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Coastal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Halff

Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL

Coastal Engineer: We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Coastal Engineer to join our team in delivering impactful solutions for coastal communities and infrastructure. This role focuses ...

WSP

Intermediate Coastal Engineer

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a dedicated Intermediate Coastal Engineer for its Tallahassee, Florida office. The selected candidate will primarily support projects for the Florida Panhandle Coastal ...

THE WOODS HOLE GROUP INC

Coastal Engineer

Buzzards Bay, MA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

We develop and apply tools to our coastal engineering, shore protection, dredging, permitting, and computer modeling projects to assess these processes and how they may evolve, so that we can better ...

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WSP

Intermediate Coastal Engineer

Tallahassee, FL

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a dedicated Intermediate Coastal Engineer for its Tallahassee, Florida office. The selected candidate will primarily support projects for the Florida Panhandle Coastal ...

Foth

Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Foth is seeking a Coastal Engineer to join our Jacksonville, FL office! This role involves engaging in field data collection and performing industry-standard coastal engineering analyses. You'll work ...

Foth

Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL

Foth is seeking a Coastal Engineer to join our Jacksonville, FL office! This role involves engaging in field data collection and performing industry-standard coastal engineering analyses. You'll work ...

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Foth

Project Coastal Engineer

Jupiter, FL · On-site

Foth is seeking a Project Coastal Engineer to support coastal and marine projects through technical design, data analysis, and engineering calculations-translating complex coastal processes into ...

Foth

Project Coastal Engineer

Jupiter, FL · On-site

Foth is seeking a Project Coastal Engineer to support coastal and marine projects through technical design, data analysis, and engineering calculations-translating complex coastal processes into ...

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Coastal Engineer information

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$36.5K

$107.3K

$137.5K

How much do coastal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for coastal engineer in the United States is $107,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Coastal Engineer?

A Coastal Engineer’s daily responsibilities often include analyzing coastal erosion and flood risks, conducting site assessments, and designing structures like seawalls or breakwaters to protect shorelines. You may also work with computer models to simulate wave patterns and predict environmental impacts, as well as preparing reports and permitting documents. Regular collaboration with project managers, environmental scientists, government agencies, and local communities is a key aspect of the job. This role is a balance between fieldwork, design work in the office, and client or stakeholder meetings, offering a dynamic and varied workday.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What jobs can you get with a coastal engineering degree?

A coastal engineering degree prepares individuals for roles such as coastal engineer, oceanographer, environmental consultant, or flood risk analyst. These jobs typically involve designing shoreline protection structures, conducting environmental impact assessments, and using tools like GIS and modeling software. Employment can be found in government agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions.

Are coastal engineers in demand?

Coastal engineers are in demand due to increasing concerns about climate change, sea level rise, and coastal erosion, which drive infrastructure projects and environmental protection efforts. The field offers opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions, often requiring knowledge of hydrodynamics, GIS tools, and relevant certifications. Employment prospects are generally strong in regions with vulnerable coastlines and ongoing development needs.

What does a Coastal Engineer do?

A Coastal Engineer designs, constructs, and maintains structures and systems that protect coastal environments from erosion, flooding, and other environmental impacts. They analyze wave dynamics, sediment transport, and shoreline stability to develop solutions for coastal resilience. Their work often includes seawalls, breakwaters, beach nourishment projects, and harbor design to mitigate the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.

What does a Coastal Engineer do?

A Coastal Engineer designs, plans, and manages projects related to shoreline protection, erosion control, and coastal infrastructure. They analyze environmental conditions, use modeling tools, and often work with construction teams to develop sustainable solutions for coastal areas. Certification in engineering and knowledge of hydrodynamics are typically required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Coastal Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coastal Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering principles, with strong competencies in coastal processes, hydrodynamics, and shoreline management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and licensure such as a Professional Engineer (PE) certification. Familiarity with modeling software (e.g., MIKE21, Delft3D), GIS, and coastal monitoring tools is critical for project analysis and design. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills help in effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are essential to design safe, sustainable solutions that protect coastal environments and infrastructure.

More about Coastal Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Coastal Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Coastal Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coastal Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Coastal Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Coastal Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Coastal Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Coastal Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Coastal Engineer jobs are:
Coastal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coastal Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $107,282 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Coastal Engineer

Coastal Engineer

Johnson Mirmiran and Thompson, Inc.

Mount Pleasant, SC • On-site

$78K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description


Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms.
Position Summary: JMT is seeking a Coastal Engineer to help deliver complex, high-impact coastal and resilience projects that address real-world challenges in flood risk reduction, shoreline protection, and adaptation-using advanced modeling, nature-based solutions, and innovative engineering design.
Role Purpose: In this role, you will help lead technical execution on multidisciplinary coastal projects-translating coastal processes and modeling insights into practical, implementable engineering solutions. You will support project delivery from concept through design and construction documentation, working closely with senior staff, clients, and regulatory agencies to advance resilient, constructible outcomes.
Core Capabilities: The ideal candidate is a well-rounded coastal engineer who operates effectively at the intersection of science, modeling, and design. Key capabilities include:
  • Application of coastal engineering principles, including waves, surge, sediment transport, and shoreline dynamics
  • Hands-on experience with numerical modeling tools (e.g., ADCIRC, SWAN, CMS, XBeach, Delft3D, DHI, or similar)
  • Development of engineering designs for shoreline protection, coastal structures, and nature-based solutions
  • Integration of green-gray infrastructure approaches into resilient, constructible designs
  • Preparation of engineering plans, specifications, and technical reports
  • Familiarity with USACE, FEMA, and state/local regulatory frameworks and permitting processes
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines (structural, geotechnical, environmental, civil) to deliver coordinated designs

Growth Expectation: This position offers a clear path for advancement within JMT's growing coastal resilience practice. You will:
  • Gain increasing responsibility in technical leadership and project delivery
  • Engage directly with clients and project stakeholders
  • Contribute to proposal development and strategic growth initiatives
  • Mentor junior staff and support team development
  • Help shape innovative approaches to coastal resilience and adaptation

Key Responsibilities: The Coastal Engineer will be a key leader in the planning, analysis, modeling, design, permitting, engineering, quality assurance/control, preparation of construction bid packages, and monitoring of a broad variety of coastal engineering projects and studies. The position's essential functions and responsibilities include:
1. Project Delivery (Design, Modeling, Reports)
  • Lead and support the planning, analysis, and design of coastal engineering projects, including shoreline protection, flood risk reduction, and resilience solutions
  • Prepare and oversee technical deliverables such as engineering reports, design drawings, specifications, bid packages, and permit applications
  • Apply industry standards and guidance (e.g., USACE, FEMA, AASHTO, FHWA, ASCE) to develop practical and defensible engineering solutions

2. Technical Leadership (Mentoring, QA/QC)
  • Provide technical oversight and ensure quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) across project deliverables in accordance with JMT standards and engineering best practices
  • Serve as a technical mentor to junior staff, supporting skill development in coastal engineering analysis, modeling, and design
  • Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams to integrate coastal engineering solutions with structural, environmental, and transportation components

3. Data & Modeling
  • Perform coastal data analysis using field data, surveys, metocean data, and geospatial datasets to support engineering evaluations and design decisions
  • Develop and apply numerical models for coastal processes, including waves, water levels, storm surge, and sea level rise scenarios
  • Conduct statistical and risk-based analyses (e.g., extreme value analysis) to quantify coastal hazards and inform resilient design solutions

4. Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, and stakeholders to advance project objectives and ensure alignment with permitting and regulatory requirements
  • Support coordination efforts during design, permitting, and construction phases, including site visits and field investigations
  • Communicate technical concepts effectively through presentations, meetings, and written documentation tailored to diverse audiences

5. Business Development & Growth
  • Contribute to proposal development, including technical approaches, scopes, budgets, and schedules for coastal and resilience projects
  • Support strategic growth initiatives within JMT's coastal practice, including identifying opportunities and strengthening client relationships
  • Participate in internal planning and market-facing activities that expand JMT's presence in the coastal and resilience sector

Required Skills
  • Successful candidates will bring a combination of technical expertise, analytical capability, and professional skills necessary to deliver complex coastal and resilience projects

Required Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field from ABET accredited engineering program
    • Master's degree or higher preferred
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license is required or the ability to become professionally licensed within 6 months of employment
  • 7-12 years of relevant experience in coastal or civil engineering, including demonstrated experience leading tasks or workstreams on multidisciplinary projects
  • Experience working with federal, state, municipal, private, and/or non-governmental clients
  • Demonstrated experience in coastal engineering design and analysis, including shoreline protection, flood risk reduction, and resilience solutions
  • Proficiency in coastal numerical modeling (hydrodynamic, wave, and/or morphologic processes) using tools such as Delft3D, DHI, or USACE modeling suites
  • Strong analytical skills, including coastal data analysis, statistical evaluation (e.g., extreme value analysis), and application of engineering principles to real-world problems
  • Experience preparing technical deliverables such as engineering reports, design drawings, and specifications for multidisciplinary projects
  • Working knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks (e.g., USACE, FEMA, NEPA, NFIP, Section 404 permitting, Section 408 coordination/authorization)
  • Strong communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and interact with clients and stakeholders
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and deliver high-quality work within established schedules and budgets

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with nature-based and hybrid coastal infrastructure (e.g., living shorelines, dune systems, breakwaters)
  • Familiarity with benefit-cost analysis, risk assessment, and resilience planning frameworks
  • Proficiency in GIS (ESRI or equivalent) for spatial analysis and visualization
  • Experience with CAD platforms such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation and/or OpenROADS Designer
  • Programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R) for data processing and analysis
  • Prior experience supporting proposal development and client engagement activities

Working Conditions
Work is performed within a general office environment 95% of the time. Work is generally sedentary in nature but may require occasional standing and walking. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment.
Field work is required on occasion where work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Some lifting (up to 25lbs) may be required as needed.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
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