Air Quality Engineer Career Profile

What the role involves

Air Quality Engineers may assess emissions from industrial sites, roads, mines, infrastructure projects, manufacturing facilities, energy systems or development proposals.

Their work can involve air dispersion modelling, emissions estimation, monitoring plans, pollution control advice, odour assessment, dust management and environmental impact assessment.

Typical employers

Air Quality Engineer roles in Australia may be found with:

• environmental engineering consultancies
• air quality and emissions specialist firms
• government environment protection agencies
• mining, energy and industrial companies
• infrastructure and transport projects
• manufacturing and processing facilities
• waste, water and resource recovery facilities
• research organisations and universities

Key tasks

• assessing air emissions, odour, dust or pollution risks
• running or interpreting air quality models and monitoring data
• preparing air quality impact assessments and technical reports
• advising on pollution control, mitigation and compliance measures
• working with environmental scientists, planners, engineers and regulators
• supporting environmental approvals, audits and licence conditions
• reviewing legislation, standards, monitoring plans and modelling assumptions

Skills and qualities

Air Quality Engineer work suits people with practical, technical and communication skills. Useful skills and qualities include:

• strong engineering, science and analytical skills
• understanding of air pollution, emissions and environmental regulation
• data analysis, modelling and technical reporting
• attention to assumptions, uncertainty and evidence
• clear communication with technical and non-technical audiences
• problem-solving for industrial, infrastructure or community impacts
• project management and client or regulator liaison

Qualifications and pathways

Air Quality Engineer roles usually require an accredited engineering degree, commonly in environmental, chemical, mechanical or civil engineering. Specialist modelling or air quality experience is highly valuable.

• Accredited engineering degree in environmental, chemical, mechanical or civil engineering
• Training in air quality modelling, emissions assessment, odour, dust or pollution control
• Knowledge of environmental impact assessment, environmental approvals and regulation
• Professional engineering accreditation or registration may be required for some roles
• Experience with monitoring data, GIS, spreadsheets or modelling software can be valuable

Air Quality Engineers may progress into Senior Air Quality Engineer, Principal Consultant, Environmental Engineer, Approvals Specialist, Technical Director or Environmental Manager roles.

Salary and job outlook

Air Quality Engineer salaries can vary depending on qualifications, engineering registration, modelling skills, industry, employer, project complexity and seniority. Roles in consulting, mining, infrastructure, energy or industrial regulation may pay differently depending on technical responsibility and demand.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Jobs are often found in capital cities, industrial regions, mining areas, infrastructure projects, government agencies and environmental consulting firms across Australia.

Tips for getting started

• build strong environmental engineering and modelling skills
• learn air quality assessment methods, legislation and reporting standards
• develop experience with emissions data, monitoring and spreadsheets
• gain exposure to environmental impact assessments and approvals
• consider professional engineering accreditation or registration requirements

Related environmental careers

• Environmental Engineer
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Scientist
• Environmental Impact Assessment Consultant
• Environmental Compliance Officer
• Climate Risk Consultant
• Energy Efficiency Engineer
• Atmospheric Chemist