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Principal Environmental Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Principal Environmental Engineer

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER RESPONSIBILITIES: * Develop and execute site-specific air permitting strategies at SpaceX sites * Assist in planning for changes in physical facilities or new ...

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 ...

APTIM

Principal Environmental Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site +1

$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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Principal Environmental Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal environmental engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal environmental engineer?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Environmental Engineer jobs?

For Principal Environmental Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Environmental Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Environmental Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Environmental Engineer

Mcgregor, TX • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and execute site-specific air permitting strategies at SpaceX sites

  • Assist in planning for changes in physical facilities or new construction, reviewing equipment and programs to meet regulatory requirements

  • Conduct internal air compliance audits and support external regulatory inspections to ensure regulatory compliance

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and execute site-specific air permitting strategies at SpaceX sites
  • Assist in planning for changes in physical facilities or new construction, reviewing new or modified equipment and new programs to meet regulatory and permitting requirements
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on the Clean Air Act and applicable federal and state air regulations; interpret and apply requirements across jurisdictions
  • Track, review, and interpret new and proposed federal and state air regulations (including Clean Air Act amendments, NSPS, NESHAP, and state implementation plans) and provide timely guidance to engineering and leadership teams
  • Conduct internal air compliance audits and support external regulatory inspections across multiple sites to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations
  • Coordinate and manage contractors for permitting and environmental testing. Review and maintain reports and other relevant records from assessments and permitting activities
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with federal, state, and county regulators
  • Develop and maintain positive and close working relationships with engineering teams and leadership across sites

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 12+ years of experience in the design, development, and general operational oversight of EHS disciplines

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in environmental management or engineering with an emphasis in environmental engineering
  • Demonstrated expertise in federal air regulations, including the Clean Air Act, NSPS (particularly Subpart KKKKa), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), and Title V operating permits
  • Track record of successful permitting execution at complex sites and maintaining positive relationships with regulatory agencies including but not limited to TCEQ
  • Experience in environmental field with 5+ years of environmental and regulatory compliance in a dynamic manufacturing environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience handling highly technical data and technical data interpretation
  • Track record of successful analysis, interpretation, and application of rules and regulations towards practical solutions
  • Experience developing and implementing air compliance programs across multiple facilities or states
  • Experience with emissions calculations, air dispersion modeling, and compliance strategies for complex industrial sources
  • Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with other engineers, managers, federal, state and county agencies. Ability to handle many projects at once, prioritize work, and work efficiently
  • Highly self-motivated and able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require relocation to a Texas SpaceX facility if not already local to Texas
  • Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed
  • Periodic travel to other sites may be required

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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