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Power Generation Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Power Generation Engineer, AWS Global Energy

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

About the team The Power Generation Solutions team creates and delivers product and engineering solutions in power and energy to help advance AWS' mission to deliver world-leading cloud services. Our ...

New

Power Generation Engineer, AWS Global Energy

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

About the team The Power Generation Solutions team creates and delivers product and engineering solutions in power and energy to help advance AWS' mission to deliver world-leading cloud services. Our ...

New

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an EIT 1to work with the Power Generation Business Sector on ... Owner's Engineer Support During Construction * Field Investigations * Daily/Weekly Construction ...

Minimum three (3) years of engineering experience, preferably within power generation or industrial ... operations environments. * Minimum one (1) year of experience in project engineering and/or project ...

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Power Generation Engineering information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Generation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Generation Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and practical experience in power systems. Familiarity with industry-standard software (such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and SCADA systems), as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable generation and delivery of power, supporting critical infrastructure and energy needs.

What engineers make $500,000?

Power generation engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in systems design, and specialized certifications can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in senior or executive roles such as engineering managers or directors in large energy companies. High compensation often reflects leadership responsibilities, project management, and expertise in renewable or nuclear energy sectors.

What are some common challenges faced by power generation engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Power generation engineers often face challenges such as maintaining system reliability, adapting to evolving environmental regulations, and integrating renewable energy sources with traditional power systems. Staying updated with technological advancements and participating in ongoing training can help address these issues. Additionally, effective teamwork with operations, maintenance, and environmental teams is crucial for resolving operational problems and ensuring compliance.

What is power generation engineering?

Power generation engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, operation, and maintenance of systems and equipment that produce electricity. Professionals in this field work with various energy sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and wind power, to ensure reliable and efficient electricity generation. They are involved in tasks such as plant design, performance analysis, troubleshooting, and implementing new technologies to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Power generation engineers play a critical role in meeting the world’s energy needs while addressing environmental and regulatory challenges.

What does a power generation engineer do?

A power generation engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that produce electrical power, such as turbines, generators, and power plants. They analyze system performance, ensure safety and efficiency, and often use tools like CAD software and simulation programs, requiring technical knowledge and relevant certifications. Their work supports reliable energy supply and involves troubleshooting and optimizing power generation processes.

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

Power generation engineers, including electrical engineers in the energy sector, can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. Such high salaries are typically found in senior positions, specialized consulting, or management within large companies or projects. Entry-level or mid-career electrical engineers usually earn significantly less, with salaries increasing with expertise and responsibility.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Power generation engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in areas such as turbine design, control systems, or project management can earn $200,000 or more annually. Senior roles often require professional licensure, certifications, and leadership responsibilities within large energy companies or infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Power Generation Engineering vs Power Plant Operations?

AspectPower Generation EngineeringPower Plant Operations
Primary FocusDesign, development, and optimization of power generation systemsDay-to-day running and maintenance of power plants
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Power Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) often preferredTechnical training, certifications in plant operation, and hands-on experience
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering offices, project sitesPower plants, control rooms, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageDesigning new plants, improving existing systemsOperating and maintaining existing power plants

Power Generation Engineering focuses on designing and improving power systems, while Power Plant Operations involves managing the daily functions of power plants. Both roles are essential in the energy sector but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Power Generation Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Power Generation Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power Generation Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Power Generation Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Power Generation Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Power Generation Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Generation Engineering job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
Senior Power Generation Engineering Manager

Senior Power Generation Engineering Manager

GAI Consultants

Glen Allen, VA

$150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


GAI Consultants rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

GAI Consultants Inc. is seeking a Senior Engineering Manager 1 to be based out of Virginia in our Power Business Unit’s Power Generation Business Sector. GAI is an established and growing multi-discipline engineering firm with a growing presence in the Mid-Atlantic. GAI’s Power Business Unit focuses on developing and supporting Energy, Institutional, Industrial, and Manufacturing clients. An ideal candidate’s opportunities would include developing client and business relationships and providing staff management and civil engineering expertise across a diverse range of multi-discipline design and construction projects. In addition to GAI’s generous Employer 401K Plan match, this position is eligible for GAI’s flexible hybrid and/or remote work schedules.   

Responsibilities: 

  • Building solid relationships with Energy, Institutional, Industrial, and Manufacturing clients and internal clients within GAI’s Business Sectors.
  • Leading business development pursuits and developing statements of qualifications and proposed project scopes of work, schedules, budgets, and fees.
  • Developing a solid understanding of and marketing the services GAI performs.
  • Collaborating, developing, and executing a business plan.
  • Serving as a primary seller/doer for the Power Generation Business Sector throughout the Mid-Atlantic.  
  • Providing design, management, and technical direction and oversight associated with civil components on multi-discipline design and construction projects.
  • Leading teams to successfully execute all assigned projects.
  • Working with Accounting staff to monitor and control project costs and billings to meet budgeted profit.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work indoors in professional office settings.  
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks. 
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment. 
  • Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work. 
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment. Ability to move between workstations and attend in-person meetings. 
  • Ability to lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10-20 pounds, with or without assistance. 
  • Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings. 
  • Ability to travel for meetings, training, or business purposes. 

General Characteristics 

  • Uses creativity, foresight, and mature judgment to anticipate and solve new problems.
  • Practice activities and culture. Sets priorities and reconciles directions from competing interests.
  • Leads projects with complex features with work performed directly, or by others.
  • Integrates engineering economics and risk analysis into the solutions of complex engineering problems.
  • Integrates solutions to complex problems across specialty areas.
  • Demonstrates leadership. 

Minimum Years of Experience 

  • 16+ Years 

Education 

  • B.S. or M.S. Engineering, Master's Degree or Equivalent Experience Preferred 

Certification/Licensure 

  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) License, reciprocity in multiple states. 

Technical Responsibilities 

  • Frequently develops standards and guidelines. Leads a project in the practice in their area of specialization.
  • Frequently develops appropriate design alternatives for complex engineering projects that consider realistic requirements, constraints, community input, permitting, and other regulatory constraints.
  • Integrates advanced concepts, including sustainability, to solve complex problems. 

Project and Task Management 

  • Frequently oversees technical, legal, and financial issues of an entire project.
  • Recommends facilities, personnel, and funds required to carry out projects. Integrates these components into a complete project management plan for a complex engineering project.
  • Implements effective teamwork and leadership principles into solutions for engineering problems.
  • Determines project objectives and requirements.
  • May serve as the Project Manager for certain projects with prior approval from GAI's President up to $150,000 per year. 

Management Responsibility 

  • Supervises a major practice segment or several teams. Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.
  • Implements staff development plans within their practice segment, including technical, management, and leadership skills.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of leaders and teams.  

Communication Skills 

  • Possesses exceptional oral and written communication skills, including negotiation of critical issues.
  • Integrates different forms of effective and persuasive communication to technical and nontechnical audiences.
  • Demonstrates financial acumen and familiarity with legal issues related to engineering practice.
  • Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with key engineers and officials. 

Why GAI? 

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore anarray of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative teamthat’scommitted to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth. 

Benefits To Working at GAI Include: 

Competitive Pay & Recognition 

  • Marketbased, competitive compensation 
  • Performancedriven recognition and development bonuses 

Comprehensive Health & Wellness 

  • Medical, dental, and vision plans 
  • Companypaid short-term and long-term disability 
  • Companypaid life insurance 
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources 

Meaningful Work–Life Balance 

  • Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays 
  • Anadditionalfloating holiday—use it for what matters to you 
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave 

Growth, Learning & Financial Security 

  • 401(k) with company match 
  • Tuition reimbursement 
  • Support and rewards for professional development and certifications 

What GAI Consultants employees say

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About GAI Consultants

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GAI Consultants is an employee-owned corporation offering comprehensive engineering, planning, and environmental consulting services to diverse industry sectors, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The company operates in the field of engineering consulting and provides sustainable and economically-viable solutions to clients ranging from bridge design, community planning, to industrial facilities, ecological studies, and more. GAI Consultants was founded in 1958 and, over more than six decades, has grown significantly with a strong commitment to advancing clients' projects and contributing to community development. The firm operates on the core values of integrity, client satisfaction, quality, and workforce development, all of which raises the bar on client service and project excellence, ultimately contributing to the company’s mission, which is 'to create and deliver superior, innovative consulting solutions that enrich the lives of our people and enhance the world we live in.'

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1958

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