Remote Optimization Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Ocean Spray is hiring for a(n) Environmental Engineer! We're a team of farmers, thinkers, creators, and doers. Whatever your title, whatever your role - it always comes back to this: we're a farmer-owned co-op where everyone rolls up their sleeves to get the job done. Three maverick farmers started it all - and we've been making our own way ever since.

Position Location: We're all about flexibility. This will be a remote role based out of our corporate headquarters in Lakeville, MA. We are open to remote candidates.

In this role, the Environmental Engineer is responsible for ensuring environmental compliance, providing engineering oversight, and advancing sustainability initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role plays a critical part in maintaining regulatory compliance, optimizing environmental systems, and supporting corporate ESG goals within a fast-paced environment.

A Day in the Life...

Environmental Compliance & Engineering Oversight

• Oversee environmental compliance programs across multiple facilities, ensuring adherence to all applicable federal, state, local, and provincial regulations
• Lead the preparation, submission, and renewal of environmental permits (air, water, wastewater, stormwater, hazardous waste, and related areas)
• Ensure all required EHS permits are current, accurate, and maintained for operational compliance
• Oversee and provide technical expertise for environmental systems, including wastewater treatment operations and modifications
• Review and approve environmental engineering designs, consultant reports, and capital projects impacting compliance
• Maintain and update environmental prevention and management plans (e.g., SPCC, SWPPP, Wastewater O&M)

Environmental Management & Sustainability

• Develop, implement, and maintain environmental management systems (e.g., ISO 14001)
• Monitor and analyze environmental performance metrics (waste, water, emissions, energy use)
• Drive sustainability initiatives such as waste reduction, water conservation, emissions reduction, and packaging improvements
• Support carbon footprint reduction and ESG reporting efforts (Scope 1-3 emissions, GHG tracking)
• Partner with R&D, operations, and supply chain teams to improve environmental performance
• Compliance Monitoring & Risk Management
• Conduct environmental audits, inspections, and risk assessments
• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory reporting
• Investigate environmental incidents and implement corrective actions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and external auditors

Training & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Train employees on environmental compliance requirements and best practices
• Collaborate with EHS, engineering, and plant leadership to embed environmental standards into operations
• Provide technical guidance for new product launches, process changes, and capital projects

What We Are Looking For:

Required

• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting (e.g., EPA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA)
• Technical expertise in environmental systems, including wastewater, air emissions, stormwater, and hazardous materials management
• Understanding of environmental compliance programs, audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting
• Knowledge of environmental prevention and management plans (e.g., SPCC, SWPPP, Wastewater O&M)
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations across multiple facilities/jurisdictions
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills
• Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders in a manufacturing environment
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in environmental engineering within a manufacturing environment

Preferred

• Knowledge of environmental management systems (e.g., ISO 14001) and audit processes
• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks (e.g., ESG, GHG Protocol, Scope 1-3 emissions, carbon accounting)
• Understanding of CPG manufacturing processes and environmental impacts
• Experience with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) concepts and tools
• Continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)
• Experience with environmental data systems or EHS management software
• Ability to identify and implement sustainability and cost-reduction opportunities
• Experience supporting capital projects, engineering design reviews, and system optimization

Physical Requirements

• Requires the ability to occasionally stand and walk for extended periods of time.

• Requires the ability to drive in a car for long distances or extended periods of time.
• Requires the ability to travel by plane on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to occasionally climb ladders and traverse catwalks.
• Occasionally assume awkward positions in the course of working include but not limited to reaching overhead, twisting, bending over, and/or working from a laying position.

Education:

Bachelor's or University Degree (Required)

Work Experience:

At least 5 Years of Experience

Annual Salary:

$104,700 - $143,990

The base salary range information above serves as a guideline of the position's typical hiring range. We value and appreciate what makes you unique and will consider a variety of factors when determining an offer. These factors include, but are not limited to, your skills and experience, external and internal benchmarks, as well as overall company considerations. Certain positions may be eligible for short-term and long-term incentive rewards. We also offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports all aspects of your health and well-being.

Benefits:

• Complete insurance package on Day-1 that includes a plethora of health and wellness programs

• • Health, Dental and Vision insurance

  • Health savings account

  • Flexible spending account

  • Life and accident insurance

  • Employee assistance program

  • Telehealth services

  • 1:1 health coaching

  • Supportive benefits for all the stages of your life

• 401(k) with up to 6% Company matching; additional potential discretionary match at year-end

• Short-Term Incentive/Performance bonuses

• Flexible scheduling options

• Vacation pay, up to three weeks of time (pro-rated for your first year of employment)

• Holiday pay for 12 holidays

• Career development and growth opportunities

• Tuition/Education assistance programs

• Access to LinkedIn Learning

• Scholarship programs for children of employees

• Parental leave

• Bright Horizons Family Solutions - Back-up care, tutoring, etc.

• Adoption assistance

• Bereavement leave

• Up to $300 fitness reimbursement

• Up to $300 massage reimbursement

• Employee appreciation events

• Employee discounts

• Charitable giving

Who We Are:

You might have our iconic cranberry juice in your fridge or have gotten into heated holiday debate about what's better - canned or fresh cranberry sauce. But did you know that the hardworking people growing the superfruit in our products are 700 family farmers that own our cooperative? They entrust us with what is most precious to them to create new and innovative products that will delight consumers and grow this beloved brand today and into the future.
Team members, farmers, consumers and communities alike--we value what makes us unique and strive to connect our farms to families for a better life by living our values:

• Grower Mindset - We embrace our grower-owners innovative spirit and heritage through confidence, learning and focus on the future.
• Sustainable Results - Guided by purpose, we are focused on delivering results for our grower-owners.
• Integrity Above All - We are ethical, doing the right thing for our grower-owners, customers, consumers and each other
• Inclusive Teamwork - We build diverse and inclusive teams that strengthen our cooperative.