Sr Environmental Engineer

Location: Central Virginia (Mill-Based Role)

Position Title: Senior Environmental Engineer

The Opportunity:
This is a newly created, high-impact role designed to significantly strengthen environmental capability at a large, complex manufacturing facility. The Senior Environmental Engineer will bring senior-level technical depth to an environmental organization that has historically operated with limited resources, helping the site transition from reactive compliance management to a more proactive, structured, and sustainable environmental approach.

The individual in this role will have a direct and visible impact on environmental performance, regulatory confidence, and operational stability. By providing experienced leadership and hands-on technical expertise, this position will reduce environmental risk, improve system reliability, and lessen dependence on external consultants. The role offers a rare opportunity to shape how environmental programs are executed at the facility level and to influence long-term environmental strategy in a regulated manufacturing environment.

The Company:
The company is a large, well-established U.S. manufacturer with a national footprint and a long history of operational excellence. It operates multiple production facilities across the country and serves a broad customer base that includes both regional and national organizations. The business is known for its disciplined operations, long-term investment philosophy, and commitment to producing high-quality products in a responsible manner.

Environmental stewardship is a core expectation within the organization. Facilities are held to rigorous standards and are expected to proactively manage compliance, risk, and sustainability initiatives in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. Rather than treating environmental compliance as a purely administrative function, the company emphasizes practical, site-level execution and accountability.

Culturally, the organization values collaboration, accountability, and internal development. Leadership stability and internal promotion are common, reflecting an environment where experience, institutional knowledge, and results matter. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their areas, identify improvement opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the long-term success of the operation.

The Boss:
The Senior Environmental Engineer will work within the site’s environmental organization, supporting existing environmental leadership and reporting into a broader technical or operations leadership structure. The role was created to add senior-level experience and depth, complementing junior environmental resources and improving the overall effectiveness and consistency of environmental programs.

The Position:
The Senior Environmental Engineer is responsible for evaluating environmental challenges, developing practical and cost-effective solutions, and ensuring the facility operates in full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This role serves as a technical authority within the environmental function and works closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and process control teams.

The position requires a strong ability to influence across functions, translate regulatory requirements into executable actions, and support environmental reviews associated with process changes and chemical trials. Success in this role will be measured by improved environmental performance, stronger regulatory confidence, and smoother day-to-day environmental operations.

Essential Functions (Other duties may be assigned):

• Evaluate environmental issues and develop practical, cost-effective solutions related to pollution control, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
• Design, test, and implement systems supporting clean water supply, wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and waste management.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and support permitting activities as required.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data to monitor pollution levels and assess environmental impacts.
• Perform environmental reviews for process changes and chemical trials.
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and process control personnel to support site objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership, strong work ethic, and personal accountability.
• High attention to detail with a proactive approach to managing environmental risk.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment while managing multiple priorities.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Geology, or Environmental Science.
• Five to ten years of experience in a chemical or manufacturing facility environment.
• Industry-specific experience is not required; candidates from a variety of regulated manufacturing sectors will be considered based on capability, influence, and ability to learn.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving: Ability to identify and implement creative, effective solutions to complex environmental challenges.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data and scientific information to develop accurate assessments.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings and collaborate across functions.
• Technical Proficiency: Solid understanding of environmental and scientific principles, including chemistry and biology, applied within an engineering framework.

Work Environment:
This role is based at an active manufacturing facility and requires regular interaction with cross-functional teams in both office settings and on the production floor. The position balances hands-on operational engagement with technical analysis, regulatory coordination, and documentation.