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Principal Environmental Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

APTIM

Principal Environmental Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

The Principal Environmental Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority for environmental engineering tasks across the business line, providing executive leadership and strategic direction ...

APTIM

Principal Environmental Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

The Principal Environmental Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority for environmental engineering tasks across the business line, providing executive leadership and strategic direction ...

APTIM

Principal Environmental Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

The Principal Environmental Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority for environmental engineering tasks across the business line, providing executive leadership and strategic direction ...

APTIM

Principal Environmental Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

The Principal Environmental Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority for environmental engineering tasks across the business line, providing executive leadership and strategic direction ...

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal environmental engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal environmental engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Principal Environmental Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental engineering principles, regulatory compliance, and project management, typically supported by a PE (Professional Engineer) license and an advanced engineering degree. Familiarity with environmental modeling software, GIS tools, and industry-specific reporting systems is critical for technical execution and analysis. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help you effectively guide teams and engage stakeholders. These skills ensure projects meet regulatory standards, are delivered efficiently, and support sustainable environmental solutions.

How does a Principal Environmental Engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects?

Principal Environmental Engineers often work closely with professionals from civil engineering, geology, urban planning, and regulatory agencies to ensure environmental compliance and innovative project design. They lead coordination meetings, provide technical guidance, and integrate environmental considerations into overall project plans. This collaborative approach ensures that environmental risks are identified and mitigated early, and that all team members are aligned with project goals and regulatory requirements.

What does a Principal Environmental Engineer do?

A Principal Environmental Engineer leads complex projects focused on environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and sustainable development. They oversee the design and implementation of systems to manage issues like waste, pollution, and water quality, while ensuring projects meet environmental regulations. In addition to technical expertise, they often supervise teams, interact with clients, and provide high-level guidance on environmental policy and strategy. Their work is crucial in minimizing environmental impacts and promoting best practices within organizations.

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

AspectPrincipal Environmental EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental engineering or related field; often advanced certificationsBachelor's degree in environmental engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee teams, coordinate with clients and regulatory agenciesAssist in project tasks, data collection, and analysis under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, large corporationsEngineering firms, government agencies, industrial companies
Common Search & ComparisonHigher-level responsibilities, leadership rolesEntry to mid-level positions, technical tasks

The main difference between a Principal Environmental Engineer and an Environmental Engineer lies in their level of responsibility and experience. Principal Environmental Engineers typically lead projects and teams, requiring more experience and advanced certifications, while Environmental Engineers focus on technical tasks and data analysis. Both roles are vital in environmental projects, but the Principal position involves strategic oversight and client interaction.

More about Principal Environmental Engineer jobs
What states have the most Principal Environmental Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Environmental Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Environmental Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Environmental Engineer jobs are:
Principal Environmental Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Environmental Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Environmental Engineer

Principal Environmental Engineer

APTIM

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

APTIM rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Overview:
APTIM is currently seeking a Principal Environmental Engineer to support the continued nationwide growth of project work within our Government Remediation Business line. The Principal Environmental Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority for environmental engineering tasks across the business line, providing executive leadership and strategic direction in the characterization and remediation of complex environmental projects.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record of engineering experience in addition to the management and development of a team of engineering professionals. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are a must, including the ability to communicate clearly and confidently, both written and verbally, to all project team members including client representatives and regulatory personnel alike.
In this role you will have the opportunity to:
  • Act as the technical authority across a national remediation portfolio
  • Influence strategy on high-visibility federal programs
  • Opportunity to build and mentor a growing engineering team
  • Work on complex, large-scale remediation challenges

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
  • Serve as the senior technical expert and authority for environmental engineering across the Environmental Remediation business line.
  • Lead development of strategic approaches and provide oversight and approval of complex environmental designs, characterization and remediation plans, and compliance strategies during proposal development and in the execution of project work.
  • Advise executive leadership on execution risk, regulatory impacts, and mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure compliance with federal environmental laws and regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA, NEPA, Clean Water Act, and Clean Air Act
  • Manage a team of environmental engineers with varying levels of experience, including project assignments, career development, and performance evaluations.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work on federal contracts.
  • Experience working on federal government remediation projects in a leadership role driving the development of environmental remediation approaches.
  • Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible environmental engineering experience supporting DoD and CERCLA funded projects.
  • Experience serving as Engineer of Record or senior technical reviewer
  • Possess a current Professional Engineer (PE) license in good standing.
  • Ability to travel to project sites and APTIM offices as required.

About APTIM
APTIM enhances the quality of the environment, wellbeing of people, resilience of communities, and opportunity for employees to make a difference, not just a living. A leading professional solutions firm, we specialize in environmental, sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure solutions. Our team of experts provide these integrated solutions for forward-thinking government agencies, commercial and industrial clients, and energy customers. Together, we create sustainable and resilient communities for all.
What you can expect from APTIM:
  • Work that is worthy of your time and talent
  • Respect and flexibility to live a full life at work and at home
  • Dogged determination to deliver for our clients and communities
  • A voice in making our company better
  • Investment into your personal and professional development

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay range for this position is $175,000-$250,000. Compensation depends on several factors including: experience, education, key skills, geographic location of the position, client requirements, external market competitiveness, and internal equity among other employees within APTIM.
Employee Benefits
APTIM Federal Services, LLC is committed to providing an extensive range of benefits that protect and promote the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families through the APTIM Benefits Marketplace https://aptim.makeityoursource.com/.
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance: Through the marketplace, our employees can choose benefits from five metallic levels and several carriers to find the right benefits that work for them in their location.
  • Company paid and optional Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave (eligibility based on company policy and applicable law)
  • 401(k) APTIM offers three 401k plans through the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). The specific plan you are eligible for depends on the business unit you are in. The details of the largest plan are found here:
    • APTIM 401(k) Guide
    • APTIM - Helpful Documents

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