Principal Environmental Engineer

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Principal Environmental Engineer to lead air permitting strategy across its sites. The role requires deep expertise in the Clean Air Act, NSPS, NESHAP, PSD, and Title V programs, with a track record of successful permitting at complex facilities.

You will work closely with engineering, regulatory, and leadership teams to ensure compliant operations and robust oversight. Relocation to Texas is required for this on-site role.

Qualifications

• Experience with federal air regulations (Clean Air Act, NSPS, NESHAP) and state programs.
• Track record of permitting execution at complex sites.
• Strong written and verbal communication for technically dense data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute site-specific air permitting strategies at SpaceX sites.
• Review equipment, programs, and changes to meet regulatory requirements.
• Interpret and apply federal/state air regulations across jurisdictions.
• Conduct internal air compliance audits and support inspections.
• Coordinate contractors for permitting and environmental testing.
• Develop relationships with regulators and engineering teams across sites.
• Provide guidance to leadership on regulatory changes and impacts.
• Manage reporting and records from assessments and permitting activities.

Skills

Air permitting

Regulatory compliance

Technical leadership

Documentation & reporting

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree in environmental management or engineering

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute site-specific air permitting strategies at SpaceX sites
• Assist in planning for changes in physical facilities or new construction, reviewing new or modified equipment and new programs to meet regulatory and permitting requirements
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the Clean Air Act and applicable federal and state air regulations; interpret and apply requirements across jurisdictions
• Track, review, and interpret new and proposed federal and state air regulations (including Clean Air Act amendments, NSPS, NESHAP, and state implementation plans) and provide timely guidance to engineering and leadership teams
• Conduct internal air compliance audits and support external regulatory inspections across multiple sites to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations
• Coordinate and manage contractors for permitting and environmental testing. Review and maintain reports and other relevant records from assessments and permitting activities
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with federal, state, and county regulators
• Develop and maintain positive and close working relationships with engineering teams and leadership across sites

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree
• 12+ years of experience in the design, development, and general operational oversight of EHS disciplines

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in environmental management or engineering with an emphasis in environmental engineering
• Demonstrated expertise in federal air regulations, including the Clean Air Act, NSPS (particularly Subpart KKKKa), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), and Title V operating permits
• Track record of successful permitting execution at complex sites and maintaining positive relationships with regulatory agencies including but not limited to TCEQ
• Experience in the environmental field with 5+ years of environmental and regulatory compliance in a dynamic manufacturing environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience handling highly technical data and technical data interpretation
• Track record of successful analysis, interpretation, and application of rules and regulations towards practical solutions
• Experience developing and implementing air compliance programs across multiple facilities or states
• Experience with emissions calculations, air dispersion modeling, and compliance strategies for complex industrial sources
• Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with other engineers, managers, federal, state and county agencies. Ability to handle many projects at once, prioritize work, and work efficiently
• Highly self-motivated and able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require relocation to a Texas SpaceX facility if not already local to Texas
• Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed
• Periodic travel to other sites may be required

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affi or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].