Rochester Institute of Technology
Pollution Prevention Engineer I
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, United States
Pollution Prevention Engineer I (LCA Focus)
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9830 BR Golisano Institute for Sustainability CIMS Pollution Prevention Institute
Job Summary 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.
Job Responsibilities
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., SimaPro)
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.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 2 years of experience in pollution prevention, sustainable manufacturing, or industrial process improvement. A combination of work and academic experience will be considered.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Skills
Hands on experience in conducting LCAs, or the ability and interest in learning how to conduct LCAs.
Strong foundational understanding of engineering principles and environmental systems.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret technical data.
Excellent problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
Receptive to receiving instruction, guidance, and direction from others and possesses initiative to tackle tasks.
Strong oral and written communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences.
Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively in team settings.
Experience or working knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Pollution prevention technologies and approaches
Sustainable supply chain practices
Environmental assessments and regulatory compliance
Life‑cycle assessment, green engineering, or design for the environment
Basic understanding of manufacturing and assembly practice
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a technical field of study required (i.e., engineering, chemistry, environmental science, energy management, sustainability, or related fields).
Experience with sustainability certifications or scorecards.
Exposure to zero‑waste planning or implementation.
Familiarity with environmental metrics tracking and reporting.
Experience using SimaPro.
Knowledge of NYSDEC programs or similar regulatory frameworks.
Familiarity with Green Chemistry, Design for the Environment, and material substitution strategies.
Department/College Description 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 several major elements: direct technical assistance to industry and organizations; research, development, and diffusion; outreach; professional training; a community grants program; and academic educational program development. NYSP2I also focuses on the acceleration of green technologies and greening of the supply chain. NYSP2I is led by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and is a partnership between RIT, Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cornell University, Binghamton University and the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).
How To Apply To be considered for this position, apply at http://careers.rit.edu/staff. Enter the title of the position or the BR number in the keyword search field. The direct link to this posting can be found here: https://sjobs.brassring.com/
Equal Opportunity Employer RIT does not discriminate. RIT is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity, pluralism, and inclusion.
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9830 BR Golisano Institute for Sustainability CIMS Pollution Prevention Institute
Job Summary 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.
Job Responsibilities
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., SimaPro)
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.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 2 years of experience in pollution prevention, sustainable manufacturing, or industrial process improvement. A combination of work and academic experience will be considered.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Skills
Hands on experience in conducting LCAs, or the ability and interest in learning how to conduct LCAs.
Strong foundational understanding of engineering principles and environmental systems.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret technical data.
Excellent problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
Receptive to receiving instruction, guidance, and direction from others and possesses initiative to tackle tasks.
Strong oral and written communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences.
Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively in team settings.
Experience or working knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Pollution prevention technologies and approaches
Sustainable supply chain practices
Environmental assessments and regulatory compliance
Life‑cycle assessment, green engineering, or design for the environment
Basic understanding of manufacturing and assembly practice
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a technical field of study required (i.e., engineering, chemistry, environmental science, energy management, sustainability, or related fields).
Experience with sustainability certifications or scorecards.
Exposure to zero‑waste planning or implementation.
Familiarity with environmental metrics tracking and reporting.
Experience using SimaPro.
Knowledge of NYSDEC programs or similar regulatory frameworks.
Familiarity with Green Chemistry, Design for the Environment, and material substitution strategies.
Department/College Description 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 several major elements: direct technical assistance to industry and organizations; research, development, and diffusion; outreach; professional training; a community grants program; and academic educational program development. NYSP2I also focuses on the acceleration of green technologies and greening of the supply chain. NYSP2I is led by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and is a partnership between RIT, Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cornell University, Binghamton University and the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).
How To Apply To be considered for this position, apply at http://careers.rit.edu/staff. Enter the title of the position or the BR number in the keyword search field. The direct link to this posting can be found here: https://sjobs.brassring.com/
Equal Opportunity Employer RIT does not discriminate. RIT is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity, pluralism, and inclusion.
#J-18808-Ljbffr