Engineering or Science Group Manager/Department Head

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

ERG is hiring highly motivated Engineering/Science Group Managers (or Department Managers) to oversee and lead a team of scientists, engineers and technicians in the development, design, and execution of technical research projects for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) Office of Research and Development. Research activities will include decontamination and consequence management research; development and validation of measurement methods, source emission characterizations and data collection; research in areas of atmospheric sciences, physical, chemical, biological, toxicological, and human and ecological exposure; development, evaluation, and application of air quality simulation modeling in in the Fluid Modeling Facility/Meteorological Wind Tunnel; and other related research activities. Activities will include management of specialized laboratories and machine shops including fabrication machine shops, Metrology laboratory, and other specialized analytical and microbiological laboratories.

The successful candidate will be responsible for strategic planning, resource allocation, project prioritization, and team development, ensuring high-quality delivery of technical solutions. This individual will act as a key liaison between upper management, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders, while ensuring compliance with EPA on-site health and safety and quality assurance standards and best practices. They will write work plans, quality assurance project plans, health and safety plans, and reports for work being performed by ERG.

Job Description:

• Leadership & Team Management:
• Lead and mentor a team of junior, mid-level, and senior scientists, engineers, and technicians, providing direction, feedback, and support for career development
• Set team goals, performance standards, and development plans
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture that encourages continuous improvement




• Project Management:
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects from conception through completion
• Ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including design, product management, and manufacturing, to align goals with overall project objectives




• Resource Allocation:
• Allocate and manage inter-departmental resources effectively to ensure optimal project execution
• Identify and address staffing needs, including recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new employees
• Monitor resource utilization and adjust workloads as needed to maintain efficiency
• Implement upper management directives for maximizing operational efficiency




• Strategic Planning & Process Improvement:
• Develop and execute long-term strategies for the department, aligned with the company’s vision and objectives
• Evaluate and improve existing departmental processes and workflows to increase efficiency and output
• Stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and standards, and implement best practices to maintain a competitive edge




• Budget & Cost Management:
• Manage the department budget, including costs for personnel, materials, and equipment
• Ensure cost-effective solutions and improvements in processes without compromising on quality and health & safety




• Stakeholder Management:
• Act as the key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project progress, team performance, and key metrics

Qualifications and Skills:

• B.S. degree in Environmental/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field. Experience in lieu of a degree will be considered
• Aptitude and interest in science, technical work, mechanical equipment, and air quality
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in providing on-site research support and leadership for the EPA’s Office of Research and Development
• Experience in writing scientific, technical, quality assurance, and health & safety documents
• Extensive experience in implementing organizational quality assurance plans and quality management practices
• Extensive experience in implementing client and organizational health & safety practices
• Proven track record of successfully leading teams and delivering complex projects
• Experience in project management, process improvement, and resource planning
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work across departments and with external stakeholders
• Ability to pass background checks and initial and random drug screening

ERG offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, educational benefits, FSAs, a generous 401k plan, profit sharing, an EAP, 11-20 paid vacation days per year, 10 paid holidays per year, 56 hours or more of sick leave (based on the state you work in) per year (pro-rated for part-time) and more. The salary range for all positions depends on the years and type of experience.

ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC and affirmative action regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. As such, successful candidates must be committed to working with diverse and inclusive teams.

Please be aware, the only authentic corporate domain for ERG is https://www.erg.com. ERG may, on occasion, screen applicants via telephone or video interviews via Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, or another type of video platform. However, any candidate extended a job offer might be asked to meet in person with an ERG employee before providing confidential personal information associated with new employment.

If you’re a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ERG’s online application process as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources via email at [email protected] or call (781) 674-7293.

As ERG is a friendly, flexible, inclusive environment and has clients who are committed to making the world a better place, ERGers are incredibly dedicated. We promote and recognize principles of fairness, equity, and social justice in the work we do, the partnerships we foster, and the culture we value both within and outside of our organization.