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Sustainability Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Wabtec

Sustaining Mechanical Engineer

Salem, VA · On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

You will be responsible for driving product sustaining efforts, from concept through implementation, and managing engineering releases. What do we want to know about you? * Do you have a Bachelor ...

Wabtec

Sustaining Mechanical Engineer

Salem, VA · On-site

You will be responsible for driving product sustaining efforts, from concept through implementation, and managing engineering releases. What do we want to know about you? * Do you have a Bachelor ...

Wabtec

Sustaining Mechanical Engineer

Salem, VA

$68K - $98K/yr

You will be responsible for driving product sustaining efforts, from concept through implementation, and managing engineering releases. What do we want to know about you? * Do you have a Bachelor ...

Peraton

Requirements V&V Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$94K - $115K/yr

This is a hands-on senior engineering role - you will be expected to own assigned tasks, operate independently, and produce high-quality V&V artifacts and results. You will bring both strategic ...

Peraton

Requirements V&V Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

This is a hands-on senior engineering role - you will be expected to own assigned tasks, operate independently, and produce high-quality V&V artifacts and results. You will bring both strategic ...

Peraton

Requirements V&V Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$94K - $115K/yr

This is a hands-on senior engineering role - you will be expected to own assigned tasks, operate independently, and produce high-quality V&V artifacts and results. You will bring both strategic ...

Lego

Sustainability Manager

Colonial Heights, VA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

Bachelor's degree (BSc/BEng) in Engineering (chemical, mechanical, environmental, energy, or ... in Sustainability or related fields. • Strong data analysis capabilities, including KPI design ...

Lego

Sustainability Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

Collaborate with site engineering, facilities, and production teams to build and maintain resource ... Build sustainability ownership and literacy across site teams through engagement and behavior ...

LEGO Group

Sustainability Manager

Richmond, VA

$104K - $156K/yr

Collaborate with site engineering, facilities, and production teams to build and maintain resource ... Build sustainability ownership and literacy across site teams through engagement and behavior ...

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All JobsSustainability Engineer JobsSustainability Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Sustainability Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$57K

$102.8K

$153.2K

How much do sustainability engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for sustainability engineer in Virginia is $102,795.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,700.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sustainability engineer?

Sustainability Engineers are professionals who develop and implement solutions to minimize the environmental impact of engineering projects, processes, and products. They focus on integrating sustainable practices into design, construction, and manufacturing to promote energy efficiency, reduce waste, and conserve resources. Their work involves assessing environmental risks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and innovating new technologies that support long-term ecological balance. Sustainability Engineers collaborate with architects, scientists, and policymakers to create sustainable systems in industries such as construction, energy, and manufacturing.

What does a sustainability engineer do?

As a sustainability engineer, you design and develop products, buildings, and systems to meet certain sustainability specifications or certifications, such as the BREEAM standards for sustainable building or LEED building certifications. Your specific responsibilities differ based on the industry you are in, such as construction, agriculture, or manufacturing. Some engineers work in manufacturing, for example, designing low-energy light bulbs or electric vehicles. Others work in civil engineering where they coordinate and manage large-scale sustainable building projects, including residential and commercial buildings, public parks, or industrial plants.

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

To thrive as a Sustainability Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental science or engineering, experience with sustainable design principles, and typically a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Familiarity with tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software, Green Building certification systems (such as LEED), and environmental management systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and advocate for sustainable solutions. These competencies ensure you can design, implement, and promote environmentally responsible practices that meet regulatory and organizational goals.

How does a sustainability engineer typically collaborate with other departments to implement eco-friendly initiatives?

Sustainability Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including facilities management, operations, and procurement, to develop and implement sustainable solutions. They may lead meetings to assess current processes and identify areas for improvement, ensuring all stakeholders understand and support environmental goals. Effective collaboration is key, as these engineers must communicate technical recommendations in a way that aligns with business objectives and regulatory requirements. This teamwork fosters a culture of sustainability and helps integrate eco-friendly practices across the organization.

What is the difference between Sustainability Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectSustainability EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in environmental, civil, or sustainability-related fields; certifications like LEED APBachelor's in environmental engineering or related fields; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning sustainable systems, analyzing energy use, working with green building projectsAssessing environmental impact, pollution control, remediation projects
Industry UsageConstruction, renewable energy, green building firmsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, manufacturing

While both roles focus on environmental impact, Sustainability Engineers primarily develop sustainable solutions and green projects, whereas Environmental Engineers focus on environmental protection and compliance. The roles often overlap but differ in their core objectives and project types.

More about Sustainability Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sustainability Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sustainability Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,795 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

University of Virginia - Senior Energy & Sustainability Engineer

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

The Sustainability Grid
See more jobs at The Sustainability Gridexternal

$110 - $118/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

University of Virginia – Senior Energy & Sustainability Engineer

This is a hands-on engineering + sustainability execution role embedded within the University of Virginia’s Office for Sustainability.

By The Sustainability Grid Desk

Salary $110,000 – $118,000

Setting Hybrid (on-site required; not fully remote)

Location Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Type Full time

Deadline Open until filled

About the Role

You will work directly on real buildings, real systems, and measurable emissions reductions—not just policy or strategy.

The mission is concrete:
Help UVA achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and become fossil fuel-free by 2050.

What You’ll Do Project & Construction Management

Lead building efficiency projects from concept to completion
Define scope, budgets, timelines, and ROI (energy cost recovery)Manage contractors, permitting, and stakeholder coordinationOversee implementation and ensure delivery quality

Engineering & Technical Analysis

Conduct energy audits and retro-commissioning
Diagnose HVAC and building system inefficienciesDesign and implement energy conservation measuresPerform airflow, ventilation, and HVAC control calculationsDevelop lighting plans and system upgrades

Systems Optimization

Work with building automation systems (e.g., Metasys, WebCTRL)
Optimize energy use through controls and data analysisEnsure compliance with green building standards

Stakeholder Collaboration

Act as the technical point of contact for projects
Coordinate with campus stakeholders, occupants, and contractorsTranslate engineering insights into actionable decisions

About You

You are a technical problem-solver who likes seeing physical impact.

Strong candidates:

Have 7+ years of experience in HVAC, energy engineering, or building systems

Hold (or are close to) a Professional Engineer (PE) license

Understand building systems deeply (HVAC, controls, lighting)

Have experience with commissioning, energy audits, or performance contracting

Can manage projects while also doing technical analysis

Preferred Edge
  • PE (strongly preferred)
  • LEED Accreditation
  • Commissioning certifications (BCxP, CCP)

Experience with:

  • Labs or healthcare HVAC systems
  • Energy modeling tools
  • Building automation systems
What You’ll Gain

Direct, measurable climate impact (buildings, energy savings, emissions)

Ownership over projects affecting dozens of facilities

A strong compensation + benefits package (public sector + university perks)

A role blending engineering, sustainability, and project leadership

Compensation & Benefits Highlights

22+ days PTO + 13 holidays

Health coverage + wellness incentives

Why This Role Matters

Unlike policy or advisory roles, this position operates at the implementation layer:

  • You reduce emissions by fixing systems
  • You save energy through engineering decisions
  • You create impact that can be measured in real time

UVA’s Building Efficiency Program has already:

  • Upgraded 75+ buildings
  • Saved $3.7M in one year alone

You would directly contribute to scaling that impact.

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