What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Environmental Engineer position at NW Recruiting Partners?
Principal Environmental Engineer
Seattle (Hybrid)
Join a well-established, employee-owned environmental consulting firm where you will have high visibility across multiple offices and the opportunity to lead complex environmental remediation projects for large, sophisticated clients.
This is a senior leadership role for an experienced environmental engineer who enjoys leading the charge on challenging projects — developing technical strategy, coordinating cross-functional teams, advising clients, working with regulators, and driving projects from investigation through cleanup and closure.
The ideal candidate has deep environmental remediation expertise, strong project leadership skills, and an active PE license.
In addition to the leadership opportunity, the firm offers strong benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, a 401(k) match, paid time off, holidays, and participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Principal Environmental Engineer Responsibilities
- Lead complex environmental investigation and remediation projects from planning through closure.
- Develop cleanup and remediation strategies based on site conditions, regulatory requirements, and client goals.
- Oversee remediation system design, feasibility studies, engineering evaluations, bid specifications, engineering drawings, and cost estimates.
- Serve as a key technical advisor to large clients, regulators, and internal project teams.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, environmental science, field services, permitting, and project management.
- Manage project scope, budget, schedule, quality, and client expectations across multiple active projects.
- Prepare and review technical deliverables, including reports, design documents, Cleanup Action Plans, Engineering Design Reports, and Cleanup Action Reports.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators, and project partners.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers and scientists.
- Support business development efforts, client growth, and expansion of the firm’s remediation services.
- Ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
Principal Environmental Engineer Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- 10 years of environmental consulting experience, with a strong focus on investigation and remediation.
- Active Professional Engineer license required, WA state PE license preferred.
- Strong experience designing and implementing remediation strategies and systems.
- Experience with remedial technologies such as air sparge, SVE, MPE, in-situ treatment, excavation, and engineering controls.
- Knowledge of MTCA, RCRA, CERCLA, and related environmental regulations.
- Permitting experience with PSCAA, CSGP, NPDES, and local jurisdictions.
- Experience communicating with local, state, and federal regulators.
- Strong technical writing, client communication, and proposal development skills.
- Experience in mentoring technical staff and supporting team development.
- Ability to develop and maintain client relationships and support business growth.
Company Benefits
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
- 401(k) with up to a 4% company match.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Compensation: $180K - $240K
Salary : $180,000 - $240,000