Mechanical - Senior Engineer (District Utilities)

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'll 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

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Employee ownership through our ESOP program
• Work-from-home flexibility with details provided upon inquiry
• Multiple group health insurance options
• 401k with up to 6% matching contribution
• 24 days of paid time off (PTO)
• Five paid holidays per year
• Tuition reimbursement
• Many other perks

Why Wiley|Wilson?

• Full-service architecture-engineering firm specializing in innovative design solutions
• Unique opportunity for career advancement
• 100-percent employee-owned company with an ESOP program
• Diverse mix of projects and generous benefits
• Focus on service and engagement creating a distinct company culture
• Offices in Alexandria, Lynchburg, Richmond, VA; Raleigh, NC; and Atlanta, GA

Other Information

• EEO/AAP, Disability/Covered veteran, Drug Free Workplace
• R605 Senior 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