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Energy Efficiency Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

PEG, LLC is in its twenty-eighth year being a diverse energy efficiency, engineering, environmental and management consulting firm operating principally in the Eastern and Central United States. PEG ...

PEG, LLC is in its twenty-eighth year being a diverse energy efficiency, engineering, environmental and management consulting firm operating principally in the Eastern and Central United States. PEG ...

PEG, LLC is in its twenty-eighth year being a diverse energy efficiency, engineering, environmental and management consulting firm operating principally in the Eastern and Central United States. PEG ...

PEG, LLC is in its twenty-eighth year being a diverse energy efficiency, engineering, environmental and management consulting firm operating principally in the Eastern and Central United States. PEG ...

Rater

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

We help builders, homeowners, and developers improve energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, and achieve certifications such as ENERGY STAR ® , EPA WaterSense ® , NGBS, and HERS Index ratings.

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Energy Efficiency Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$18

$44

$53

How much do energy efficiency engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for energy efficiency engineer in Virginia is $44.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.85 and $49.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Energy Efficiency Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEnergy Efficiency EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, certifications like LEED or Certified Energy ManagerBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning energy-saving systems, analyzing energy consumption, consulting on efficiency projectsDesigning mechanical systems, manufacturing, maintenance, and product development
Industry UsageBuilding design, energy consulting firms, utility companiesManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, HVAC industries

Energy Efficiency Engineers focus on optimizing energy use and reducing consumption through specialized systems and strategies, often working closely with building and energy projects. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, designing and analyzing mechanical systems across various industries. While both roles require engineering credentials, their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an energy efficiency engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Energy Efficiency Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, energy systems, and building science, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with energy modeling software (such as eQUEST or EnergyPlus), building codes, and certifications like CEM (Certified Energy Manager) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with clients and project teams set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are vital to accurately assess, design, and implement solutions that optimize energy use and achieve sustainability goals.

What are some common challenges energy efficiency engineers face when implementing new projects?

Energy Efficiency Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing client expectations with realistic energy savings, navigating regulatory requirements, and ensuring that upgrades or retrofits are compatible with existing systems. Additionally, they may face resistance to change from facility staff or budget constraints that limit the scope of recommended improvements. Successful engineers proactively communicate project benefits, work closely with cross-functional teams, and stay updated on the latest energy technologies to overcome these obstacles.

What does an energy efficiency engineer do?

As an energy efficiency engineer, your job is to provide technical expertise and help with the development of energy-saving plans for customers in industrial, commercial, and residential areas. The most important part of this is determining the best way to improve the efficiency of your client's energy systems. As part of this, you audit their use of electricity, calculate the most efficient way to power something, and use modeling software to see if solar panels make sense for a particular structure. Most clients want to see savings on their energy bills, so while helping them achieve those savings, you also recommend other ways to go green, such as installing Energy Star-compliant equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Energy Efficiency Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Energy Efficiency Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Energy Efficiency Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Energy Efficiency Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Energy Efficiency Engineer jobs in VA? For Energy Efficiency Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Energy Efficiency Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,476 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Energy Efficiency Consultant I with Financial Modeling Focus

Guidehouse

Arlington, VA • On-site

$56K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Guidehouse rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:
Sustainability Consulting
Travel Required:
Up to 10%
Clearance Required:
None
What You Will Do:
The Federal Civilian Agency's Energy & Environment group within Guidehouse's Communities, Energy, and Infrastructure (CE&I) practice provides technical and market analysis related to the potential for new and emerging technologies to save energy. Specifically, the group supports the U.S. Department of Energy in developing energy efficiency standards for appliances, lighting, and other commercial/residential/industrial equipment, which save the U.S. more energy each year than all wind and solar power generation combined. This includes developing test procedures for measuring energy efficiency performance; understanding the technical improvements and associated costs necessary to meet higher efficiency levels; and examining the impacts of regulations on product manufacturers.
As a Consultant II in the group, you will support the development of test procedures and energy efficiency standards, and the evaluation, investigation, and analysis of new and emerging technologies that can improve the overall efficiency of buildings or related equipment. Other Consultant project work may include market and technology assessments and advanced technology investigations.
Specific responsibilities may include:
  • Providing detailed fact finding, research, and analysis of energy efficiency-related topics
  • Assessing technologies and analyzing technology trends
  • Modeling the performance of advanced technologies
  • Performing statistical analyses; data collection; spreadsheet creation and management
  • Developing test methods to help characterize the energy use of various appliances
  • Reviewing international test methods and procedures currently used by industry
  • Preparing reports, presentations and other documents for clients

We encourage career development and hiring for the long term. As a Consultant II, you will follow a clearly defined career path and continue to deepen your specialized industry knowledge and consulting skills. As you develop project management skills and leadership abilities, you will have the opportunity to progress to the Senior Consultant level.
What You Will Need:
  • Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship restrictions apply; No sponsorship available
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a similar discipline
  • 0 years of directly related working experience
  • Ability to travel as needed
  • Ability to constantly operate a computer and other office equipment to coordinate work
  • Ability to regularly use close visual acuity and operate computer equipment to prepare, analyze and transmit data accordingly
  • Ability to work in an office environment
  • This hybrid position role may require up to 2-5 days on-site at the Guidehouse office
  • This position is open to candidates who will reside within 50 miles of Arlington, VA, or Boston, MA
  • The successful candidate must not be subject to employment restrictions from a former employer (such as a non-compete) that would prevent the candidate from performing the job responsibilities as described

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • Bachelor's degree in either Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering
  • Internships, Co-ops, or fellowships related to any of the following: energy efficiency, connected & smart lighting, HVAC technology, and/or building automation & efficiency
  • Strong interest in energy efficiency, laboratory testing, and/or advanced technologies and/or relevant experience in these fields
  • Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proactive and independent work style
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Superior interpersonal skills
  • High degree of self-confidence and determination
  • Highly developed organization and time management skills
  • High attention to detail and data accuracy
  • Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities without diminished effectiveness
  • Demonstrated proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and slide presentation software
  • Strong conceptual, as well as quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
  • Work as a member of a team as well as be a self-motivator with ability to work independently

The annual salary range for this position is $56,000.00-$94,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
  • Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Basic Life & Supplemental Life
  • Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Student Loan PayDown
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
  • Skills Development & Certifications
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
  • Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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