Experienced - Senior Environmental Engineer

Terracon; Lombard (IL); On-site; USD 102,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a Senior Environmental Engineer/Project Manager to lead complex environmental projects in the Chicago area. You will act as a technical leader, oversee site investigations, remediation programs, and regulatory compliance while mentoring junior staff and maintaining high safety standards.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of experience, a PE or PG license, and a geology or geosciences background.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental/Civil Engineering, Geosciences, or related field.
• 8–11 years of progressive environmental engineering experience.
• PE or PG license required; Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental projects from investigations to remediation designs and reports.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and risk-based remediation strategies.
• Mentor junior staff and drive project quality and safety standards.
• Engage clients and manage scopes, proposals, and presentations.

Skills

Project management

Technical leadership

Client engagement

Regulatory compliance

Risk assessment

Communication

Mentoring

Quality control

Education

Bachelor's in Environmental Engineering/Civil Engineering/Geosciences

Master's in Environmental Engineering (preferred)

PE or PG license

Job description

Senior Environmental Engineer/Project Manager

Location: Chicago, IL (Downtown Chicago or Glendale Heights)

Compensation

$102,000 – $130,000 annually, depending on experience and credentials

Overview

We’re seeking a seasoned Environmental Engineer to lead complex projects and deliver innovative, compliant, and sustainable solutions. In this senior-level role, you’ll serve as a technical leader, overseeing site investigations, remediation programs, and regulatory compliance efforts while mentoring junior staff and driving best-in-class quality and safety standards.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years of experience, a PE or PG license, and deep expertise in environmental regulations and remediation programs. Professionals with a Geology or Geosciences background are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you’re ready to combine technical excellence, leadership, and client engagement in a role where your expertise truly makes an impact—this is your opportunity.

This position can be based out of our Downtown Chicago or Glendale Heights office.

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

Provide engineering and consulting services for a wide range of environmental projects and clients. Responsibilities may include performing and/or leading environmental site investigations; engineering analysis; calculations and recommendations; design and development of plans and specifications; observation and inspection; and the writing, preparation, and review of associated technical reports.

The Successful Candidate Will Be Well‑versed In federal, State, And Local Environmental Regulations And Capable Of Identifying, Evaluating, And Recommending Risk‑based And Remediation Strategies To Ensure Compliance. Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Preparing permit applications, risk assessments, proposals, technical reports, and regulatory agency correspondence.
• Designing environmental protection systems and plans.
• Applying sound engineering principles while clearly communicating complex concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Supporting a diverse portfolio of environmental services, including:
  • Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments.
  • Site investigation plans and implementation reports.
  • Remediation plans and completion reports.
  • Ecological and natural resource surveys.
  • Tank closure assessments.
  • Asbestos abatement.
  • Stormwater management.
  • Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans.
  • Site planning and permitting.

• Develop a strong understanding of project‑related risk, identifying potential challenges and proactively protecting the Company’s interests.
• Lead continuous quality monitoring and improvement, promoting consistent quality standards across projects and proposals.
• Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and technical excellence throughout project execution.
• Champion safety efforts by modeling best practices, enforcing safety rules, and promoting pre‑task planning.
• Serve as a senior environmental engineering professional, leading complex or technically unique projects that require innovative investigation techniques.
• Supervise technical analysis and development of conclusions and recommendations presented in written reports.
• Assist in establishing and updating technical policies and procedures to ensure consistent interpretation and implementation across teams.
• Provide technical mentorship, direction, and training to less‑experienced professional staff.
• Support business development efforts by participating in marketing strategies, proposal development, and client presentations.
• Serve as a Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geosciences, Geology, or a related discipline.
• 8–11 years of progressive environmental engineering experience.
• Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering preferred.
• Experience with Clean Construction or Demolition Debris (CCDD) projects preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading investigations, remediation oversight, and reporting for:
  • IEPA Site Remediation Program.
  • Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program.