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Energy Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Intertek

Project Engineer - Energy/Safety

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Project Engineer - Energy/Safety - Lake Forest, California Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to many of the world's top-recognized brands and companies, is actively seeking ...

Qcells

Associate Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Associate Project Engineer will assist in providing technical support during the project ... Support system energy modeling and energy estimates using tools such as PVsyst and Helioscope to ...

Qcells

Associate Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Associate Project Engineer will assist in providing technical support during the project ... Support system energy modeling and energy estimates using tools such as PVsyst and Helioscope to ...

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All JobsEnergy Engineer JobsEnergy Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Energy Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$55.8K

$102.3K

$145K

How much do energy engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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?

An energy engineer designs, develops, and implements systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in buildings, industrial processes, and power generation. They analyze energy use, perform audits, and may work with renewable energy technologies, often requiring knowledge of engineering principles and relevant certifications. Their work helps optimize energy performance and sustainability.

What Do Energy Engineers 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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Electrical engineers, including those working in energy engineering, typically earn salaries below $500,000 annually. High earnings are usually associated with senior roles, specialized expertise, management positions, or working in high-cost regions, and may also involve bonuses or profit sharing.

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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

High-level engineering roles such as senior energy engineers, engineering managers, and specialized consultants can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require expertise in project management, technical skills, and industry knowledge, typically found in large corporations or energy firms.

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 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 engineers make 200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced skills, a strong track record, and sometimes work in high-demand industries or locations with a high cost of living.
More about Energy Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Energy Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Energy Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Energy Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Energy Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,306 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Energy Efficiency & Commissioning Engineer

Edison Smart®

Irvine, CA • On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

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

Job description

Energy Efficiency & Commissioning Engineer


Location: Irvine or Oakland, CA preferred | Hybrid and remote options available within the U.S.

Base Salary: $145,000–$170,000 + bonus potential and comprehensive benefits


Edison Smart is working with a forward-thinking organization operating at the intersection of energy efficiency, building performance, commissioning, analytics, and smart building technology.


They are looking to appoint a senior-level engineer who can take ownership of complex projects and help clients improve the performance, efficiency, and operational reliability of their buildings.

This position would suit an experienced Energy Engineer, Commissioning Engineer, Building Performance Engineer, or Mechanical Engineer with a strong understanding of MEP systems and controls, combined with the commercial and leadership skills required to manage clients, projects, and teams.

The role offers the opportunity to work across a varied portfolio of commercial, healthcare, institutional, and other complex facilities. Projects will span new construction, existing buildings, energy audits, commissioning, retro-commissioning, analytics, and the identification and verification of energy-saving opportunities.

You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, taking responsibility for project delivery while working closely with clients, engineers, contractors, building owners, and internal teams.


The Opportunity

In this role, you will be responsible for leading projects from initial client engagement through to delivery and closeout. You will combine field-based engineering, technical analysis, project management, and client leadership to identify opportunities and deliver measurable improvements in building performance.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Taking ownership of multiple projects simultaneously, managing scope, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and client expectations.
  • Acting as a trusted technical advisor to clients across energy, commissioning, and building performance initiatives.
  • Leading project teams and coordinating engineers, technicians, contractors, designers, and other stakeholders.
  • Carrying out site investigations, building assessments, system testing, troubleshooting, and performance reviews.
  • Identifying energy conservation opportunities and supporting the development of practical improvement strategies.
  • Quantifying potential energy savings and verifying project performance through measurement and verification activities.
  • Reviewing building data and using analytics to identify operational issues, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Supporting proposals, technical presentations, client development, and wider business growth.
  • Mentoring and developing less experienced engineers and team members.
  • Contributing to industry best practices through professional networking, conferences, technical publications, and other industry activity.
  • Travelling periodically to client sites as required.


Project Experience

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across a variety of project types, including:


Energy & Building Performance

  • Energy audits and building performance assessments.
  • Identification and development of energy conservation measures.
  • Analysis of HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
  • Energy savings calculations and project feasibility analysis.
  • Measurement and verification of energy savings.
  • Use of building analytics platforms to identify faults, inefficiencies, and performance trends.

New Construction

  • Commissioning management from design through project completion.
  • Design and construction document reviews.
  • Review of equipment and system submittals.
  • Development and coordination of commissioning documentation.
  • Functional performance testing of building systems.
  • Analysis of system operation and performance data.
  • Identification and resolution of deficiencies prior to project completion.

Existing Buildings

  • Building commissioning and retro-commissioning.
  • ASHRAE Level 1 and Level 2 energy audits.
  • Investigation of HVAC, MEP, and BAS performance issues.
  • On-site testing and troubleshooting.
  • Development of energy improvement recommendations.
  • Support with implementation, contractor coordination, and bid documentation.
  • Client presentations and recommendations.
  • Ongoing performance analysis and measurement and verification.


What We're Looking For

  • 10+ years of professional engineering experience, ideally with a background in mechanical engineering, energy engineering, MEP systems, controls, commissioning, or building performance.
  • At least 5 years of experience managing projects and leading client relationships.
  • A proven track record of delivering complex energy, commissioning, or building performance projects.
  • Experience working with commercial, healthcare, institutional, or similarly complex facilities.
  • Strong knowledge of building mechanical systems, HVAC, MEP infrastructure, and controls.
  • Experience developing technical proposals and contributing to business development.
  • Strong understanding of energy efficiency measures and the ability to translate technical findings into practical business recommendations.
  • Experience managing, mentoring, or developing engineers and other technical professionals.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills.
  • The ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.


Desirable Experience

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Experience with SkySpark or comparable building analytics and fault detection platforms.
  • Experience with BAS and building control systems.
  • Knowledge of ASHRAE auditing and commissioning standards and methodologies.
  • Experience with measurement and verification of energy savings.


The Ideal Candidate

This role is suited to someone who is comfortable operating at both a technical and strategic level.

You will be someone who:

  • Takes ownership and can drive projects forward without constant direction.
  • Understands the bigger picture and can connect individual building systems to overall performance.
  • Communicates effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Brings people together to resolve issues and achieve project outcomes.
  • Uses data intelligently to investigate problems and support engineering decisions.
  • Maintains high standards of organization, accuracy, and follow-through.
  • Enjoys developing others and contributing to a high-performing technical team.


Compensation & Benefits

  • $145,000–$170,000 base salary
  • Bonus potential
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Retirement plan with employer matching and annual company contributions
  • Life insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Commuter benefits
  • Fitness reimbursement
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Backup childcare and family support programs
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Work-life assistance benefits
  • Additional holiday contribution programs


If you are an experienced engineer with a background in energy, commissioning, building performance, or smart building technology, this is an opportunity to take on a senior role with significant technical ownership, client exposure, and the ability to influence how complex buildings operate and perform.

Apply