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Utility Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Utility Engineering Lead

Newport News, VA · On-site

$79.20K - $118.80K/yr

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 ...

Utility Engineering Lead

Newport News, VA · On-site

$79.20K - $118.80K/yr

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 ...

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 May 30, 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 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 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 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 do utility engineers do?

Utility engineers design, maintain, and optimize systems that deliver essential services such as water, electricity, or 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 involves field inspections and office planning to ensure reliable utility operations.

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 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 Project Engineer

Transparent Search Group

Smithfield, VA

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Utilities Project Engineer

Location: Newport News, Virginia

Salary: $80-100K plus bonus

Job Summary of the Utilities Project Engineer: As a Utilities Engineer, you’ll specialize in managing and optimizing utility systems, with a focus on industrial refrigeration, boilers, and compressed air systems. You’ll play a key role in designing, developing, and implementing innovative projects while troubleshooting and fine-tuning existing systems. Your will guide regulatory compliance efforts, ensuring our operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Utilities Project Engineer:

· Work directly with facilities teams and project engineering on developing Capital Infrastructure Plans.

· Engage professional refrigeration engineering resources during the design and development of projects.

· Assist facilities and PSM Management Team in compliance-related issues as requested.

· Assist in developing designs, including selecting equipment, obtaining quotes and scheduling work as requested.

· Develop and assist in the implementation of resolutions to issues related to facility refrigeration systems.

· Implement new systems and standardize equipment requirements.

· Assist with the planning and budgeting process for various utilities engineering improvement projects, with the goal of meeting project expectations and time requirements.

· Optimize utility systems based on facility operating requirements. Identify and correct deficiencies within existing systems by performing load, charge, and relief calculations.

· Research and assist in testing new technology. Assess and understand complex operations and systems to support Operations management.

Education & Experience Requirements of the Utilities Project Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Engineering Management, or related field and 2+ years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
  • RETA CIRO (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator) certification, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration. ANSI/IIAR2 certification, Garden City Program Operator II certification, or equivalent certification from another nationally recognized ammonia training program; required.
  • Possess a theoretical understanding of industrial refrigeration systems and can apply that knowledge to the roles and responsibilities of the position.
  • Strong reading, math, writing, analytical skill required.
  • Perform assigned tasks efficiently with minimum supervision.
  • Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).
  • Electrical experience and troubleshooting in low and high voltage circuits, motors, and controls.
  • Waste water operations experience is preferred.
  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
  • AutoCAD experience
  • Ammonia Refrigeration experience.
  • Utilities systems knowledge.
  • Cradle to grave PM experience.