Mechanical - Senior Engineer (District Utilities)

Wiley Wilson Inc; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Employee ownership through ESOP

401k with matching contribution

24 days paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading architecture and engineering firm in Richmond, VA seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to specialize in district utilities. The role involves technical leadership, project design and mentorship of junior engineers. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, a PE license, and 10+ years in district thermal utility systems. The firm offers competitive salary, employee ownership, and a generous benefits package including work-from-home flexibility and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in district thermal utility systems.
• Strong leadership and project management skills required.
• Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States and obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and design of district thermal utility systems.
• Conduct detailed engineering analysis and troubleshoot design challenges.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

District thermal utility systems

Leadership

Project management

Engineering analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Wiley|Wilson, a 100% employee‑owned architecture and engineering firm, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in district utilities to join our team in Richmond, VA. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to play a pivotal role in expanding our well‑established and growing district energy portfolio, continuing to serve both longstanding clients and new partnerships.

Position Overview

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a focus in district heating and cooling utilities, you will provide technical leadership in the planning, design, analysis, and implementation of district utility projects. You will serve as a key technical expert, focusing on solving complex engineering challenges, overseeing designs, and ensuring the performance and reliability of utility systems for our clients. You will be involved in projects designing central plants and utility distribution systems. This role will involve in‑depth technical work, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and mentoring junior engineers, all while contributing to the development of sustainable, innovative, efficient, and reliable district heating and cooling solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and design of district thermal utility systems such as heating water, chilled water, and steam.
• Support business development efforts in the district utility market.
• Conduct detailed engineering analysis, perform life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), and troubleshoot complex design challenges.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems into broader infrastructure projects.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Support field investigations and system assessments to ensure designs meet real‑world conditions and client requirements.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure high standards of quality, innovation, and performance.
• Participate in construction administration.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of specialized experience with district thermal utility systems, including generation and distribution systems. Desired experience includes planning, analysis, and design.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Candidate needs to be eligible to work in the United States and obtain a security clearance.

Desirable

• Master Planning experience
• Higher Education design experience
• Federal Government design experience
• Geothermal / ambient loop design experience
• LEED accreditation

What We Offer

We offer a competitive salary along with employee ownership through our ESOP program and work‑from‑home flexibility with details provided upon inquiry. Our generous benefits package includes multiple group health insurance options, a 401k with up to 6% matching contribution, 24 days of paid time off (PTO), five paid holidays per year, tuition reimbursement, and many other perks.

Furthermore, we 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.

As a 100‑percent employee‑owned company, our 190+ employees share a stake in our success through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The ownership model, coupled with our focus on service and engagement, creates a distinct company culture. Wiley|Wilson has offices in Alexandria, Lynchburg, Richmond, VA; Raleigh, NC; and Atlanta, GA.

Other

• EOE/AAP, Disability/Covered veteran, Drug Free Workplace
• R605Senior Mechanical Engineer, District Utilities
• Richmond, Virginia, District Utilities, District Energy, Steam Systems, Hot Water Systems, Chilled Water Systems, Mechanical Engineering, PE License, Infrastructure Design, System Optimization, Field Investigations, Technical Leadership, Engineering Analysis, Utility Networks, Decarbonization, Sustainable Energy Solutions, Geothermal