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Environmental Protection Engineer Jobs in California

B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline * Minimum of 1 internship in a fire ... Flexible hybrid work environment * Comprehensive benefits (including pet insurance!) * Genuine work ...

B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline * Minimum of 1 internship in a fire ... Flexible hybrid work environment * Comprehensive benefits (including pet insurance!) * Genuine work ...

B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline * Minimum of 1 internship in a fire ... Flexible hybrid work environment * Comprehensive benefits (including pet insurance!) * Genuine work ...

B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline * Minimum of 1 internship in a fire ... Flexible hybrid work environment * Comprehensive benefits (including pet insurance!) * Genuine work ...

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Showing results 1-20

Environmental Protection Engineer information

See California salary details

$38K

$90K

$131.3K

How much do environmental protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental protection engineer in California is $89,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of an engineer in environmental protection?

An environmental protection engineer designs and implements solutions to reduce pollution, manage waste, and protect natural resources. They analyze environmental data, develop regulations, and use tools like GIS and modeling software to ensure compliance and sustainability. Certification and knowledge of environmental laws are often required for this role.

Is there a high demand for environmental engineers?

Environmental protection engineers are in high demand due to increasing environmental regulations and the need for sustainable practices. Job growth is expected to be faster than average, with opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and industry sectors focused on pollution control, waste management, and renewable energy projects.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Protection Engineer, you need a strong background in environmental engineering principles, regulatory compliance, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental or civil engineering. Familiarity with environmental modeling software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and navigate complex environmental challenges. These competencies ensure that environmental projects are designed and executed efficiently, safely, and in line with regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Environmental Protection Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectEnvironmental Protection EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CertificationsPE license, environmental certificationsPE license, environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentRegulatory agencies, consulting firms, industrial sitesConsulting firms, government agencies, industrial projects
Primary FocusEnsuring compliance with environmental laws, pollution controlDesigning sustainable systems, environmental impact assessments

Environmental Protection Engineers primarily focus on ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and controlling pollution, often working with regulatory agencies or industrial sites. Environmental Engineers have a broader scope, including designing sustainable systems and conducting impact assessments. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industry settings, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior-level environmental protection engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or managerial roles. Such positions often require advanced degrees, leadership responsibilities, and expertise in areas like environmental compliance, project management, or consulting.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes certifications or advanced degrees. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size.

What types of projects do Environmental Protection Engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other professionals?

Environmental Protection Engineers are often involved in projects such as designing pollution control systems, developing waste treatment solutions, and assessing environmental impact for new developments. They regularly collaborate with scientists, regulatory agencies, and construction teams to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to integrate sustainable practices. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as these engineers must translate technical findings into actionable plans and coordinate with multiple stakeholders throughout a project's lifecycle.

What does an Environmental Protection Engineer do?

An Environmental Protection Engineer is responsible for developing solutions to environmental problems by applying principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. Their duties may include designing systems to reduce pollution, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These engineers often collaborate with government agencies, private companies, and communities to ensure environmental sustainability and protect public health.
What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Environmental Protection Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Protection Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,997 per year, or $43.3 per hour.
Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

McMillen, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$140K - $230K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

McMillen, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Senior Fire Protection Engineer who will oversee projects from concept through completion, providing technical expertise, client engagement, and project management leadership. This is a client-facing role, requiring strong communication skills, the ability to build long-term client relationships, and proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams.

Who we are: McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee-owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don't look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting-edge technology, and a balanced work-life environment so our employees can build careers they're proud of.

We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. With staff across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond, we bring global best practices to our clients. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results-driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real-world functionality.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the planning, design, and execution of complex fire protection engineering projects.
  • Serve as the primary client interface, cultivating and maintaining strong client relationships.
  • Manage all phases of project delivery, including scope, budget, schedule, and quality.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure project success.
  • Provide technical leadership in fire protection system design, code compliance, and risk analysis.
  • Mentor and support junior engineers and project staff.
  • Represent the firm in client meetings, industry events, and professional associations.

Qualifications:

  • Regular, predictable attendance is required.
  • Ability to get along and work effectively with others.
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
  • 15-18 years of progressive experience in fire protection engineering and project management.
  • Fire Protection Professional Engineering Licensure
  • Knowledge of industry standards, building codes, and safety standards such as NFPA, NEC, NESC, UL, UFC and UFGS
  • Strong client-facing skills with a track record of cultivating and growing client relationships.
  • Willingness to travel 10-25% for client and project needs.
  • Physical Demands:  
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The inability to cope with a stressful work environment does not constitute a protected disability.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is seldom required to sit. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear; work at elevated heights. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

    Compensation Package:

    • Pay Range: $140,000 - $230,000 (DOE)
    • Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, HSA, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

    EEO: McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

    Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

    No recruiters, please.