Principal Environmental Engineer

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems: 

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.

Combining decades of research, top talent and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. 

We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.

Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team. 

If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as a Principal Environmental Engineer

The Principal Environmental Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for leading complex environmental projects, providing technical expertise on environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Provides long-term environmental strategy in a fusion technology environment. Oversees environmental assessments, permit applications, and mitigation strategies, while also staying updated on emerging environmental regulations and technologies.

What you'll do:

• Technical Leadership:
• Serves as a subject matter expert on environmental regulations and compliance issues
• Designs and implements environmental management systems, policies, and programs
• Analyzes complex environmental data to identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans
• Leads technical aspects of environmental projects, including site investigations, feasibility studies, and design reviews
• Drive CFS’s ESG performance by collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement environmental, social, and governance initiatives—ensuring alignment with recognized frameworks and continuous improvement of sustainability metrics




• Project Management:
• Oversees large-scale environmental projects, including budget management, scheduling, and resource allocation
• Collaborates with other departments (operations, legal, etc.) to ensure environmental compliance across the organization




• Environmental Regulatory Compliance & Permit Management:
• Oversees all permitting processes (e.g. EPA, state-specific agencies) related to air emissions, water discharges, hazardous waste, and other relevant areas
• Prepares and submits environmental permits and reports to regulatory agencies
• Interfaces with regulatory agencies, ensuring timely submissions, permit renewals, and compliance
• Monitors environmental performance to identify areas for improvement and compliance risks




• Stakeholder Management:
• Communicates environmental issues and project updates to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies
• Builds relationships with regulators, external consultants, and contractors




• Innovation and Development:
• Stays up to date on new environmental technologies and regulations
• Identifies opportunities to improve environmental performance within the organization

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in environmental consulting or industrial environmental management, preferably in complex technical environments such as heavy industry, power, or advanced R&D
• Prefer demonstrated success in integrating ESG considerations across cross-functional teams to drive sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and ensure responsible governance within a complex or highly regulated industry
• Deep understanding of environmental regulations at the local, state, and federal levels
• Strong technical skills in environmental assessments, permitting, and compliance monitoring
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with diverse stakeholders
• Strong ability to manage complex projects: plan, execute, and manage projects of significant scope - defining milestones, budgets, and schedules
• Excellent troubleshooting and risk assessment skills, with a flair for innovative, data-driven solutions
• Capable of inspiring change, mentoring colleagues, and driving continuous improvement in a lean, fast-paced environment

Must-have requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call

#LI-Onsite

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.