Senior Staff Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Senior Staff Engineer jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, concentrated in defense technology, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and federal government contracting, with openings at every level from staff engineer to principal and distinguished engineer. The heaviest hiring activity is in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads corridor, where established employers like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Northrop Grumman maintain large engineering workforces. The most sought-after specializations in Virginia listings include systems engineering, software architecture, and embedded systems for defense and intelligence programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Senior Staff Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Senior Staff Engineer jobs
Dominion Energy is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. If you want to work for a purpose-driven company that values safety and collaboration, we’re looking for you. You won’t just find a job here; you’ll find your career. Review the position below and apply today.
We offer a hybrid 3-2 work schedule (three days in the office, two days of teleworking) to accommodate the need for flexibility.
Military service members and veterans with ranks from E3-E5, W1-W2, or O1-O3, plus appropriate equivalent combination of education and years of experience as outlined below will be considered for this opportunity.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Substation Engineer for our Renewable Infrastructure group who understands power fundamentals and is motivated to learn and meet the growing generation demands in Virginia. You will be responsible for working with the assigned Project Manager and Construction Manager to provide technical support and oversight for transmission connected Generation projects. This position is located in Richmond, Virginia. There is one position available and will be filled at the level commensurate with the successful candidate's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities.
Job Responsibilities
- Attend weekly and monthly project meetings to track engineering and project status
- Assist Project Manager with technical support for resolution of notices, change orders, milestone payments etc.
- Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) and facilitate resolution
- Review engineering design packages (drawings, studies, relay settings etc.)
- Provide technical support for resolution of construction issues
- Review commissioning test reports, turnover documentation, and other milestone completion requirements
- Work under general supervision with increasing independence and responsibility
The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in technical writing, engineering software tools, and basic modeling. Strong foundational knowledge in electrical systems and analytical problem-solving are essential. This role also requires effective communication skills for external vendors and contractors.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience
The knowledge, skills, abilities and experience required for entry into this job include the following:
Associate Engineer: 0-2+ years of significant directly related experience
Engineer: 2+ years of significant directly related experience
Senior Engineer: 5+ years of significant directly related experience
Staff Engineer: 8+ years of significant directly related experience
Required
- Electric distribution, transmission or generation experience
- Self-motivator who can work cooperatively in a team environment, but is comfortable independently seeking knowledge and information
- Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with Dominion project teams, vendors, contractors and other utilities
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and prioritize work based on project needs
- Knowledge of engineering theories, principles, standards, codes, concepts, and their application to problem solving.
Preferred
- Substation and/or transmission line experience
- Construction experience
- Power system modeling experience
- Relay setting and coordination experience
(Note: A partial year of related work experience of 6 months or greater will be considered one year towards the qualifications)
Education Requirements
Required Degree (equivalency not accepted in lieu of required degree):
Required: Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- Electrical Engineering Degree is preferred
- Other disciplines may be substituted for the preferred discipline(s) listed above.
REQUIRED ENGINEERING CRITERIA: For placement of a candidate in the Engineer job series, the following criteria must be met:
Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an ABET accredited Engineering program based on the year that the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an institution outside of the U.S. which is accredited through the country's own Engineering accrediting body under the Washington Accord as a full signatory, and is a degree that was recognized by the country's accrediting body on or after the date that full signatory status was achieved, or
Possess a 4-year degree in Engineering (non-ABET accredited), Physics, Chemistry, Math or Engineering Technology and a post-graduate Engineering degree from an institution where the undergraduate degree in the same Engineering discipline is ABET-accredited based on the year the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
Holds or has previously held a valid U.S. Professional Engineer license.
Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description
Working Conditions
Other Working Conditions
Test Description
No Testing
Export Control
Certain positions at Dominion Energy may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in Dominion Energy limiting its consideration of certain applicants.
What You'll Get
Expected Hiring Base Salary Range:
Associate Engineer: $73,200 - $95,000
Engineer: $81,900 - $106,400
Sr Engineer: $90,900 -$118,100
Staff Engineer: $102,300 - $132,800
The expected hiring base salary range is the range we anticipate hiring within for this position. The actual salary offered may vary based on factors such as the selected candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and work location. This is not intended to represent the full salary range for the position or limit future compensation growth.
At Dominion Energy, we offer excellent plans and programs for employees. Employees are rewarded with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes: health, dental, and vision benefits with coverage for families and domestic partners, vacation, retirement plans including 401k contributions and matches, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, bonus eligibility, sick leave, and disability insurance. To learn more about our benefits, click here: dombenefits.com.
Dominion Energy is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin and/or status as a protected veteran or individual with a disability.
You can experience the excitement of our company – it's the difference between taking a job and starting a career.
Dominion Energy is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. If you want to work for a purpose-driven company that values safety and collaboration, we’re looking for you. You won’t just find a job here; you’ll find your career. Review the position below and apply today.
We offer a hybrid 3-2 work schedule (three days in the office, two days of teleworking) to accommodate the need for flexibility.
Military service members and veterans with ranks from E3-E5, W1-W2, or O1-O3, plus appropriate equivalent combination of education and years of experience as outlined below will be considered for this opportunity.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Substation Engineer for our Renewable Infrastructure group who understands power fundamentals and is motivated to learn and meet the growing generation demands in Virginia. You will be responsible for working with the assigned Project Manager and Construction Manager to provide technical support and oversight for transmission connected Generation projects. This position is located in Richmond, Virginia. There is one position available and will be filled at the level commensurate with the successful candidate's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities.
Job Responsibilities
- Attend weekly and monthly project meetings to track engineering and project status
- Assist Project Manager with technical support for resolution of notices, change orders, milestone payments etc.
- Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) and facilitate resolution
- Review engineering design packages (drawings, studies, relay settings etc.)
- Provide technical support for resolution of construction issues
- Review commissioning test reports, turnover documentation, and other milestone completion requirements
- Work under general supervision with increasing independence and responsibility
The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in technical writing, engineering software tools, and basic modeling. Strong foundational knowledge in electrical systems and analytical problem-solving are essential. This role also requires effective communication skills for external vendors and contractors.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience
The knowledge, skills, abilities and experience required for entry into this job include the following:
Associate Engineer: 0-2+ years of significant directly related experience
Engineer: 2+ years of significant directly related experience
Senior Engineer: 5+ years of significant directly related experience
Staff Engineer: 8+ years of significant directly related experience
Required
- Electric distribution, transmission or generation experience
- Self-motivator who can work cooperatively in a team environment, but is comfortable independently seeking knowledge and information
- Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with Dominion project teams, vendors, contractors and other utilities
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and prioritize work based on project needs
- Knowledge of engineering theories, principles, standards, codes, concepts, and their application to problem solving.
Preferred
- Substation and/or transmission line experience
- Construction experience
- Power system modeling experience
- Relay setting and coordination experience
(Note: A partial year of related work experience of 6 months or greater will be considered one year towards the qualifications)
Education Requirements
Required Degree (equivalency not accepted in lieu of required degree):
Required: Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- Electrical Engineering Degree is preferred
- Other disciplines may be substituted for the preferred discipline(s) listed above.
REQUIRED ENGINEERING CRITERIA: For placement of a candidate in the Engineer job series, the following criteria must be met:
Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an ABET accredited Engineering program based on the year that the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an institution outside of the U.S. which is accredited through the country's own Engineering accrediting body under the Washington Accord as a full signatory, and is a degree that was recognized by the country's accrediting body on or after the date that full signatory status was achieved, or
Possess a 4-year degree in Engineering (non-ABET accredited), Physics, Chemistry, Math or Engineering Technology and a post-graduate Engineering degree from an institution where the undergraduate degree in the same Engineering discipline is ABET-accredited based on the year the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
Holds or has previously held a valid U.S. Professional Engineer license.
Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description
Working Conditions
Other Working Conditions
Test Description
No Testing
Export Control
Certain positions at Dominion Energy may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in Dominion Energy limiting its consideration of certain applicants.
What You'll Get
Expected Hiring Base Salary Range:
Associate Engineer: $73,200 - $95,000
Engineer: $81,900 - $106,400
Sr Engineer: $90,900 -$118,100
Staff Engineer: $102,300 - $132,800
The expected hiring base salary range is the range we anticipate hiring within for this position. The actual salary offered may vary based on factors such as the selected candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and work location. This is not intended to represent the full salary range for the position or limit future compensation growth.
At Dominion Energy, we offer excellent plans and programs for employees. Employees are rewarded with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes: health, dental, and vision benefits with coverage for families and domestic partners, vacation, retirement plans including 401k contributions and matches, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, bonus eligibility, sick leave, and disability insurance. To learn more about our benefits, click here: dombenefits.com.
Dominion Energy is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin and/or status as a protected veteran or individual with a disability.
You can experience the excitement of our company – it's the difference between taking a job and starting a career.
See All 15 Senior Staff Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Staff Engineer JobsSenior Staff Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Staff Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior staff engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline required
- Ten or more years of progressive software or systems engineering experience including technical leadership
- Active or eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance, commonly required in Virginia
- Demonstrated ability to define architecture and drive engineering decisions across large teams
- Deep expertise in cloud platforms, distributed systems, or embedded systems relevant to Virginia defense programs
- Experience mentoring engineers and leading cross-functional technical initiatives at scale
Senior Staff Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior staff engineer in Virginia?
Reaching the senior staff engineer level in Virginia typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science followed by a decade or more of progressively complex technical work. Software-focused senior staff roles do not require a state-issued license, but engineers working on physical infrastructure or licensed professional engineering projects may need a Professional Engineer credential through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Defense and intelligence contractors in Northern Virginia also expect candidates to hold or qualify for a federal security clearance.
Which companies hire senior staff engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring senior staff engineers in Virginia right now include Electra Aero, Ofinno, and Northrop Grumman, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal contractors and defense primes means many of these roles are tied to long-term government programs, giving the market unusual stability compared to other states.
Which Virginia cities have the most senior staff engineer jobs?
Manassas, Reston, and Fairfax account for the largest share of senior staff engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia dominates because of its dense cluster of federal agencies, defense contractors, and technology firms anchored by the Pentagon and nearby intelligence community campuses, while Richmond and Hampton Roads contribute roles across state government IT, shipbuilding, and regional healthcare systems.
Are there remote senior staff engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 50% of senior staff engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the desk-based and architecture-heavy nature of the role. Software architecture, cloud platform work, and distributed systems design are the most remote-friendly specializations, though roles tied to classified government programs almost always require on-site or cleared-facility presence in Virginia.
How can I get hired as a senior staff engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic path for candidates without senior-level experience is to enter Virginia's federal contracting ecosystem at a staff or senior engineer level and grow into the role. Large Virginia contractors like Leidos and Booz Allen Hamilton run associate and new-graduate engineering programs that build toward staff-track positions. Moving laterally from roles such as systems analyst, DevOps engineer, or solutions architect is a common bridge. Earning a cloud architecture certification or contributing to open-source projects strengthens a portfolio for employers who might otherwise require more years of experience.
Where can I find and apply to senior staff engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to senior staff engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 15 Senior Staff Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Staff Engineer Jobs