1

Senior Environmental Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Eng, Environmental Eng

Covington, VA · On-site

$90K - $151K/yr

Senior Environmental Engineer, Covington, VA Opportunity The Senior Environmental Engineer is responsible for compliance activities associated with the various environmental laws, regulations, and ...

Senior Environmental Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Howmet Aerospace's Hampton, VA, IN facility has an opening for a Senior Environmental Engineer. Our Company's environmental, health, and safety (EHS) values along with our leadership's commitment ...

Senior Environmental Engineer 1

Midlothian, VA · On-site +1

$99K - $135K/yr

We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Engineer 1 to work in a technical support role with highly skilled professionals on diverse project teams in a dynamic environment. We ...

Senior Environmental Engineer 1

Midlothian, VA · On-site +1

$99K - $135K/yr

We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Engineer 1 to work in a technical support role with highly skilled professionals on diverse project teams in a dynamic environment. We ...

Senior Environmental Engineer (REMOTE ROLE)

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER ICF seeks a Senior Environmental Engineer or Scientist to provide project management and technical support for our EPA projects with the Office of Superfund and ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Environmental Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$61K

$100.8K

$131.9K

How much do senior environmental engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior environmental engineer in Virginia is $100,780.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior Environmental Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles or specialized consulting positions. Engineers in high-paying fields like petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering may reach this level with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and company size, with top-tier professionals sometimes earning this amount through bonuses and stock options.

What does a Senior Environmental Engineer do?

A Senior Environmental Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing solutions to environmental problems such as pollution, waste management, and sustainability. They lead projects, oversee compliance with environmental regulations, and often manage teams of engineers and scientists. Their work may involve site assessments, environmental impact studies, and the development of systems to prevent or remediate environmental hazards. Senior Environmental Engineers also collaborate with government agencies, private companies, and the public to ensure environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior Environmental Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior management roles. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and project complexity, with some professionals also earning bonuses or profit sharing.

What is the highest salary for an environmental engineer?

Senior environmental engineers can earn salaries up to $120,000 or higher annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in specialized industries. Top earners often hold managerial roles or work in high-demand regions, and salaries can vary based on location, education, and employer size.

What is the difference between Senior Environmental Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectSenior Environmental EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental engineering or related field; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's degree in environmental engineering or related field; PE license may be optional
Work EnvironmentDesigning projects, leading teams, overseeing compliance, and client interactionAssisting in project tasks, data collection, and supporting senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, industrial companiesSimilar settings, often entry to mid-level roles in environmental sectors

The main difference between a Senior Environmental Engineer and an Environmental Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Environmental Engineers typically have more experience, hold leadership roles, and oversee projects, while Environmental Engineers focus on supporting project tasks and data analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but senior positions demand greater expertise and project management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Environmental Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Environmental Engineer, you need an accredited engineering degree, professional licensure (such as PE), and strong expertise in environmental regulations, project management, and site assessment. Familiarity with modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS), environmental monitoring tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder relationships. These skills ensure that projects meet technical, legal, and sustainability standards while effectively guiding teams and engaging clients.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Environmental Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical expertise, project management, and sometimes working in high-cost-of-living areas or consulting firms. Salary levels vary based on location, industry, and individual qualifications.

How does a Senior Environmental Engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects?

Senior Environmental Engineers often work closely with professionals from diverse fields such as civil engineering, urban planning, and regulatory agencies. They play a key role in coordinating environmental assessments, ensuring compliance with regulations, and integrating sustainable practices into project designs. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as they frequently lead meetings, review technical reports, and provide guidance to both internal teams and external stakeholders. This collaborative environment fosters knowledge sharing and offers opportunities to mentor junior engineers while advancing large-scale environmental initiatives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Environmental Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Environmental Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Environmental Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Environmental Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Environmental Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Environmental Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Environmental Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,780 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Sr. Eng, Environmental Eng

Westrock

Covington, VA • On-site

$90K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR63343
Posting Job Title
Senior Environmental Engineer
Locations
VA Covington
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
20-Jul-2026
Relocation Support
Yes
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
Senior Environmental Engineer, Covington, VA
Opportunity
The Senior Environmental Engineer is responsible for compliance activities associated with the various environmental laws, regulations, and WestRock policies applicable to a large, fully-integrated Kraft pulp and paper mill, and for helping to ensure that mill personnel understand the requirements. The focus will be on the air regulatory program.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, environmental engineering, or environmental science
  • At least five years' experience in industry and with environmental compliance, preferably in pulp and paper.
  • Experience in managing and developing direct reports.
  • Expertise in compliance with and managing Air Permitting, Title V, air related regulatory programs, management of stack testing programs, and EPCRA programs.
  • Experience with permit development and implementation.
  • Proficient computer skills (including MS Office, most importantly Excel and Microsoft Word).
  • Willing and able to walk and work in an industrial location indoors or outdoors, including walking up and down steps and ladders with all safety equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, steel-toed shoes, etc.)
  • Eligible to work in the United States

Required Competencies
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
  • Excellent planning, organizational, time management and prioritization skills.
  • Safety mindset.
  • Program development.

How you will impact Smurfit WestRock
The Senior Environmental Engineer will perform the following work functions:
  • Developing environmental team members for deeper understanding of environmental tasks and higher-level responsibilities.
  • Provide updates and implementation to various environmental plans and programs.
  • Assist in development of permit applications for projects for submission to required regulatory agencies.
  • For each of the following, ensuring that the required reporting, monitoring, training, policies, procedures, and maintenance programs are in place and implemented correctly:
  • Title V air permit program and underlying construction permits, including PSD, NSR, Boiler MACT, MACT Subpart S, RICE MACT, Part 75 coal/gas-fired boiler, CEMS, LDAR, asbestos, greenhouse gas, CFCs, stack testing (manage contractor), RATAs, and CGAs.
  • Support site sustainability efforts and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
  • EPCRA/CERCLA reports. Tier II, Form R, continuous release of reportable quantities.
  • Environmental release response and assistance.
  • TSCA reporting.
  • Special projects and support for operational departments and engineering
  • Weekend and holiday duty. Report approximately every fourth week on weekends and holidays. While on call duty, attend morning meetings, check for permit deviations or releases, and respond accordingly. Report to the mill as soon as possible, at any time of day or night, to address emergencies.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
The salary range for this position is $90,750.00 - $151,250.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 31-Aug-2026.