Engineer, Principal (Modeling Engineer, Gas)
Salary :
$89,804.00 - $149,975.00 Annually
Location :
Richmond, VA
Job Type:
Full-Time
Job Number:
35M00000525
Department:
Public Utilities
Opening Date:
07/03/2025
Closing Date:
Continuous
Are you Richmond
R.E.A.D.Y ?
R espect.
E quity.
A ccountability.
D iversity... YOU !!!
This is an
EXCITING
time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:
Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
Incentive
Referral Bonus
T
uition Assistance Program
Description
The Gas Planning and Modeling Engineer supports the safe, reliable, and sustainable operation of Richmond Gas Works's (RGW) natural gas distribution system. This position is responsible for pipeline engineering, hydraulic modeling, capacity planning, regulatory compliance, and technical support for field operations. The engineer works cross-functionally to deliver data-driven outcomes that ensure compliance, optimize performance, and support RGW's long-term energy goals, including renewable natural gas (RNG) integration.
Duties include but are not limited to
System Planning and Modeling
Develop and maintain hydraulic distribution models (Gas Works or Synergi Gas) for load forecasting and infrastructure planning.
Conduct impact assessments for load additions, pipeline projects, and RNG interconnections.
Design
Managing the engineering design process, including reviewing and analyzing; detailed plan designs/technical studies, and processing applications/permits, change orders, and other documentation for proposed development or improvement projects.
Assisting engineering staff with developing bid proposals, contracts, design specifications and material lists for natural gas projects.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure adherence to federal and state regulations (e.g., 49 CFR Part 192, PSC 135).
Support internal audits, PSC filings, and Commission data requests.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Project Support
Evaluate RNG developer proposals and conduct feasibility studies.
Support the development of interconnection guidelines, tariffs, and technical standards.
Gas Standards and Operational Support
Assist in developing and updating Gas Construction Standards and O&M procedures.
Analyze field data (e.g., leaks, valve maintenance, regulator inspections) to inform improvements.
Capital Planning and Project Support
Contribute to 1-, 5-, and 10-year Capital Improvement Plans.
Provide technical evaluations and risk assessments for major infrastructure projects.
Emergency Support and Continuous Improvement
Participate in AOC reviews, incident investigations, and emergency planning.
Identify opportunities for process improvements in compliance, modeling, and reporting.
Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's Degree in engineering
Five years of professional engineering experience
Two years of supervisory experience
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of plastic and steel pipeline design standards, corrosion control standards, city bridge and roads standards, VDOT design standards and code of federal regulations (CFR) part 192.
LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Some assignments may require a Professional Engineering (PE) Registration
Some assignments may require a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record and a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.
Gas System Engineering
Solid knowledge of gas distribution design, operation, and compliance standards.
Understanding of fluid mechanics, system integrity, and utility risk management.
Technical Proficiency
Proficient in Gas Works or Synergi Gas or equivalent modeling software.
Experience with GIS (ArcGIS), SQL-based systems, Power BI, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office.
Analytical and Strategic Thinking
Strong problem-solving skills to assess data and recommend risk-informed, cost-effective solutions.
Ability to align engineering tasks with broader business objectives and regulatory goals.
Communication and Leadership
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience presenting to management, regulators, and field teams; public speaking and testimony experience .
Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:
Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to finger (pick, pinch, type or otherwise work primarily with fingers), talk, see, hear and use substantial repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and fingers. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and feel; and the employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach extending hands and arms in any direction, push, pull, or lift. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be sedentary, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.
* Internal use: HR Generalist to review.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to , color, , , , , status, genetics, protected veteran status, , or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The City of Richmond is committed to the full of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations.
If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process,
please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The
City of Richmond Values Veterans.
We are an official
V3 Certified Company .
The
City of Richmond
is a proud partner with the
US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.
With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".
The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.
01
10-point compensable veteran. You must have an existing compensable service-connected of 10 percent or more. Other 10-point veteran include disabled veteran or a veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for wound or injuries received in action, veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, wife or husband of a veteran who has a service-connected , widowed, divorced or separated mother of an ex-service son or daughter who died in action, or who is totally and permanently disabled. Do any of these apply?
Yes
No
02
5-point veteran's must have been discharged under honorable conditions and had one of the following: Active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, in a war, or during the period 4/28/52-7/1/55 or active duty for more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 2/1/55 and 10/14/76 or active duty during the Gulf War sometime between 8/2/90 - 1/2/92 or active duty in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or active duty for which more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 9/11/2001 and ending on the date prescribed by the Presidential proclamation or by the law as the last date of operation Iraqi Freedom. Do any of these apply?
Yes
No
03
Which of the following Bachelor's of Engineering Degrees do you currently have? (Select all that apply)
Civil Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Other
No engineering degree
04
Please select your years of experience with natural gas engineering.
Less than five years of experience
Five to 10 years of experience
Ten more years of experience
05
Please select your years of experience with gas modeling.
Less than five years of experience
Five to 10 years of experience
Ten more years of experience
06
Do you have experience developing engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for gas main renewal projects and new development projects?
Yes
No
07
Do you have experience in project management? If so, describe your experience.
Required Question