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Principal Environmental Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

P&C Recruiting and HR

ID · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Principal Environmental Engineer Position Summary The Principal Environmental Engineer will provide environmental engineering, permitting, compliance, monitoring, and technical support for a mining ...

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

San Diego, CA · On-site

$175K - $225K/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

Concord, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

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

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All JobsPrincipal Environmental Engineer Jobs

Principal Environmental Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal environmental engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 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.

Is there a high demand for environmental engineers?

Environmental engineers, including principal environmental engineers, are in high demand due to increasing environmental regulations and the need for sustainable solutions. Job growth is expected to be faster than average, with opportunities in consulting, government agencies, and private industry requiring strong technical skills and environmental knowledge.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and bonuses. High compensation often involves leadership roles, extensive expertise, and working in high-demand industries or companies.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior-level 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. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or management positions.

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.

What is the highest paid Environmental Engineer?

The highest paid Environmental Engineers typically work in senior roles such as Environmental Engineering Managers or Consultants with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized certifications. Salaries can exceed $100,000 annually, especially in industries like oil and gas, consulting, or government agencies, depending on location and expertise.

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Environmental Engineer

Principal Environmental Engineer

NW Recruiting Partners

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Principal Environmental Engineer

Seattle (Hybrid)

Join a well-established, employee-owned environmental consulting firm where you will have high visibility across multiple offices and the opportunity to lead complex environmental remediation projects for large, sophisticated clients.

This is a senior leadership role for an experienced environmental engineer who enjoys leading the charge on challenging projects — developing technical strategy, coordinating cross-functional teams, advising clients, working with regulators, and driving projects from investigation through cleanup and closure.

The ideal candidate has deep environmental remediation expertise, strong project leadership skills, and an active PE license.

In addition to the leadership opportunity, the firm offers strong benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, a 401(k) match, paid time off, holidays, and participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Principal Environmental Engineer Responsibilities

  • Lead complex environmental investigation and remediation projects from planning through closure.
  • Develop cleanup and remediation strategies based on site conditions, regulatory requirements, and client goals.
  • Oversee remediation system design, feasibility studies, engineering evaluations, bid specifications, engineering drawings, and cost estimates.
  • Serve as a key technical advisor to large clients, regulators, and internal project teams.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, environmental science, field services, permitting, and project management.
  • Manage project scope, budget, schedule, quality, and client expectations across multiple active projects.
  • Prepare and review technical deliverables, including reports, design documents, Cleanup Action Plans, Engineering Design Reports, and Cleanup Action Reports.
  • Maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators, and project partners.
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers and scientists.
  • Support business development efforts, client growth, and expansion of the firm's remediation services.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations and permitting requirements.

Principal Environmental Engineer Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • 10+ years of environmental consulting experience, with a strong focus on investigation and remediation.
  • Active Professional Engineer license required, WA state PE license preferred.
  • Strong experience designing and implementing remediation strategies and systems.
  • Experience with remedial technologies such as air sparge, SVE, MPE, in-situ treatment, excavation, and engineering controls.
  • Knowledge of MTCA, RCRA, CERCLA, and related environmental regulations.
  • Permitting experience with PSCAA, CSGP, NPDES, and local jurisdictions.
  • Experience communicating with local, state, and federal regulators.
  • Strong technical writing, client communication, and proposal development skills.
  • Experience in mentoring technical staff and supporting team development.
  • Ability to develop and maintain client relationships and support business growth.

Company Benefits

  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
  • 401(k) with up to a 4% company match.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Compensation: $165,000 - $205,000 + Lucrative Bonus