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Principal Environmental Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Environmental Engineer

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$90K - $125K/yr

This key team member will serve as an essential link between our senior principals, subject matter ... Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a ...

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Environmental Engineer

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$90K - $125K/yr

This key team member will serve as an essential link between our senior principals, subject matter ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. * 5-10 ...

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Environmental Engineer

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$90K - $125K/yr

This key team member will serve as an essential link between our senior principals, subject matter ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. * 5-10 ...

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Environmental Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$90K - $125K/yr

This key team member will serve as an essential link between our senior principals, subject matter ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related engineer field ...

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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 May 30, 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:
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/Sr. Principal Environmental Qualification Engineer (Levels 3/4)

Principal/Sr. Principal Environmental Qualification Engineer (Levels 3/4)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Principal Environmental Qualification Engineer /Sr. Principal Environmental Qualification Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in defining the future. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL.
**This position may be filled by either at the Principal Environmental Qualification Engineer (T03) level OR at the Sr. Principal Environmental Qualification Engineer (T04) level based on the qualifications listed.**
The Environmental Qualification (EQ) Engineer drives the translation of design requirements into actionable specifications, tailoring and allocating them across all design levels while authoring guidelines and reviewing test documentation. They serve as the primary liaison for EQ issues, presenting findings during internal and external design reviews and collaborating with leadership, customers, suppliers, engineers, and technicians. Additionally, they develop models, perform analyses, and oversee compliance testing-often on-site at supplier facilities-to ensure components, subsystems, and systems meet environmental qualification standards such as MIL-STD-810 and RTCA?DO-160.
Tasks include, but are not limited to:
  • Serve as a proactive, self-starting liaison who communicates effectively with leadership, customers, suppliers, engineers, and technicians.
  • Write, draft, interpret, allocate, tailor, and flow-down environmental qualification requirements across all design levels.
  • Present EQ issues and solutions during internal and external design reviews.
  • Author design guidelines and review test procedures, test reports, and technical analyses.
  • Participate in cross-discipline design reviews to ensure integrated compliance.
  • Develop models and perform analytical assessments of components, subsystems, and complete systems.
  • Conduct gap analyses to determine whether equipment meets customer specifications and to identify associated risk factors.
  • Ensure designs meet governmental and industry standards such as MIL-STD-810, RTCA?DO-160, and MIL-HDBK-310.
  • Travel to supplier sites to guide, witness, and validate qualification testing activities.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Principal Environmental Qualification Engineer (T03):
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university and 5 years of experience OR Master's degree from an accredited university and 3 years of experience OR PhD degree from an accredited university and 1 year of experience.
  • Must have experience working with Military Subsystems or Avionics Systems Environmental Qualification (EQ).
  • Must have an active DoD Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with ability to Obtain Top Secret Clearance.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Must be able to brief/support customer/subcontractor meetings as required.

  • Sr. Principal Environmental Qualification Engineer (T04):
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university and 8 years of experience OR Master's degree from an accredited university and 6 years of experience OR PhD degree from an accredited university and 4 year of experience.
  • Must have experience working with Military Subsystems or Avionics Systems Environmental Qualification (EQ).
  • Must have an active DoD Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) with ability to Obtain Top Secret Clearance.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Must be able to brief/support customer/subcontractor meetings as required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • In-depth knowledge of governing standards such as MIL-STD-810 and RTCA DO-160.
  • Active Top Secret clearance with access to Special Program.
  • Experience with avionics thermal and/or vibration analysis and related software such as ANSYS, Flotherm, FEMAP, etc.
  • Experience designing avionics from a mechanical perspective, including understanding of circuit board interconnects.
  • General familiarity with overall integration of aircraft systems.
  • Experience with defense and aerospace industry practices, and programmatic skills supporting BOE, RFP, ROM, CAM, WBS, Risk assessments for EQ compliance is a plus for candidates.
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler.
  • Experience with requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS and DOORS Next.

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939