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Principal Environmental Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stantec

Principal Environmental Planner

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$179.90K - $278.80K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec is currently seeking a Principal Environmental Planner to join our ... About Stantec - Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and ...

GZA GeoEnvironmental

Environmental Engineer

Livonia, MI ยท On-site

You will successfully execute all aspects of projects under the guidance of a company Principal ... Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Geological/Hydrogeology or Environmental ...

Arcadis

Principal Environmental Consultant

Irvine, CA

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... Arcadis has an immediate need for a Principal Environmental Consultant based out of our Los Angeles ...

Pbf Energy

Environmental Engineer

Delaware City, DE

Environmental Engineer The Environmental Engineer is responsible for helping the refinery maintain ... Principal Responsibilities Support the refinery in meeting environmental objectives and goals.

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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:
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 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.