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional coordination with clients and contractors
Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical project engineer in Virginia?
The standard path starts with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, followed by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to become an Engineer in Training registered with the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects. After gaining qualifying work experience, you can sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to earn full Professional Engineer licensure. Virginia PE licensure is a meaningful differentiator for senior project roles, particularly in defense contracting, civil-mechanical work, and MEP design.
How much do mechanical project engineers make in Virginia?
Mechanical project 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 project engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring mechanical project engineers in Virginia right now include Jobot, Affiliated Engineers, and Moore's Electrical & Mechanical, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal agencies, naval facilities, and defense prime contractors means hiring here skews heavily toward firms with government program work, making cleared or clearance-eligible candidates especially competitive.
Which Virginia cities have the most mechanical project engineer jobs?
The cities with the most mechanical project engineer openings in Virginia are Dulles, Charlottesville, and Herndon. Northern Virginia's density of federal contractors and technology firms drives the largest share of postings, while Hampton Roads reflects demand from naval shipbuilding, the U.S. Navy's installations, and the defense industrial base concentrated around Norfolk and Newport News, and Richmond draws from state agency projects, energy infrastructure, and manufacturing operations.
Are there remote mechanical project engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields, since mechanical project engineering often requires on-site coordination, facility walkthroughs, and hands-on review of systems or prototypes. About 40% of mechanical project engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the remote-eligible work concentrated in roles focused on documentation, systems analysis, and project management rather than installation or lab-based design work.
How can I get hired as a mechanical project engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to co-op or new-graduate rotational programs at Virginia's major defense contractors, where employers like Northrop Grumman and Leidos regularly bring in candidates directly from engineering programs. Entry-level titles to target include junior project engineer, engineering associate, and design engineer, which are common stepping-stone roles at both prime contractors and government-adjacent firms. Completing your Engineer in Training registration through the Virginia Board and building a portfolio of CAD work or capstone projects strengthens applications significantly, as does any internship connected to federal program work or Virginia's naval engineering sector.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical project engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to mechanical project engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated in real time. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 31 Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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