Plant Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Plant engineer jobs in Virginia are active across defense manufacturing, chemical processing, power generation, and food production, with demand at every level from junior process engineer to senior plant operations lead. The heaviest hiring concentrates in the Northern Virginia corridor, the Richmond metro, and the Hampton Roads area, where employers such as Huntington Ingalls Industries, Dominion Energy, and DuPont maintain large, established operations. Maintenance reliability, process optimization, and environmental compliance are the specialties appearing most consistently in Virginia listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Plant Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Plant Engineer jobs
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering
- You will be preparing or reviewing calculations, evaluations, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews, and will additionally conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs
- While supporting clients and project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, you will be involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of nuclear power plant mechanical systems
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status
- Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates
- Mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks
- There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for meetings and field verification of designs
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
- 5 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry
- All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
- PE License
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering
- You will be preparing or reviewing calculations, evaluations, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews, and will additionally conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs
- While supporting clients and project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, you will be involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of nuclear power plant mechanical systems
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status
- Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates
- Mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks
- There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for meetings and field verification of designs
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
- 5 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry
- All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
- PE License
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
See All 10 Plant Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Plant Engineer JobsPlant Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Plant Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in plant engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, or industrial engineering from an accredited program
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation preferred for senior roles
- Three or more years of experience in plant operations, process engineering, or facilities maintenance
- Proficiency with CMMS platforms, AutoCAD, or process simulation software used in industrial settings
- Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA safety standards, environmental regulations, and Virginia workplace compliance requirements
- Strong ability to lead cross-functional maintenance and capital improvement projects from planning through execution
Plant Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a plant engineer in Virginia?
You typically start with a bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, industrial, or electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program. For roles with public oversight or senior design responsibility, Virginia requires licensure through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, which administers the Professional Engineer credential after you pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and accumulate qualifying work experience. Many employers also value the Certified Plant Engineer credential from the Association for Facilities Engineering.
How much do plant engineers make in Virginia?
Plant engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $102,550 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,880 for the lowest 10% to over $157,160 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire plant engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring plant engineers in Virginia right now include Sargent & Lundy, Shell, and Evonik, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's mix of defense contractors, utilities, chemical manufacturers, and food processing facilities means openings appear across a wide range of industries rather than clustering in a single sector.
Which Virginia cities have the most plant engineer jobs?
Reston, Virginia, and Amherst consistently post the most plant engineer openings in Virginia. The Northern Virginia corridor draws demand from defense and government contractors, Richmond's role as an energy and chemical manufacturing hub drives steady postings there, and Hampton Roads sees strong hiring tied to naval operations, shipbuilding, and industrial logistics facilities.
Are there remote plant engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Plant engineering is inherently hands-on, requiring on-site presence for equipment inspections, process troubleshooting, and safety compliance. About 0% of plant engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to cover project engineering, capital planning, or technical consulting roles rather than day-to-day plant operations.
How can I get hired as a plant engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a new-graduate or rotational engineering program at a large Virginia industrial employer. Dominion Energy and Huntington Ingalls Industries both run structured early-career engineering programs that place candidates into plant-adjacent roles. Entry titles such as process technician, maintenance engineer, or reliability engineer trainee are common stepping stones. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and completing internships at Virginia manufacturing or utility sites strengthens any early-career application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to plant engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to plant engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialization, then apply directly to each one.
See All 10 Plant Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Plant Engineer Jobs