Chemical Engineer/Environmental Engineer – Entry Level – Permitting and Compliance Focus (Hybrid)

Barr Engineering Co.; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with ESOP

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Barr Engineering Co. seeks a chemical or environmental engineer to join its permitting and compliance team in Michigan.

You will apply regulatory knowledge to help clients determine applicable environmental regulations and develop permitting strategies for facilities in fuels, mining, manufacturing, and power sectors. The role emphasizes problem-solving, communication, and teamwork across project teams, regulators, and clients, with hybrid work and up to 10% travel; safety and on-site site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical or environmental engineering or related scientific field.
• Minimum five months of internship, co-op, or post-college professional experience in industry, agency, or consulting.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and communicate priorities while navigating ambiguity.
• Strong initiative, accountability, and willingness to seek feedback.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication with project teams, regulators, and clients.
• Strong technical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work with AI-assisted tools responsibly.
• Travel willingness; valid driver's license; legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Interpret environmental regulations related to air, water, and waste.
• Calculate emissions and/or discharges and develop compliance strategies.
• Support the development of practical compliance strategies for industrial clients.
• Prepare regulatory and technical analysis memos.
• Prepare routine compliance submittals and develop compliance tools.
• Compile information for environmental permit applications.
• Strategize to avoid or minimize impacts on resources.
• Communicate questions, progress, and potential issues early with project teams.
• Provide on-site client support as needed (may require out-of-town travel).

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical or environmental engineering

Tools

Spreadsheets

AI-assisted tools

Job description

The role – what you’ll do

We are seeking a motivated and skilled chemical or environmental engineer to join Barr’s permitting and compliance consulting team. Our team helps clients determine which environmental regulations apply to their facilities and operations and what is required for their facilities to attain and remain in compliance. We assist clients with permitting projects for new facilities, expansions, renovations, or operational changes. The selected candidate will work on diverse, fast‑paced, and challenging projects, providing environmental support to clients in the fuels, mining, manufacturing, and power industries. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise and regulatory knowledge gathered from your degree to develop solutions that allow clients to maintain flexibility and profitability while complying with environmental regulations related to air, water, and waste. A successful candidate in this role is intrinsically motivated and has an interest in building a career in environmental consulting. They are driven by solving complex problems and are adaptable to team and client needs. They are also curious, detail‑oriented, proactive in communicating questions and progress, and interested in developing strong working relationships across project teams, clients, and practice areas.

Your impact – key responsibilities

• Interpret environmental regulations related to air, water, and waste.
• Calculate emissions and/or discharges and develop compliance strategies.
• Support the development of practical compliance strategies for industrial clients.
• Prepare regulatory and technical analysis memos.
• Prepare routine compliance submittals and develop compliance tools.
• Compile information for environmental permit applications.
• Strategize to avoid or minimize impacts on resources.
• Communicate questions, progress, and potential issues early and clearly with project teams.
• Provide on‑site client support as needed (may require out‑of‑town travel).

About the opportunity

Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr's Michigan offices. Travel expectation: up to 10% of your time, varies based on project and client needs Work environment: some work locations may feature rough terrain typical of construction sites and may also require entering and working in facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Safety training will be provided.

About you – required core competencies

Education: bachelor's degree in chemical or environmental engineering or a related scientific degree. Experience: minimum five months total of internship, co‑op, or post‑college professional experience in industry, an environmental agency, or environmental consulting. Ability to manage multiple assignments, communicate priorities, and schedule constraints, while navigating ambiguous projects. Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and willingness to seek feedback. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with project teams, regulators, and clients. Strong technical and problem‑solving skills, including attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness. Demonstrated leadership skills. Strong computer skills, including use of spreadsheets and responsible use of AI‑assisted tools, with the ability to review, verify, and apply professional judgment to AI‑generated outputs.

Travel: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs. Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required) High level of proficiency working in data systems and analyzing large sets of data. Experience working with regulations and environmental permitting. Project or task management skills. Demonstrated effectiveness in building working relationships across multi‑dimensional teams.

Compensation

Anticipated range of $73,000–$83,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Benefits - what we offer

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
• Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced‑time, or full‑time status.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service. As part of our employee‑owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success. To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture

Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines.

Barr is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Barr provides engineering and environmental consulting services to clients across North America and worldwide. Our 1,000+ employee-owners work together to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions for clients in the mining, fuels, power, public, and manufacturing sectors. Join a company where a collaborative atmosphere, highly engaged culture, and industry‑leading expertise all come together. You’ll have the opportunity to work on challenging projects in an inclusive environment that values diversity, enabling you to contribute your very best work. We offer competitive benefits, mentoring and coaching programs, and support for ongoing learning and development to help you cultivate a meaningful career.