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Principal Environmental Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Principal Environmental Engineer (3) level based on qualifications and interview performance. Basic Qualifications Environmental Engineer 2: * Must have a High School Diploma and at least 6 years of ...

As our Principal Environmental Engineer, you will be an individual contributor responsible for applying knowledge of safety, industrial hygiene, environmental, science, to identify, analyze, and ...

As our Principal Environmental Engineer, you will be an individual contributor responsible for applying knowledge of safety, industrial hygiene, environmental, science, to identify, analyze, and ...

As our Principal Environmental Engineer, you will be an individual contributor responsible for applying knowledge of safety, industrial hygiene, environmental, science, to identify, analyze, and ...

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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 Jul 14, 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 is the highest salary for an environmental engineer?

The highest salaries for principal environmental engineers can exceed $130,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-cost-of-living areas. Senior professionals in this field often earn additional compensation through bonuses and benefits, reflecting their expertise in environmental compliance, remediation, and sustainable design.

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 a year?

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 leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Environmental Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in environmental modeling or regulatory compliance can earn salaries around or above $300,000 annually, especially in senior or leadership roles within large organizations or consulting firms. High compensation often reflects the complexity of projects, geographic location, and the level of responsibility held.

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 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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal Environmental Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or senior management roles. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and specialization, with some engineers in consulting, energy, or manufacturing reaching this level.
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:
Infographic showing various Principal Environmental Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Environmental Remediation Engineer

Principal Environmental Remediation Engineer

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?

Geosyntec Consultants, an earth science and engineering consulting firm, is seeking a Principal Environmental Remediation Engineer to join our growing Environmental Practice in our Portland, OR office.

Our Environmental Practice tackles challenges on a variety of complex environmental projects throughout the Pacific Northwest including environmental site assessments, remedial investigations/feasibility studies, property cleanup and urban redevelopments, remedial design engineering, cost recovery/allocation/mediation support, and landfill system monitoring and optimization.  

In this role, you can expect an abundance of variety in your work.  Consistent with our Sell, Manage, Do, business model, you will have the opportunity to lead in the delivery of technical project work, be involved in leadership and mentorship initiatives, as well as contribute to key sales and business development efforts. You will actively develop your own practice through effective project delivery and client development, while actively contributing to the success of Geosyntec as a whole. 

As a Principal Environmental Remediation Engineer at Geosyntec, your technical project work will primarily focus on environmental investigation and remediation projects where you will lead the development and implementation of environmental due diligence, remedial investigations, and cleanup actions on known or suspected contaminated sites.

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical, and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

We invest in our people.  Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too.  We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.


Collaboration and mentoring are cornerstones of Geosyntec’s culture. We operate under a Sell, Manage, Do culture, and so we expect that you’d work on challenging technical projects while leveraging your existing knowledge and experience to help Geosyntec expand its current practices and capabilities through business development and client management. You may also be asked to take on project management responsibilities, along with staff management, development, and mentoring. Some of the key responsibilities may include:

  • Managing and directing challenging technical projects through task and project management, including planning and implementing investigation and remediation projects, budgeting and budget management, adherence to schedule, quality, client satisfaction, and profitability;
  • Evaluation of contaminated sites and development remediation approaches, including feasibility studies, cleanup action plans, engineering design reports, remediation design plans;
  • Leading the development of work plans, data evaluation, and cost-benefit analyses;
  • Implementation of remedial pilot tests and systems, including vendor selection, logistical coordination, permitting, and supervision of field teams;
  • Mentoring, guiding, and motivating early career staff assigned in the areas of project performance, cost, schedule management, client expectations and career development;
  • Working with and leading multidisciplinary teams, including data scientists, geologists, risk assessors, CAD designers, and modelers;
  • Preparing and reviewing technical reports, letters, memoranda, plans, specifications, and proposals;
  • At times, this position may also include fieldwork including site visits, multi-media environmental sampling and characterization, drilling oversight, contractor oversight, and remediation system operations, maintenance, and construction.
  • Building a portfolio of clients by obtaining repeat business from existing clients and winning new clients;
  • Fostering trust-based relationships with clients, regulatory personnel, and other project stakeholders;
  • Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.

  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, or related engineering discipline. (required)
  • Master’s degree in environmental engineering, or related engineering discipline. (preferred)
  • Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). (required)

  • At least 10 years of related experience (15+ preferred); or equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
  • Relevant coursework or experience in contaminant fate and transport. (required)
  • Knowledge of state and federal cleanup laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance for cleanup of contaminated sites.
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills. (required) 
  • Clear and professional writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent client management skills.
  • Ability to work on teams and interface with clients, attorneys, and regulators to execute projects. (required) 
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

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