Mechanical - Senior Engineer (District Utilities)

Wiley|Wilson; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership (ESOP)

Hybrid work schedule

401(k) with 6% match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off: 24 days

Job summary

Wiley|Wilson, a 100% employee-owned architecture and engineering firm, seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer with district utilities expertise to join our Richmond, VA office. You will lead district heating/cooling projects, guide design teams, and shape energy solutions for long-term clients and new partnerships.

With 10+ years in district thermal systems and a PE license, you will mentor staff, support BD efforts, and ensure reliable, efficient systems across central plants and distribution

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of focused experience with district thermal utility systems, including generation and distribution.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• Demonstrated leadership and project management capabilities
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. and obtain a security clearance

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and design efforts for district thermal systems, including hot water, chilled water, and steam networks
• Contribute to business development initiatives within the district utilities sector
• Perform detailed engineering analyses, including life cycle cost evaluations (LCCA)
• Work collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems into larger infrastructure projects
• Mentor and provide technical direction to junior engineers
• Support field investigations and system evaluations to align designs with site conditions and client needs
• Participate in design reviews to uphold quality, innovation, and system performance
• Assist with construction phase services

Skills

Leadership

Project management

District utilities expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Job description

Wiley|Wilson, a 100% employee‑owned architecture and engineering firm, is looking to add a seasoned Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise in district utilities to our Richmond, VA office. This role is ideal for a driven professional eager to help grow our established district energy practice, supporting both long‑term clients and emerging partnerships.

Position Overview

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in district heating and cooling systems, you will provide technical leadership across the planning, design, analysis, and delivery of district utility projects. You will act as a subject‑matter expert, tackling complex engineering challenges, guiding design efforts, and ensuring system performance and reliability. The role includes involvement in central plant and distribution system design, close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and mentorship of junior staff while advancing sustainable, efficient, and forward‑thinking energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning and design efforts for district thermal systems, including hot water, chilled water, and steam networks
• Contribute to business development initiatives within the district utilities sector
• Perform detailed engineering analyses, including life cycle cost evaluations (LCCA), and resolve complex technical issues
• Work collaboratively with cross‑disciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems into larger infrastructure projects
• Mentor and provide technical direction to junior engineers
• Support field investigations and system evaluations to align designs with site conditions and client needs
• Participate in design reviews to uphold quality, innovation, and system performance
• Assist with construction phase services

Requirements

• At least 10 years of focused experience with district thermal utility systems, including both generation and distribution
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program
• Demonstrated leadership and project management capabilities
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. and obtain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with master planning
• Background in higher education facility design
• Experience supporting federal government projects
• Familiarity with geothermal or ambient loop systems
• LEED accreditation

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary along with employee ownership through our ESOP program and work-from-home flexibility. Our generous benefits package includes multiple group health insurance options, a 401(k) with up to 6% matching contribution, 24 days of paid time off, five paid holidays per year, tuition reimbursement, and many other perks. We also prioritize inclusivity with benefits such as 80 hours of parental leave for the birth of a child or newly adopted child, a hybrid work schedule to accommodate various needs, and for roles requiring travel, we ensure accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Why Wiley|Wilson?

Wiley|Wilson is a full‑service architecture‑engineering firm, specializing in creating innovative and functional design solutions for our government, institutional, and private‑sector clients around the world. Our diverse mix of projects, generous benefits, and focus on professional growth provides a truly unique opportunity for you to elevate your career.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• EOE/AAP, Disability/Covered veteran, Drug Free Workplace