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Energy Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Energy Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Willdan is a national leader in energy, engineering, and software consulting services. Since 1964, we have provided all aspects of municipal and infrastructure engineering, including building and ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Willdan is a national leader in energy, engineering, and software consulting services. Since 1964, we have provided all aspects of municipal and infrastructure engineering, including building and ...

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Energy Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$55.8K

$102.3K

$145K

How much do energy engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for energy engineer in Riverside, CA is $102,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an energy engineer do?

As an energy engineer, you design sustainable projects and find ways to cut energy costs while increasing efficiency either as an employee of an organization or as a consultant. Your job duties include analyzing data on energy use, providing advice about green engineering methods, creating energy models, and designing plans for green building or remodeling projects. An engineering focus in specialties like air quality, energy procurement, electrical systems, green architecture, solar power, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your organization.

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

To thrive as an Energy Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of energy systems, thermodynamics, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with energy modeling software (such as RETScreen or EnergyPlus), building management systems, and professional certifications like Certified Energy Manager (CEM) are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient energy solutions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve sustainability goals.

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

Energy Engineers often encounter challenges such as budget constraints, balancing energy savings with occupant comfort, and integrating new technologies into existing building systems. Collaboration with facility managers, contractors, and other engineers is essential to overcome these obstacles and ensure projects meet regulatory standards and client goals. Additionally, securing stakeholder buy-in and accurately measuring the impact of efficiency upgrades can require strong communication and data analysis skills.

What is the difference between Energy Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEnergy EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, certifications like LEED or Certified Energy ManagerBachelor's in mechanical engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning energy systems, analyzing energy consumption, working on sustainability projectsDesigning mechanical systems, HVAC, manufacturing equipment, and product development
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, renewable energy firms, consulting companies, government agenciesManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, HVAC companies

Energy Engineers focus on optimizing energy use and sustainability, often working on renewable projects and energy efficiency. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, designing mechanical systems across various industries. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their daily tasks and industry focus differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching Energy Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Energy Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Energy Engineer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Energy Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Energy Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,306 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Senior Energy Engineer

Willdan Group, Inc.

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage and execute projects related to energy efficiency and electrification, including planning, scoping, and overseeing implementation.

  • Perform site visits, energy audits, equipment evaluations, and verify installation performance and compliance.

  • Support client relationships, coordinate stakeholder meetings, and mentor junior engineering staff.


Willdan rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Willdan is a national leader in energy, engineering, and software consulting services. Since 1964, we have provided all aspects of municipal and infrastructure engineering, including building and safety, public works, public financing, planning, and construction management services. We help engineers, facility owners, municipalities, and utilities meet their long-term goals and transition communities to clean energy and a sustainable future.

Why Willdan?

  • Competitive Salary
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K + employer match
  • Employee Stock Option Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Generous Employee Referral Program
  • Opportunities for Career Growth and Development

Summary:

Willdan is currently seeking an experienced Senior Energy Engineer. The ideal candidate will be responsible for a variety of technical functions that ensure our client's programs and projects are executed using the industry's best practices as well as providing support for internal teams. This role will include interacting with customers, outside partners, and other Willdan divisions, and mentoring and reviewing the work of less experienced engineers. We are looking for team members who are accomplished, adaptable, and self-directed. The candidate should thrive both as an individual and as a team member in our flexible work environment and share our commitment to the importance of our work.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

  • Utilize knowledge of California energy efficiency policy, engineering principles, and commercial project experience to identify energy efficiency and electrification opportunities and manage associated projects through the deemed, custom, and NMEC delivery platforms.
  • Independently own and manage projects, strategic initiatives, and feasibility assessments, including all technical aspects of planning, scoping, scheduling, deciding technical approach, delegating tasks, ensuring technical quality, overseeing implementation, and tracking results.
  • Support client, vendor, and trade ally relationships and manage client requests with professionalism and attention. Coordinate, lead, and participate in client and other stakeholder meetings; coordinate team member involvement as required.
  • Perform site visits, energy and equipment audits, M&V evaluations, and trainings to support the development of projects and verify installation performance and compliance.
  • Prepare savings calculations using spreadsheets and energy modeling programs (eQUEST, EnergyPlus, etc.)
  • Train and mentor junior engineering staff.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in energy efficiency and/or facilities energy management, with significant experience in California utility energy efficiency programs.
  • Thorough understanding of California/CPUC energy efficiency policy and associated project and program requirements.
  • Thorough understanding of energy conservation and electrification principles and calculation techniques.
  • Experience with commercial building systems, including HVAC, domestic hot water, building automation and control systems, and/or process loads such as commercial refrigeration and data center infrastructure.
  • Ability to develop and perform project-appropriate M&V activities.
  • Ability to lead, delegate, coordinate, and track project team tasks, including senior-level subject matter experts and junior engineers.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical staff and clients.
  • Works well in a collaborative work environment; comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong proficiency with MS Office programs, with specific emphasis in MS Excel

Desired:

  • Familiarity with energy efficiency claims, program key performance indicators, and the CEDARS Cost Effectiveness Tool (CET)
  • Familiarity with California eTRM and deemed measure package requirements
  • Proficiency with energy modeling software, such as EnergyPlus and eQUEST, and self-developed spreadsheet-based tools
  • Familiarity with electrification and decarbonization technologies and approaches
  • Experience leading ASHRAE Level 1 & 2 energy audits
  • Retro-commissioning experience
  • *Familiarity with conducting Site and/or Population-Level normalized meter energy consumption (NMEC) analysis

Education and Certifications:

  • B.S. in energy, sustainability, or engineering related discipline.
  • Professional Engineer License (preferred but not required)

EEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, religion, military service or veteran status, disability, medical condition, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic testing, reproductive status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Willdan does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.

Willdan Energy Solutions participates in E-Verify.


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