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Utility Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Conduct on-site assessments of utility infrastructure, systems, and operational programs supporting ... Develop engineering recommendations that mitigate identified vulnerabilities and improve ...

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Conduct on-site assessments of utility infrastructure, systems, and operational programs supporting ... Develop engineering recommendations that mitigate identified vulnerabilities and improve ...

New

Utility Planning Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

A well-established infrastructure and utilities organization is seeking an engineering professional to support long-term system planning and capital improvement initiatives related to water ...

ATCS is looking for a strong Senior Utility (Water/Wastewater) Engineer to join our team in the Hampton Roads market. This individual will be based, ideally, our Virginia Beach, VA office where we ...

ATCS is looking for a strong Senior Utility (Water/Wastewater) Engineer to join our team in the Hampton Roads market. This individual will be based, ideally, our Virginia Beach, VA office where we ...

ATCS is looking for a strong Senior Utility (Water/Wastewater) Engineer to join our team in the Hampton Roads market. This individual will be based, ideally, our Virginia Beach, VA office where we ...

ATCS is looking for a strong Senior Utility (Water/Wastewater) Engineer to join our team in the Hampton Roads market. This individual will be based, ideally, our Virginia Beach, VA office where we ...

Field Utility Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Nightwing is seeking an experienced and cleared Field Utility Engineer in support of the U.S. Government in the Warrenton, VA area. The right candidate will be responsible for surveys, design ...

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Utility Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$34.7K

$95.9K

$165.6K

How much do utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility engineer in Virginia is $95,949.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Utility Engineer Do?

A utility engineer is a civil engineer who works for a utility company, such as a water, gas, or electric company. Their job duties are to design, implement, and maintain utility infrastructures, such as water or gas mains, electrical grids, and other types of delivery systems. Qualifications for a utility engineer include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field of engineering and experience. Professional certification is available. Problem-solving and leadership skills are important in this career.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior 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. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

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 skills, and relevant certifications. These roles typically require advanced technical knowledge, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes work in high-cost-of-living areas or industries with high demand for expertise.

What are Utility Engineers?

Utility Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and overseeing the infrastructure systems that deliver essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. They ensure these utility systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Utility Engineers may work for utility companies, government agencies, or private consulting firms, and their roles often involve project management, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and field inspections. Their expertise is critical for supporting the infrastructure that communities and businesses rely on daily.

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

To thrive as a Utility Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and utility-specific modeling tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with stakeholders and addressing complex infrastructure challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable utility systems that meet regulatory and community needs.

What do utility engineers do?

Utility engineers design, maintain, and optimize systems that provide essential services such as water, electricity, and gas. They analyze infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, often using tools like CAD software and requiring technical certifications. Their work environment typically includes field inspections and office planning.

What is the difference between Utility Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectUtility EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, often with certifications in facilities or utility managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFacilities, power plants, utility systems within industrial or commercial sitesDesign, manufacturing, or maintenance settings involving mechanical systems
Industry UsageCommon in utility companies, industrial plants, and large facilitiesWidespread across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and HVAC industries

Utility Engineers focus on maintaining and optimizing utility systems like power, water, and HVAC within facilities, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems across various industries. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges Utility Engineers face when coordinating projects across multiple departments?

Utility Engineers often work on projects that require input and collaboration from various departments such as operations, maintenance, environmental compliance, and construction. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals, schedules, and regulatory requirements among these diverse teams. Utility Engineers must be proactive in facilitating meetings, managing documentation, and addressing any conflicts or misunderstandings that arise. Developing strong organizational and interpersonal skills is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and keep projects on track.
What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Utility Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Utility Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Utility Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Engineer jobs in VA? For Utility Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Utilities Engineer

JRC Careers

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

New


Job description

Who We Are (video)
At JRC, we tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. Our expertise in engineering innovation and semiconductor technologies allows us to deliver mission-critical microelectronics solutions, aerospace systems engineering, and cutting-edge research and development. By joining JRC, you'll be part of a team that supports strategic deterrence and defense missions, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its allies.
Join JRC's Critical Infrastructure Assessment Team!
JRC has an immediate opening for a Utilities Engineer to support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Assessment, Exercise, and Modeling & Simulation Support (AEMSS) Blue Team. In this mission-critical role, you will work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams to assess utility infrastructure supporting Department of Defense installations and facilities.
As a Utilities Engineer, you will conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of critical utility systems-including electrical distribution, prime power, water, wastewater, HVAC, and supporting infrastructure-to identify operational risks, evaluate mission impacts, and develop recommendations that strengthen installation resilience and mission assurance.
This position offers the opportunity to directly support national security by helping ensure the survivability and operational readiness of critical defense infrastructure worldwide.
What You'll Do
Utilities Infrastructure Assessments
  • Conduct on-site assessments of utility infrastructure, systems, and operational programs supporting Department of Defense installations.
  • Evaluate electrical, mechanical, water, wastewater, and utility distribution systems to identify vulnerabilities that could impact mission execution.
  • Analyze system performance, operational reliability, redundancy, and resilience of mission-critical utility infrastructure.
  • Develop engineering recommendations that mitigate identified vulnerabilities and improve installation resilience.

Mission Assurance & Vulnerability Analysis
  • Perform vulnerability assessments of utility equipment, systems, and supporting infrastructure across government and defense facilities.
  • Evaluate the impact of utility failures on mission-essential functions and critical operations.
  • Support installation mission assurance activities by documenting operational risks and recommending corrective actions.
  • Prepare comprehensive engineering reports detailing findings, risk analyses, and mitigation strategies.

Engineering & Project Support
  • Coordinate with engineers, architects, contractors, security personnel, and government stakeholders to evaluate utility system performance and compliance.
  • Review engineering drawings, facility documentation, system layouts, and construction plans.
  • Support facility sustainment, modernization, recapitalization, and capital improvement initiatives.
  • Assist with engineering studies, infrastructure planning, and lifecycle replacement recommendations.

Utility Operations & Maintenance
  • Evaluate preventive and predictive maintenance programs supporting:
    • Prime Power Systems
    • Electrical Distribution
    • Domestic Water Systems
    • Industrial Water Systems
    • Wastewater Treatment Systems
    • Mechanical Utility Systems
    • HVAC Infrastructure
    • Emergency Power Systems
  • Assess maintenance effectiveness and recommend improvements to increase operational availability and equipment reliability.

Compliance & Risk Management
  • Verify compliance with:
    • Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)
    • OSHA Standards
    • NFPA Codes
    • Environmental regulations
    • DoD engineering standards
    • Federal utility and facility requirements
  • Evaluate contractor performance and ensure work complies with engineering specifications, safety standards, budgets, and schedules.

Collaboration & Customer Engagement
  • Coordinate with installation leadership, Department of Defense organizations, contractors, and cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Support mission assurance initiatives by facilitating communication between technical and operational stakeholders.
  • Present engineering findings and technical recommendations to senior government leadership and customers.

Security & Mission Support
  • Ensure utility assessments and engineering activities support government security requirements.
  • Collaborate with security professionals to identify and mitigate infrastructure-related risks.
  • Support DTRA mission requirements through engineering expertise and technical consultation.

What You Bring to the Table
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Operational experience within the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Program, U.S. Army Prime Power Program, or equivalent utility engineering experience is highly preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience supporting utility engineering, facility infrastructure, system operations, preventive maintenance programs, or prime power operations within military, government, industrial, or large-scale commercial environments.
  • Active Top-Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI eligibility.
  • Experience conducting utility infrastructure vulnerability assessments and facility engineering evaluations.
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Prime Power Systems
    • Electrical Distribution
    • Water Treatment Systems
    • Wastewater Systems
    • Utility Lifecycle Planning
    • Critical Infrastructure Protection
    • Building Codes and Engineering Standards
    • Environmental Compliance
    • Safety Regulations
  • Experience supporting facility sustainment, modernization, and capital improvement programs.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and construction documents.
  • Experience coordinating with contractors, engineers, architects, and government stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience supporting multidisciplinary engineering teams and mission-critical operations.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to independently prioritize multiple engineering tasks in dynamic operational environments.

Bonus Points
  • Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Industrial, Nuclear Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 5+ years conducting utility infrastructure inspections or engineering assessments.
  • Experience supporting Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) programs.
  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Familiarity with:
    • DoD Security Policies
    • Department of Energy (DOE) Requirements
    • Mission Assurance Programs
    • Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)
    • Utility Resilience Planning
    • Facility Condition Assessments (FCA)
  • Experience supporting military installations, strategic facilities, or national security infrastructure.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • OSHA 30 Certification.
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Facility Management credentials are a plus.

At JRC we offer...
  • A competitive compensation package
  • An exceptional employee benefits program, providing support for our team members' well-being and success
  • The chance to contribute to a high-profile Department of Defense programs and make a positive impact
  • A collaborative work environment where teamwork, creativity, and innovation thrive
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development, helping you advance your career