Engineer I
The Engineer I position at Confidential Client's Division of Air Quality involves entry-level engineering work focused on air quality compliance and permitting. The role includes technical review of permit applications, conducting on-site inspections, evaluating emissions data, responding to public complaints, and preparing technical reports to ensure adherence to state and federal air quality regulations. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement and requires strong analytical, communication, and customer service skills.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering (Environmental/Public Sector).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
About the Role
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Engineer I to support air quality compliance and permitting in the Fayetteville Regional Office (Cumberland County, NC). This role focuses on technical permit review, field inspections, emissions evaluations, and customer-facing regulatory support. The position combines office work (reports, permit drafting, data review) with on-site field work (inspections, stack test observations).
What You’ll Do
- Perform technical review and processing of minor source permit applications — review engineering drawings, process data and specifications to determine applicability of state and federal air regulations.
- Determine permit applicability for non-permitted facilities, prepare tax certifications, and recommend enforceable site-specific permit conditions (including input for Title V permits).
- Conduct on-site inspections and compliance assurance visits at a variety of industrial facilities; document compliance with permit conditions, state and federal rules, and emission limitations.
- Evaluate facility-submitted air emissions inventories and periodic compliance reports; observe and document stack tests.
- Obtain and maintain visible emissions certification (EPA Method 9) and perform opacity evaluations as required.
- Respond to citizen complaints (open burning, dust, odors, etc.) and investigate potential compliance issues.
- Prepare technical reports, compliance letters, enforcement reports, and other documentation; communicate technical findings to staff, industry representatives, agencies, and the public.
- Maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license and perform duties requiring travel within the region.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an applicable engineering field from an accredited institution, OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
- Strong computer skills and the ability to learn permitting/compliance software and databases.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical writing and stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment, follow regulatory guidance, and adapt to policy/regulatory changes.
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferred / Helpful Credentials
- Visible emissions (EPA Method 9) certification, or willingness to obtain certification.
- Experience with air emissions inventory development, stack testing observation, or environmental permitting.
- Any registration or progress toward registration by the state board of professional engineers (if applicable).
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Hybrid telework option available (routine office and remote workdays) — subject to management discretion.
- Frequent field work at industrial sites; must be able to climb ladders, work at heights, walk long distances, and be on your feet for extended periods.
- Ability to use senses for inspection tasks (sense of smell, hearing, and sight).
- Travel within the region is expected; a valid driver’s license is required.
Salary & Benefits
- Recruitment Range (posted): $57,983 per year.
- Site-estimated salary shown on some sources: ~$78,549 per year (estimated). The posted recruitment range above is the official range for this posting.
- Public-sector benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and potential eligibility for loan forgiveness programs (e.g., Public Service Loan Forgiveness) — confirm details with the hiring organization.
Why Apply via Careertakes
- Careertakes acts as a third-party recruiting partner for Confidential Client and may surface additional matched opportunities to applicants.
- This role provides hands-on field and technical experience in environmental engineering and regulatory compliance — excellent for early-career engineers focused on air quality and public-sector work.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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