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Renewable Energy Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Finance Associate Cherry Bekaert Recruiting & Staffing is partnered with a well-established renewable energy developer, owner, and operator managing a national portfolio of energy projects.

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Renewable Energy Engineer information

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How much do renewable energy engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for renewable energy engineer in Virginia is $53.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.88 and $61.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a renewable energy engineer do?

A Renewable Energy Engineer designs, develops, and implements systems and technologies that generate energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. Their work involves researching and improving energy efficiency, overseeing the installation of renewable energy projects, and ensuring systems comply with environmental and safety regulations. They may also analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with other professionals to optimize energy production and reduce environmental impact.

What does a renewable energy engineer do?

A renewable energy engineer works on environmental projects to research and develop approaches to providing clean energy sources and green solutions for the world’s energy needs. Some work as consultants, while others have duties that involve designing machines and systems to capture and distribute renewable energy from wind, solar, and geothermal resources. As a renewable energy engineer, you can specialize in chemical, industrial, mechanical, or electrical engineering, but regardless of your specialty, you focus on sustainability and reducing the use of non-renewable products like oil as an energy source. Your goal is to limit the effects of fossil fuels on climate change and reduce the risk these energy sources pose to human health.

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

To thrive as a Renewable Energy Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, renewable energy systems, and a relevant degree such as electrical, mechanical, or environmental engineering. Familiarity with energy modeling software, CAD tools, and industry certifications like LEED or NABCEP is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and project management skills help professionals stand out in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing, implementing, and optimizing sustainable energy solutions that meet technical, regulatory, and client requirements.

What are some common challenges renewable energy engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

Renewable Energy Engineers often encounter challenges related to project site selection, regulatory compliance, and integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including environmental scientists, construction managers, and local authorities—can be complex, especially when balancing project timelines with environmental impact assessments. Additionally, adapting to evolving industry standards and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of renewable systems are ongoing aspects of the role. Overcoming these challenges requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.

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

AspectRenewable Energy EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Renewable Energy, Environmental Engineering, or related fields; certifications like LEED or NABCEPBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing renewable energy systems, site assessments, project managementDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of mechanical systems across industries
Employer & Industry UsageRenewable energy companies, consulting firms, government agenciesManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy sectors

Renewable Energy Engineers focus on designing and implementing sustainable energy solutions like solar, wind, and geothermal systems, often working in specialized environments. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across industries. While both roles require engineering degrees, Renewable Energy Engineers typically have certifications related to sustainability, making their roles more specialized in renewable projects.

Are renewable energy engineers in demand?

Renewable energy engineers are in high demand due to the global shift toward sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power. The industry offers growth opportunities, especially for those with skills in system design, project management, and environmental regulations, with employment expected to increase as renewable projects expand worldwide.

What are the most commonly searched types of Renewable Energy Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Renewable Energy Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Renewable Energy Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Renewable Energy Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Renewable Energy Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Renewable Energy Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Renewable Energy Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Renewable Energy Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Renewable Energy Engineer jobs in VA?

For Renewable Energy Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Renewable Energy Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,595 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Electrical Engineer - Power & Energy

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 452 rated engineering


Job description


Join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients-while making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world through the projects we help bring to life.
Position Summary: Clark Nexsen is seeking an Electrical Engineer (P&E) who is passionate about energy performance and sustainability in the built environment to join our Energy Consulting Team. Our Energy Consulting Team provides design and consulting services related to decarbonization, renewable energy, microgrids, and energy efficiency projects. We are driven to make the world a better place through our work.
An Electrical Engineer (P&E) will be responsible for performing, directing, and supervising all aspects of Electrical Engineering on multi-discipline energy design projects with an in-depth knowledge of electrical systems and equipment selection for solar, BESS, power generation, microgrid systems, microgrid/SCADA controls, microgrid technology, other renewable energy sources, and grid management.
General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following
  • Performing all aspects of electrical engineering design (specifically power distribution) as a Senior or Lead Engineer, including Conceptual Studies, Program Requirements, Design Analyses, Calculations, Equipment selection and layout, and System selection and layout for energy design and site electrical utilities with minimal direction from supervising staff
  • Meeting with clients to prepare and/or validate proposed scope of work for energy design electrical engineering services
  • Providing oversight and coordination of energy electrical engineering projects and the electrical engineering portion of multi-discipline projects, and working with assigned Project Managers to meet client's budget, contract fees, goals, objectives, and deadlines
  • Coordinating, supervising, and communicating all aspects of energy electrical design within multi-disciplinary teams to ensure that electrical design details integrate properly with all other disciplines represented on the design team
  • Directing, supervising, training, and ensuring quality control of electrical engineers, EIT's, and designers
  • Ensuring staff compliance with quality control policies and procedures and providing electrical engineering QC reviews for other engineers and designers
  • Preparing and supervising the preparation of accurate and complete energy electrical project programming, schematic designs, design development designs, and construction documents
  • Performing and supervising energy electrical engineering support services during the bidding process, such as preparing addenda, amendments, and responding to RFI's
  • Performing and directing electrical engineering construction phase services including representing the firm on-site, answering RFI's, reviewing shop drawings and preparing As-built drawings, etc. as directed
  • Providing technical input to the energy engineering design such as value engineering and industry best practices
  • Working independently with limited direction, but collaboratively with other engineers and designers
  • Mentoring of engineering staff to foster their professional development
  • Actively support Company marketing and business development activities, particularly the Energy Consulting Team
  • Providing technical guidance to electrical staff
  • Assisting with the development of new and/or revised processes and procedures
  • Performing other responsibilities as assigned by the Energy Consulting Team's Managing Principal and Project Managers

Required Skills
  • Ability to prepare effective and concise documents
  • Ability to make presentations to a variety of groups
  • Ability to travel an average of 25% of the time
  • Possess technical precision and creative design skills
  • Possess demonstrated ability to lead by example, teaching and mentoring less experienced staff and working well with others in a team environment
  • Establish and nurture relationships with federal and local government, institutional, commercial and academic stakeholders to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field of sustainable central energy plant integration and design.
  • Design medium voltage power systems, including campus wide upgrades, building upgrades, and underground distribution systems.
  • Lead efforts to connect net zero buildings and microgrids to the power grid, ensuring seamless integration while adhering to relevant regulations and standards.
  • Provide expert guidance and solutions on power systems and utilities, microgrid design, and grid interconnection to internal teams, clients and partners.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends related to energy integration and contribute to the development of innovative solutions.
  • Manage projects related to utility connections and microgrid integration from conception to implementation, ensuring they align with sustainability goals.
  • Oversee and direct electrical engineering design teams in planning, analysis and delivery of construction and specification documents.
  • Ensure all projects adhere to local, state and federal regulations, and collaborate with regulatory bodies as needed.
  • Proficient in MS Office Software
  • Proficient in discipline specific design software
  • Strong project management skills and the ability to lead a team of electrical engineers and designers
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills

Required Experience
  • Graduate of an ABET-accredited 4, 5, or 6-year engineering program in one of the following disciplines:
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Professional Engineering licensure in Electrical Engineering is required
  • 7+ years of significant design and practice experience in a leadership role with an Energy firm, Electrical Utility, Electrical firm, MEP firm, or multi-discipline Architectural & Engineering firm with substantial knowledge of applicable codes and standards as well as electrical engineering experience in an energy setting
  • In-depth knowledge of electrical systems and equipment selection for solar, BESS, power generation, microgrid systems, microgrid/SCADA controls, microgrid technology, other renewable energy sources, and grid management
  • Familiarity with sustainability practices and net-zero building principles

Preferred Experience
  • Active participation in IEEE is desirable
  • Working knowledge and direct experience with design and production software to a point of being able to understand the capabilities and limitations of the programs and interact with the support staff in their use of the software is highly desirable
  • Strong experience in the design of medium-voltage power distribution, generation facilities, smart grid facilities, photovoltaic systems, EV charging stations, BESS systems, and SCADA/PLC controls is desirable
  • Specific software includes:
    • SKM Power Tools or Equivalent
    • Microsoft Office
    • AutoCAD
    • Revit

Working Conditions
At JMT, we prioritize a healthy work/life balance and offer a flexible hybrid working schedule. JMT offers a hybrid work schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work in a JMT office location at least three days per week or as needed to perform assigned duties. While most of our work is desk-based, there may be times when standing, walking, bending and lifting of minimal weight are required. Our office environment is comfortable, has adequate lighting and temperature, and is free from noise, dust, and other hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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