Engineering Technician
General Dynamics Mission Systems · Chantilly, VA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at General Dynamics Mission Systems (aerospace & defense) in Chantilly, VA. Construct, troubleshoot, calibrate, adjust, test, diagnose and maintain equipment, components, devices, or systems.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Tooling, SolidWorks
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Virginia: typical posted base $85k–$135k.
Median of the low and high ends of 15 live postings that list pay, out of 47 manufacturing engineer openings in Virginia, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 46 other live manufacturing postings in Virginia.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)
Typical $79k–$129k, from 13 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 47%
- New product launch 30%
- Lean 28%
- Automation 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SolidWorks, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at General Dynamics Mission Systems
We found 2 people at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role, 1 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Toni → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: General Dynamics Mission Systems in Chantilly
No other open roles at this site right now · 2 people we found in manufacturing roles at General Dynamics Mission Systems.
Engineering Technician at General Dynamics Mission Systems in other locations
General Dynamics Mission Systems lists this title in 2 places. Pick the plant you can get to.
Full description from General Dynamics Mission SystemsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Qualifications
Associate's degree in related discipline or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience is required plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
Requirements
Candidates must be able to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense SECRET security clearance within a reasonable amount of time from date of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility
requirements
for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities
for this Position
Are you looking to take charge of your career and seek opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve your potential? If so, look no further! As an Engineering Technician on our team, you’ll support engineering activities such as design, test, check-out, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype electro mechanical systems, experimental design circuitry, laser/light transmission devices or specialized test equipment. This may entail performing research and engineering laboratory functions that may include, but are not be limited to:
- ◆Layout, build, test, troubleshoot, repair and modify electronic or electro-mechanical devices, assemblies, subsystems, and systems
- ◆Construct, troubleshoot, calibrate, adjust, test, diagnose and maintain equipment, components, devices, or systems
- ◆Calibration and alignment checks
- ◆Utilize Soldering skills
- ◆Construct, modify, debug, test and adjust a variety of tools and equipment given appropriate drawings, parts and instructions
- ◆Implement basic practical solutions for process improvement
- ◆Conduct and document experiments under guidance of senior technician
- ◆Construct basis tooling and fixtures to accomplish unique tasks
- ◆Organize data to identify cause/effect relationships and recommends resolution/process improvement
What you’ll experience
- ✓Technologies that aren’t just top-notch, they’re often top-secret
- ✓A team of bold thinkers committed to exploring what’s next
- ✓Opportunities to gain new knowledge - as it’s discovered
What you'll Do
- ◆Interpret equipment drawings, schematics, and safety protocols to ensure accurate and efficient work.
- ◆Use data acquisition software (like LabView) to support testing, troubleshooting, and analysis.
- ◆Collaborate with a dynamic team and document processes using tools such as Atlassian Jira and Confluence.
- ◆Apply your problem-solving and analytical skills to refine systems and resolve technical challenges.
- ◆Work with advanced technologies like SolidWorks PDM, 3D printing, and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Basic
What you bring to the table
- •Ability to acquire job skills and learn company policies and procedures to complete routine tasks
- •Ability to fabricate simple hardware as required
- •General computer and test equipment knowledge
- •Solid understanding of basic mechanical and electrical engineering concepts, with the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
- •Strong written and verbal communication skills to share ideas effectively and collaborate with team members.
- •Willingness to learn and work with data acquisition tools and software.
- •A proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to think critically in dynamic situations.
What sets you apart
- •Team player who thrives in collaborative environments and revels in team success
- •Commitment to ongoing professional development
- •Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation
- •Experience with Atlassian tools like Jira and Confluence for project management and collaboration.
- •Familiarity with 3D modeling tools like SolidWorks PDM or experience with 3D printing methods such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
- •Quick adaptability to new tools and technologies with a passion for continuous learning.
- •A results-oriented approach and a strong desire to contribute to innovative projects.
Our Commitment to You
- •An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
- •Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
- •Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
- •Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
- •See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits
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Salary Note
USD $31.14 - USD $33.40 /Hr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!