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Environmental Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ocean Spray

Environmental Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Ocean Spray is hiring for a(n) Environmental Engineer! We're a team of farmers, thinkers, creators, and doers. Whatever your title, whatever your role - it always comes back to this: we're a farmer ...

Brown and Caldwell

Environmental Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Job Summary The Environmental Engineer role will support a broad range of tasks related to the analysis, planning, and development of solutions that promote environmental protection, water use ...

PROtect LLC

Environmental Engineer

Whiting, IN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Environmental Engineer Also Known As: Environmental Compliance Engineer, Air Quality Engineer, Environmental Consultant, Emissions Engineer Build a Career Protecting the Environment PROtect is ...

TERRACON

Staff Environmental Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Provide engineering and consulting services for a broad array of environmental projects and clients. This may include performing and/or leading environmental site investigations, engineering analysis ...

TERRACON

Staff Environmental Engineer

Chicago, IL

Provide engineering and consulting services for a broad array of environmental projects and clients. This may include performing and/or leading environmental site investigations, engineering analysis ...

langan

Environmental Engineer - Entry Level

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$65K - $84K/yr

Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems ...

langan

Environmental Engineer - Entry Level

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsEnvironmental Engineer JobsEnvironmental Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Environmental Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.7K

$93.9K

$137K

How much do environmental engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental engineer in Chicago, IL is $93,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,700.00 and $111,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior environmental engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn salaries around $200,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or managerial roles. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical expertise, project management skills, and a strong professional reputation.

What are some common challenges Environmental Engineers face when working on large-scale remediation projects?

Environmental Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and managing unexpected site conditions during large-scale remediation projects. Effective communication with project managers, government agencies, and local communities is essential to ensure compliance and address concerns promptly. Additionally, adapting technical solutions to evolving site data and balancing project timelines with environmental protection goals are frequent aspects of the role.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Environmental engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles, specialized consulting, or senior management positions within engineering firms. High-paying engineering roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. Salaries at this level are more frequently seen in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or in executive positions across engineering disciplines.

What is the difference between Environmental Engineer vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEnvironmental EngineerEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in environmental engineering or related field; often licensed as Professional Engineer (PE)Bachelor's or master's in environmental science or related field; no licensing required
Work EnvironmentDesigning solutions, working on projects, often in field and lab settingsResearch and data analysis, primarily in labs or offices
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, manufacturing industriesResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting

Environmental Engineers focus on designing and implementing solutions to environmental problems, often working on projects that require engineering design and compliance. Environmental Scientists primarily conduct research, analyze data, and assess environmental conditions. While both roles require a background in environmental studies, Engineers typically need engineering credentials and licensing, whereas Scientists focus on research and data analysis. Both roles are vital in environmental protection but serve different functions within the industry.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects.

What are environmental engineers?

Environmental engineers are professionals who use principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and control of water and air pollution. Environmental engineers often design systems for water and air purification, manage hazardous waste, and ensure organizations comply with environmental regulations. Their work helps protect the environment and human health by minimizing the impact of human activities.

What kinds of jobs do environmental engineers do?

Environmental engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems such as pollution control, waste management, and water treatment. They work in industries like manufacturing, government agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions, often using tools like GIS and requiring knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainability practices.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental science, engineering principles, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with modeling software (such as AutoCAD and GIS), environmental impact assessment tools, and professional certifications like the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Professional Engineer (PE) license is valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure engineers can design solutions that protect public health and the environment while meeting regulatory and project requirements.

What Do Environmental Engineers Do?

Environmental engineers research and develop systems and solutions to environmental problems. They have backgrounds in soil science, chemistry, biology, and engineering, which they apply to the production of architectural systems that address air pollution, water conservation, recycling, sustainability, and public health.

More about Environmental Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Environmental Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Environmental Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Environmental Engineer job openings:
Environmental Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,940 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Environmental Engineer

Coterie Environmental LLC

Chicago, IL • Remote

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
We are seeking a motivated Mid-Level Chemical, Process, or Environmental Engineer with expertise in hazardous waste management, combustion, and/or air pollution control technologies.  You must be an engineer to apply for this position.  This key team member will serve as an essential link between our senior principals, subject matter experts, and junior staff, ensuring quality work output, fostering technical growth, and gaining in-depth knowledge of our clients’ needs and projects. The successful candidate will balance technical responsibilities with project management duties, support client engagement, and contribute to the development of our service offerings.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Review and contribute to technical work products, supporting quality control and project integrity.
  • Perform and delegate technical tasks related to hazardous waste management, combustion, and air pollution control.
  • Serve as a liaison between senior staff, subject matter experts, and junior team members to facilitate project execution.
  • Support project management activities such as bid solicitation, proposal review, and preparation of monthly project summaries.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of client needs, project scope, and environmental regulations.
  • Assist in designing, analyzing, and optimizing systems related to waste management, combustion, and emissions controls.
  • Support regulatory compliance efforts and prepare technical documentation for permits and reports.
  • Participate in site inspections, audits, and project meetings.
  • Contribute to ongoing learning and professional development to grow into a subject matter expert and program manager role.
  • Travel to client sites, project meetings, etc., away from the home office. Travel to equate to approximately 25 percent of the time.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related engineer field.  (You must have an engineering degree to qualify for this position.  Environmental science, health, technicians, etc., do not meet this classification)
  • 5-10 years of experience in hazardous waste management, combustion, or air pollution control. Consulting experience preferred but not required.
  • Strong understanding of environmental regulations (RCRA, NESHAP, NSPS, etc.) and best practices.
  • Experience with air pollution control devices, combustion systems, and/or emissions testing programs.
  • Ability to review and understand engineering drawings, complete basic engineering calculations (e.g., heat and material balances, dimensional analysis, and emission calculations).
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
  • Demonstrated capability to support project management and business development activities.
  • Eagerness to learn, grow, and develop into a subject matter expert and project/program manager.

Company Description

Coterie Environmental is a consulting firm providing engineering and environmental services to industrial and government clients operating thermal treatment systems. We help clients comply with federal and state regulations, offer expert training, and provide subject matter expertise in new unit design and retrofitting