Pollution Prevention Engineer

Pollution Prevention Engineer I (LCA Focus)

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9830  
Golisano Institute for Sustainability
CIMS Pollution Prevention Institute

The Engineer I - Pollution Prevention Engineer (with LCA Focus) will support NYSP2I's technical programs by conducting applied research and/or delivering hands‑on technical assistance to New York State manufacturers and organizations. This role spans multiple program areas—Direct Assistance (DA), Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC), and Green Technology Accelerator Center (GTAC)—with approximately 50% of time dedicated to supporting life cycle assessments (LCA), greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, and environmental reporting protocols (ERPs).

The engineer will conduct on‑site assessments, perform material and energy balances, identify pollution prevention opportunities, support sustainability certifications, and contribute to technical reports, training, and outreach. The Engineer I will work under the guidance of senior engineers and program managers to fulfill NYSP2I's commitments under the NYSDEC grant and advance the Institute's mission of driving environmental and economic improvements statewide.

• With guidance and direction from Senior Engineers, assist in the completion of ISO compliant life cycle assessment (LCA) projects, including:
  • Utilizing appropriate Product Category Rules (PCRs) as the LCA framework to support clients' pursuit of Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) publications
  • Developing process flow diagram drafts
  • Gathering life cycle inventory (LCI) data from clients and conducting research to support collection of secondary LCI data
  • Compiling and entering LCI data into LCA software (e.g., Sima Pro)
  • Running LCA simulations
  • Contributing to LCA reporting
  • Conduct research and support technical assistance provided to clients towards potential solutions to reduce environmental impacts identified in initial LCA results
  • Assist in modifying LCAs to adjust for improvements implemented as a result of research and technical assistance
  • Assist in the facilitation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) publication
  • Help clients understand environmental impacts and identify improvement opportunities.
• Research, identify, and support the implementation of cost‑effective, sustainable solutions, including emerging technologies, process improvements, and alternative materials, to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste generation, and eliminate or substitute toxic chemical use. This includes conducting literature reviews, engaging with vendors and technical experts, analyzing performance and cost data, and evaluating feasibility for implementation in industrial settings. The engineer will apply critical thinking and engineering principles to assess environmental and economic trade‑offs, and will contribute to the development of customized recommendations that align with client goals and NYSP2I's pollution prevention mission.
• Perform material, water, and energy balances to establish baseline metrics and quantify potential improvements. Collect and analyze operational data, identify inefficiencies, and support the development of customized solutions for clients across various sectors.
• Support sustainability initiatives by assisting companies in completing supplier scorecards, achieving certifications (e.g., ISO 14001, TRUE Zero Waste), and implementing sustainable supply chain practices. Provide guidance on best practices and help clients meet internal and external sustainability goals.
• Support greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and environmental reporting protocols (ERPs) by collecting emissions data, applying standardized methodologies, and contributing to reporting deliverables. Help clients meet regulatory and voluntary reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and program managers on proposal development, project scoping, and technical report creation. Support the planning and execution of projects across programs, and contribute to the continuous improvement of technical assistance methodologies.

• Minimum 2 years of…