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Geothermal Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Geothermal Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$43.1K

$90.3K

$120.5K

How much do geothermal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for geothermal engineer in Virginia is $90,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical challenges faced by Geothermal Engineers in their day-to-day work?

Geothermal Engineers often face challenges such as accurately assessing underground resources, managing drilling risks, and addressing environmental or regulatory concerns. The job requires troubleshooting complex mechanical systems and adapting to site-specific geological conditions, which can be unpredictable. Collaboration with environmental scientists, project managers, and construction teams is frequent, so flexibility and clear communication are important. Overcoming these challenges is rewarding and crucial to advancing reliable, sustainable energy solutions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Geothermal engineers typically have lower salaries, but top professionals with significant expertise and project management responsibilities may approach high six-figure incomes.

What do geothermal engineers do?

Geothermal engineers design, develop, and manage systems that extract heat from the Earth's subsurface for energy production. They analyze geological data, develop drilling plans, and oversee the installation of geothermal power plants, often using specialized tools and requiring technical certifications. Their work involves site assessment, resource evaluation, and ensuring environmental safety.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

What does a Geothermal Engineer do?

A Geothermal Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that harness heat from the Earth to generate energy or provide direct heating. They analyze geological data to determine suitable locations for geothermal projects, oversee drilling operations, and optimize the efficiency of geothermal power plants. Their work includes assessing environmental impact, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving energy extraction techniques.

What is the job outlook for a geothermal engineer?

The job outlook for geothermal engineers is positive, with growth driven by increasing demand for renewable energy sources and sustainable power generation. Opportunities are expected to expand as technology advances and governments promote clean energy initiatives, requiring skills in reservoir engineering, drilling, and environmental assessment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Geothermal Engineer position, and why are they important?

A Geothermal Engineer should possess a strong background in geoscience, thermodynamics, and mechanical or civil engineering, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with modeling software (such as GeoCAD or reservoir simulation tools), geothermal system design, and relevant safety certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set top candidates apart. These abilities are vital for designing efficient geothermal systems, navigating multidisciplinary project teams, and ensuring safe, cost-effective energy solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geothermal Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Geothermal Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Geothermal Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Geothermal Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geothermal Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Geothermal Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Geothermal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geothermal Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,275 per year, or $43.4 per hour.
Mechanical - Senior Engineer (District Utilities)

Mechanical - Senior Engineer (District Utilities)

Wiley Wilson

Richmond, VA • Hybrid

$103K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Wiley|Wilson, a 100% employee-owned architecture and engineering firm, is looking to add a seasoned Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise in district utilities to our Richmond, VA office. This role is ideal for a driven professional eager to help grow our established district energy practice, supporting both long-term clients and emerging partnerships.

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: 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

Apply