Technical Director, Environmental Engineer – PFAS Remediation SME

ERM; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 151,666 - 190,961; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Parental leave

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) or RRSP/DPSP

Job summary

ERM is seeking a Technical Director specializing in PFAS remediation projects to join their advanced Site Investigation and Remediation team. This role involves driving technical excellence, mentoring the next generation of experts, and collaborating on complex regulatory challenges. Candidates should have significant consulting experience, a strong track record in remediation design, and current Health & Safety certifications. The position offers an annual base pay between $151,666 and $190,961, alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of consulting experience, preferably 15+.
• Proven expertise in PFAS, through publications or presentations.
• Current Health & Safety certifications (HAZWOPER 40-hour and OSHA 30-hour).

Responsibilities

• Drive technical excellence for PFAS site investigation and remediation projects.
• Serve as an advisor to industrial clients on risk management.
• Mentor junior professionals and promote best practices.

Skills

Technical expertise in PFAS

Leadership skills

Strategic thinking

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s in chemical engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, or Hydrogeology

Job description

Ready to lead the charge against PFAS contamination? Join ERM and make an impact that matters—locally and globally.

Why This Role Matters

PFAS contamination is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. As a Technical Director on our Site Investigation and Remediation (SIR) technical team, you’ll be at the forefront of solving complex issues that impact communities, ecosystems, and industries worldwide. This is your opportunity to shape global strategies, influence regulatory frameworks, and deliver innovative solutions that make a tangible difference.

What Your Impact Is

• Drive technical excellence and strategic direction for PFAS site investigation and remediation projects across North America and globally.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to major industrial clients, guiding them through regulatory complexities and risk management.
• Advance ERM’s reputation as a global leader in environmental consulting by sharing best practices and mentoring the next generation of technical experts.

What You'll Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s or master’s in chemical engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, or Hydrogeology.
• Minimum 8 years of consulting experience (15+ preferred) with significant exposure to complex site investigation/remediation projects.
• Proven expertise in PFAS, demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, or recognized thought leadership.
• Strong track record in remediation design, regulatory interaction, and client relationship management.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.
• Current Health & Safety certifications (HAZWOPER 40-hour and OSHA 30-hour).

Preferred

• Experience developing global go-to-market strategies for emerging contaminants.
• Familiarity with innovative remedial technologies and their practical application.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for PFAS across diverse projects, including site investigation, remediation, product stewardship, and compliance.
• Collaborate with North American leadership to shape and execute global PFAS strategies.
• Oversee design and implementation of remedial solutions for soil, groundwater, vapor, and sediment contamination using cutting‑edge technologies.
• Evaluate remedial technologies for site‑specific feasibility and cost‑effectiveness.
• Prepare technical proposals, lead business development initiatives, and strengthen client partnerships.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to project teams, ensuring technical excellence and knowledge transfer.

For the Technical Director, Engineer - PFAS SME position, the anticipated annual base pay is $151,666 – $190,961 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 (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

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

Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

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.