1

Principal Sustainability Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Sustainability Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$99K - $122K/yr

... principals and application. * Strong knowledge of building codes and standards related to energy efficiency. * Experience with energy modeling software such as IESVE or similar tools. * Basic ...

Sustainability offering development: Strengthen EY-Parthenon's Sustainability and Decarbonization ... Experience in top-tier strategy consulting at Project Leader or Principal level, or a senior ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Sustainability information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal sustainability jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal sustainability in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal sustainability?

Principal Sustainability roles are senior-level positions responsible for leading and shaping an organization's sustainability strategy and initiatives. These professionals oversee projects related to environmental impact, social responsibility, and compliance with sustainability regulations. They collaborate with various departments, set sustainability goals, and ensure that the organization adopts best practices for sustainable development. Principal Sustainability leaders also often represent their organizations in external partnerships and drive innovation in sustainability efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal sustainability professional?

To thrive as a Principal Sustainability professional, you need expertise in environmental science, sustainability strategy, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with sustainability reporting frameworks (like GRI or CDP), data analysis tools, and relevant certifications such as LEED or ISSP is often required. Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for driving impactful sustainability initiatives and aligning organizational practices with environmental and social responsibility goals.

What are some common challenges principal sustainability professionals face when implementing company-wide sustainability strategies?

Principal Sustainability professionals often encounter challenges such as aligning sustainability goals with overall business objectives, securing buy-in from key stakeholders, and managing cross-functional collaboration. They may also need to navigate complex regulatory environments and balance short-term operational needs with long-term sustainability outcomes. Overcoming these challenges typically requires strong communication skills, the ability to drive organizational change, and a deep understanding of both environmental issues and business processes.

What is the difference between Principal Sustainability vs Sustainability Manager?

AspectPrincipal SustainabilitySustainability Manager
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (e.g., Master’s, PhD), professional certifications (e.g., LEED AP, ISSP)Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, or related fields; certifications like LEED or ISSP are common
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, high-level decision making, often in corporate or consultancy settingsOperational roles, project management, team coordination within organizations or projects
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, consulting firms, government agencies focusing on sustainability strategiesCompanies across industries implementing sustainability initiatives, environmental departments

Principal Sustainability roles focus on strategic planning and high-level leadership in sustainability efforts, often requiring advanced credentials. Sustainability Managers handle day-to-day operations, project execution, and team management. Both roles are vital but differ mainly in scope and seniority.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Sustainability jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Principal Sustainability job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Lead Sustainability Engineer

Northfield, MN • On-site

RMF Engineering, Inc
Specialized Design Services • 51 - 200 employees

$96K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

This role is located in one of our RMF offices in either: Boston, MA, Charleston, SC, or Northfield, MN.

Job Type: On-site

RMF Engineering is an innovative, top-ranked, national engineering firm that specializes in providing design and engineering services for all aspects of building and utility infrastructure construction. RMF offers a balanced benefits package that centers on a stable and professional working environment which includes above standard health and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation, and 401K plan.

VISION AND GOALS:

In response to the industry-wide movement toward more sustainable building and utility systems, combined with prevalent sustainability requirements from our clients, RMF established a formal sustainability practice in 2022 and hired a Director of Sustainability to develop and oversee a companywide sustainability strategy. Our focus in this area, combined with our strong history of existing relationships and engineering excellence, allows RMF to add great value to clients who are focused on ambitious energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

As a full-service engineering firm, RMF is well positioned to serve clients with sound guidance and lasting relationships from planning through design, construction, commissioning and beyond. We are passionate about growing our people and our business through these exciting, new opportunities. This position will provide a talented individual with the opportunity to innovate openly, collaborate with a supportive team, and make a real difference throughout our industry.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This individual will have a deep understanding of building science with functional knowledge of building energy modeling and building controls. They will be responsible for driving building level sustainability initiatives from project conception through completion, ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of technical excellence while achieving client-specific energy and sustainability goals.  They will regularly interface with the project team, including RMF's individual discipline leads, as well as the architect, owner, and other project stakeholders to guide the energy and sustainability aspects of design. This position will harness the range of our MEP building design expertise and amplify firmwide sustainability knowledge to serve these clients well and have RMF known as the go-to firm for these efforts. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide technical leadership in HVAC design optimization, energy modeling, and decarbonization analysis, collaborating with architects, engineers, and building owners to support sustainable strategies.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies or design strategies and deliver innovative solutions to client energy goals while maintaining implementable and operable designs.
  • Support a team of energy modeling experts and building energy auditors following ASHRAE standards including lifecycle cost and economic viability analyses of energy efficiency measures.
  • Understand sustainability certification programs such as LEED, Living Building Challenge, Green Globes, and Passive House and articulate the MEP impacts of each to architects and owners.
  • Analyze local, state, or federal ordinances (e.g. Boston's Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure, Georgia Peach, or New York City's Local Law 97) and brief owners on compliance pathways through HVAC and/or other building systems design.  Identify utility or government-sponsored incentives to offset capital costs of energy/emissions savings projects.
  • Stay current with building codes and sustainable design practices and how they intersect and/or reconcile with client-driven design standards and sustainability certifications.
  • Ensure high-quality project documentation and reporting.
  • Guide and mentor  RMF teams on sustainable design practices, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing, to maintain high standards of work quality. 
  • Strengthen client relationships through effective communication and project management, identify new business opportunities, and network at industry events to drive business growth.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Sustainability and company leadership to develop and implement building MEP aspects of corporate sustainability strategy, training, and initiatives.
  • Travel and perform field work in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, tunnels, and other mechanical spaces that may require climbing ladders and stairways.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Science, Architecture, or a related field. 
  • 5+ Years experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on energy modeling, simulation, and sustainable design principals and application. 
  • Strong knowledge of building codes and standards related to energy efficiency.  
  • Experience with energy modeling software such as IESVE or similar tools.
  • Basic understanding of building automation system controls strategy and design principles
  • Exceptional leadership, organizational, and multitasking skills. 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. 

Benefits

A stable and professional working environment is offered with competitive salary, excellent employee benefits, which include health and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation, and a 401K plan.  We are an equal opportunity employer and take pride in the diversity and dedication of our staff.