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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

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 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 Risk Assessor

Principal Environmental Risk Assessor

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview

Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Environmental Risk Assessor to join its team in Northern California, at our offices in Oakland or Walnut Creek. This position is ideal for an accomplished leader in toxicology, ecological risk assessment (ERA), and human health risk assessment (HHRA) who can help grow and lead complex site investigation, remediation, and redevelopment projects across industrial, energy, and public-sector markets. The role emphasizes technical leadership on CERCLA, RCRA, PFAS, sediment, vapor intrusion, and risk-based cleanup projects; trusted advisory relationships with clients and regulators; and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior practitioner with a strong track record of project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and business development to further expand Geosyntec's environmental risk assessment practice in the region.

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/.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position is a senior leadership role involving technical, client, staff, and business development responsibilities, including:

  • Lead and manage complex ERA and HHRA projects under CERCLA, RCRA, state-led cleanup programs, and redevelopment frameworks, from scoping through regulatory closure;
  • Serve as a senior technical resource in toxicology, exposure assessment, fate and transport, conceptual site model development, and risk-based cleanup strategy for soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, soil vapor, and indoor air;
  • Provide strategic guidance to clients on complex contaminants and emerging issues, including PFAS, petroleum hydrocarbons/TPH, PCBs, dioxins/furans, metals, VOCs, and site-specific bioaccumulation and ecological risk questions;
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, and support negotiations, technical workshops, and risk communication efforts;
  • Develop business opportunities with new and existing clients, prepare proposals, and contribute to the growth of the regional and national environmental risk assessment practice;
  • Direct multidisciplinary teams in site investigation, remedial investigation/feasibility study support, remedial design input, risk management planning, and redevelopment risk evaluation;
  • Ensure technical excellence and quality on deliverables, including work plans, risk assessments, cleanup level memoranda, regulatory responses, and expert technical reviews;
  • Mentor and develop staff in risk assessment methods, technical writing, client service, project management, and regulatory strategy;
  • Contribute to Geosyntec's thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, professional association engagement, and participation in industry initiatives;
  • Support broader sustainability and ESG-related initiatives where risk assessment, environmental stewardship, and stakeholder communication are critical to project success; and
  • Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.
Education and Licensure
  • Bachelor's degree in toxicology, environmental science, biology, chemistry, public health, environmental engineering, or a related scientific discipline. (required)
  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in toxicology, environmental health, risk assessment, ecology, or a related discipline. (preferred)
  • Relevant professional credentials or certifications in toxicology, risk assessment, or environmental practice. (preferred)
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
  • At least 10 years of direct environmental consulting experience in toxicology, ecological risk assessment, and/or human health risk assessment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
  • Experience leading large, complex, multi-stakeholder projects are strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing and managing ERA and HHRA projects, including conceptual site models, toxicity criteria and toxicity reference values, exposure pathway analysis, risk characterization, and development of risk-based cleanup levels. (required)
  • Strong working knowledge of federal and state regulatory programs, including USEPA, CalEPA, CERCLA, RCRA, and state cleanup frameworks, with experience interfacing directly with agency staff and supporting regulatory negotiations. (required)
  • Experience with complex contaminants and site settings such as PFAS, TPH/petroleum hydrocarbons, PCBs, dioxins/furans, metals, VOCs, sediments, vapor intrusion, and sensitive ecological receptors, including threatened and endangered species. (preferred)
  • Demonstrable track record of successful client management, business development, and proposal leadership, including work with major industrial clients, public agencies, and legal or regulatory stakeholders. (required)
  • Excellent technical leadership of multidisciplinary project teams, with the ability to integrate toxicology, chemistry, hydrogeology, engineering, and regulatory strategy into practical client solutions. (required)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports, white papers, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and client-facing communications. (required)
  • Recognized professional visibility through industry organizations, regulatory/technical initiatives, conference speaking, or published technical work is strongly preferred.
  • Experience contributing to ESG, sustainability, community engagement, or risk communication initiatives is a plus.
  • Ability to succeed in a fast-paced consulting environment, manage multiple priorities, and travel to client or project sites as needed. (required)
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing may be required.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec's total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.

  • Minimum Salary: $156,115/year / Maximum Salary: $218,560/year (Oakland, Walnut Creek)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME