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Coastal Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Black & Veatch

Civil Works Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$87.60K - $116.90K/yr

Air Force (Base Civil Engineers); Marines; Department of Interior (DOI) entities including the ... Fill/Dune Coastal Revetments; and Construction Management Services (CMS). Our professionals may ...

Black & Veatch

Civil Works Project Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$87.60K - $117K/yr

Air Force (Base Civil Engineers); Marines; Department of Interior (DOI) entities including the ... Fill/Dune Coastal Revetments; and Construction Management Services (CMS). Our professionals may ...

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All JobsCoastal Engineering JobsCoastal Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Coastal Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$32

$59

How much do coastal engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for coastal engineering in Chicago, IL is $32.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $39.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Coastal Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrodynamics, and coastal processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as PE). Proficiency in modeling software like MIKE21, AutoCAD, GIS, and familiarity with coastal zone management regulations is essential. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with stakeholders and addressing complex environmental challenges. These skills ensure sustainable, resilient coastal infrastructure and effective protection of communities from erosion, flooding, and climate change impacts.

What are some common challenges faced by coastal engineers when working on shoreline protection projects?

Coastal engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting designs to dynamic and unpredictable natural forces like tides, storms, and erosion. Balancing environmental concerns with the need for infrastructure protection requires close collaboration with environmental scientists, local communities, and regulatory agencies. Additionally, securing permits and funding can be complex due to the sensitive nature of coastal ecosystems. Successful projects typically involve multidisciplinary teamwork and adaptive management strategies to address these evolving challenges.

What is coastal engineering?

Coastal engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on managing and protecting coastlines, harbors, and other nearshore environments. Professionals in this field design and implement structures such as seawalls, breakwaters, and jetties to prevent erosion, manage sediment, and safeguard communities from flooding and storm surges. They also work to balance human activities with the preservation of natural habitats along the coast. Coastal engineers often collaborate with environmental scientists, urban planners, and government agencies to promote sustainable coastal development.

What is the difference between Coastal Engineering vs Hydraulic Engineering?

AspectCoastal EngineeringHydraulic Engineering
FocusDesigning and managing coastal structures, shoreline protection, and erosion controlDesigning water flow systems, dams, and flood control infrastructure
Work EnvironmentCoastal areas, shoreline projects, marine environmentsRivers, dams, urban water systems
CredentialsCivil or environmental engineering degrees, coastal engineering certificationsCivil or hydraulic engineering degrees, hydraulic engineering certifications
Industry UsageConstruction, environmental protection, marine projectsWater resource management, infrastructure development

Coastal Engineering primarily focuses on shoreline and marine environment projects, while Hydraulic Engineering deals with water flow systems like dams and flood control. Both fields require similar credentials and often overlap in water-related infrastructure projects, but their specific applications and environments differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Coastal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Coastal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Coastal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? For Coastal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coastal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Coastal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Coastal Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coastal Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,602 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Senior Restoration Engineer - Coastal & Nature-Based Solutions

Senior Restoration Engineer - Coastal & Nature-Based Solutions

Environmental Consulting & Technology

Lombard, IL • Hybrid

$102.30K - $140.50K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Environmental Consulting & Technology (ECT) is seeking a Senior Restoration Engineer with experience in coastal shoreline, wetland, and habitat restoration. This position emphasizes green infrastructure, living shorelines, and nature-based solutions. The engineer will serve as a technical leader for shoreline stabilization, habitat enhancement, coastal resiliency, flooding, and water quality improvement, with a focus on Great Lakes coast systems. Working collaboratively with scientists, planners, and clients, this position will deliver sustainable, ecologically driven designs while providing project management, client strategy, and staff mentorship, including support for projects funded through NOAA, USACE, BRIC, IIJA, and state coastal restoration programs.
Ideal candidates should reside within the Great Lakes or Midwest regions.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Lead coastal engineering solutions, planning and design for living shorelines, wetland creation/enhancement, shoreline stabilization, and nature-based resiliency projects
  • Develop green and hybrid engineering solutions that integrate ecological function with constructible design
  • Lead production staff in the preparation of engineering plans, technical specifications, calculations, and cost estimates for restoration projects
  • Coordinate with ecologists, geomorphologists, and planners to translate restoration objectives into performance-based designs
  • Manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams
  • Collaborate with ECT's Practice and Client leadership teams
  • Mentor junior engineers and scientists in nature-based design approaches
Additional Responsibilities
  • Write grant proposals and support grant administration
  • Support permitting and regulatory strategy with USACE, state coastal programs, water quality agencies, and local stakeholders
  • Provide QA/QC for technical reports, models, and construction documents
  • Support proposal development, grant-funded pursuits, and client engagement
  • Participate in field assessments, construction observation, and adaptive management planning
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering (with a focus on civil, coastal, structural, or geotechnical engineering)
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license with registration in Ohio (or ability to obtain registration within 3 months)
  • Approximately 15+ years of experience focused on ecological/coastal engineering
  • Proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and MS Office
  • Demonstrated expertise in:
    • Living shorelines and shoreline stabilization
    • Coastal wetland restoration and enhancement
    • Coastal/shoreline resiliency and habitat-driven design
    • Nature-based solutions and green infrastructure
  • Experience in coastal model and other hydrologic and hydraulic software
  • Experience preparing construction drawings, specifications, and engineer's estimates
  • Familiarity with coastal and lake processes, sediment dynamics, and ecological performance metrics
  • Strong understanding of environmental permitting pathways and restoration funding programs
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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