Principal Consultant, Air Quality

ERM; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Full benefits package

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Principal Consultant, Air Quality to lead strategic growth in its air quality and climate change practice. Based in Illinois or nearby Midwest states, you will guide high-profile projects, build client relationships, and mentor teams.

You will manage complex permitting and compliance programs, collaborate globally, and contribute to ERM's broader sustainability goals. The role requires a strong track record in air regulations, project leadership, and a seller/doer mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of air quality consulting with depth in inventories, Title V, PSD, NSR, BACT, MACT.
• Proven seller/doer track record winning strategic projects.
• Strong project management: scope, budget, schedule.
• Expertise in federal and state air regulations.
• Negotiation experience with regulatory agencies.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans to grow ERM’s air quality services.
• Lead complex air permitting and compliance programs for industrial clients.
• Serve as trusted advisor to ensure operating flexibility for clients.
• Manage project deliverables, budgets, and schedules with precision.
• Expand ERM’s profile through technical excellence and business development.
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff for growth.
• Collaborate globally to deliver innovative air quality solutions.
• Support cross-selling of ERM’s broader services.

Skills

Project management

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or engineering

Master’s degree in environmental science or engineering

Professional certifications (P.E., CSP, CHMM)

Tools

Air dispersion modeling

Job description

Lead the Future of Air Quality Consulting

Are you ready to shape the environmental strategies of industry leaders? At ERM, we’re not just solving compliance challenges—we’re driving innovation in air quality and climate change solutions. This is your chance to join a global powerhouse, influence high-profile projects, and take your career to the next level with a partner-track opportunity.

Why This Role Matters

ERM’s Air Quality & Climate Change service area is one of the largest and fastest growing in the industry, generating over $50M annually. As a Principal Consultant, Air Quality based in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, or Minnesota you’ll play a pivotal role in expanding our footprint in the Midwest, partnering with major players in Industrial sectors within the Great Lakes area. Your leadership will directly impact ERM’s global strategy and help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes while advancing sustainability goals.

What Your Impact Is

• Drive strategic growth for ERM’s air quality services.
• Lead high-value projects that shape environmental compliance and climate adaptation.
• Build lasting client relationships and deliver innovative solutions that exceed expectations.
• Mentor and inspire the next generation of air quality professionals.

Required

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or engineering (chemical, environmental, mechanical) or related field.
• 6+ years of air quality consulting experience with technical depth in air emission inventories, Title V, PSD, NSR, BACT, and MACT.
• Proven “seller/doer” track record with success in winning strategic projects.
• Strong project management skills (scope, budget, schedule).
• Recognized expert in federal and state air regulations.
• Negotiation experience with regulatory agencies.
• Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.
• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in environmental science or engineering (chemical, environmental, mechanical) or related field.
• Professional certifications (P.E., CSP, CHMM, or similar).
• Expertise in air dispersion modeling, storm water, SPCC, RMP/PSM, CEQA permitting, multi-media auditing.
• Familiarity with stack testing and ambient air measurement.
• Established relationships within Industrial sectors in the Great Lakes area.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic market plans to grow ERM’s air quality services.
• Lead complex air permitting and compliance programs for industrial clients.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, ensuring clients maintain maximum operating flexibility.
• Manage project deliverables, budgets, and schedules with precision.
• Expand ERM’s profile through technical excellence and business development.
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff, fostering technical and leadership growth.
• Collaborate globally to deliver innovative air quality solutions.
• Support cross-selling of ERM’s broader service offerings.

Ready to make an impact?

Join ERM and lead the way in shaping sustainable solutions for a cleaner future.

For the Principal Consultant, Air Quality position, the anticipated annual base pay is $127,600–$163,100 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (vacation, sick, and floating holidays), parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k), and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world‑class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.