Lead Pollution Prevention Engineer

Job Summary

Reporting to the NYSP2I Associate Director, the Lead Engineer will lead NYSP2I’s Sustainable Manufacturing Assistance program, providing strategic direction, technical oversight, and program coordination to advance pollution prevention initiatives across New York State. This role supervises senior engineers, guides project execution, ensures alignment with NYSP2I goals, and represents the DA program internally and externally. The Lead Engineer will be instrumental in scaling the DA program to meet NYSDEC deliverables, enhance technical quality, drive impactful sustainability outcomes for New York manufacturers, and expand NYSP2I’s impact through outreach, education, and technical resource development.

9834 , Golisano Institute for Sustainability, CIMS Pollution Prevention Institute

• Lead, manage, and enhance the Direct Assistance (DA) program by setting strategic direction, defining priorities, and proactively enhancing the program's scope, technical depth, and statewide impact.
• Provide detailed technical oversight and guidance to senior engineers and project teams working on sustainable manufacturing assessments.
• Supervise and mentor engineering staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Represent the DA program externally by engaging with MEPs, industry stakeholders, academic partners, and other collaborators.
• Coordinate program operations and resource allocation, including managing project pipelines, assigning staff to projects based on expertise and availability, and tracking progress toward deliverables.
• Lead strategic development and innovation efforts by identifying emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities in pollution prevention and sustainable manufacturing.
• Ensure high-quality reporting and communication by overseeing the preparation of final client reports, case studies, and internal documentation.

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in pollution prevention, sustainable manufacturing, or industrial process improvement.
• Proven experience in program leadership, technical project management, and team supervision.
• Demonstrated success in working with external stakeholders and managing grant‑funded initiatives, or proven experience leading cross‑functional projects in collaboration with external partners.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

• Master’s degree in a technical field (engineering, chemistry, environmental science, energy management, sustainability, etc.).
• Experience with state and/or federal funding and contracting processes.
• Familiarity with NYSDEC regulations and environmental initiatives.
• Knowledge of grant writing and proposal development.
• Familiarity with Green Chemistry, Design for the Environment, and material substitution strategies.
• Lean Six Sigma or similar process improvement training.
• Experience with Techno‑Economic Analysis (TEA).

• Deep understanding of manufacturing systems, pollution prevention strategies, and sustainability metrics.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Exceptional problem‑solving, adaptability, and decision‑making skills.
• Highly motivated and self‑directed, with the ability to inspire and coach others.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building experience.
• Ability to think creatively, solve complex problems, proactively adapt to a changing environment, act decisively, and drive results.
• Ability to set program goals/metrics and develop strategic approaches to achieve them.
• Strong communication skills at all levels, including individual contributors through the C‑suite.

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is a statewide technology development, transfer, and assistance center whose mission is to make New York state more environmentally sustainable for businesses, workers, and the public through more efficient use of raw materials, energy and water, and reductions in toxic chemical use, emissions to the environment and waste generation. NYSP2I is an integrated program of direct technical assistance, research, development, outreach, training, and grants.

It is led by Rochester Institute of Technology and partners with Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cornell University, Binghamton University and the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).

$104,600 – $175,200

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RIT does not discriminate. RIT is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity, pluralism, and inclusion.