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Coastal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Coastal Engineering Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

HDR is seeking a Coastal Engineering Project Manager to join our nationally ranked team of coastal professionals across the United States. We are looking for a proven leader with strong technical ...

HDR

Coastal Engineering Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

HDR is seeking a Coastal Engineering Project Manager to join our nationally ranked team of coastal professionals across the United States. We are looking for a proven leader with strong technical ...

WSP

Coastal Engineer-NOLA

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$79.10K - $105.50K/yr

Apply engineering principles related to coastal hydrodynamics, wave mechanics, sediment transport, coastal morphology, and estuarine processes to develop practical, constructible design solutions.

WSP

Coastal Engineer-NOLA

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Apply engineering principles related to coastal hydrodynamics, wave mechanics, sediment transport, coastal morphology, and estuarine processes to develop practical, constructible design solutions.

Lochner

Coastal Engineering Lead

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$101.60K - $133.80K/yr

Lochner - learn more about us We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Coastal Engineering Lead to join our growing Water Resource Practice. This is a distinctive leadership opportunity to manage and ...

Foth

Lead Coastal Engineer

Jupiter, FL · On-site +1

$100.20K - $132K/yr

Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... We're currently on the lookout for a Lead Coastal Engineer who's not only passionate about coastal ...

MASTER HW LOCHNER INC

Coastal Engineering Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$101.60K - $133.80K/yr

Lochner - learn more about us We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Coastal Engineering Lead to join our growing Water Resource Practice. This is a distinctive leadership opportunity to manage and ...

Foth

Lead Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site +1

$95K - $125.10K/yr

Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... We're currently on the lookout for a Lead Coastal Engineer who's not only passionate about coastal ...

THE WOODS HOLE GROUP INC

Coastal Engineer

Buzzards Bay, MA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Woods Hole Group solves complex environmental engineering problems worldwide with a focus on ... We develop and apply tools to our coastal engineering, shore protection, dredging, permitting, and ...

Foth

Lead Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site +1

$95K - $125.10K/yr

Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... We're currently on the lookout for a Lead Coastal Engineer who's not only passionate about coastal ...

Foth

Lead Coastal Engineer

Jupiter, FL · On-site +1

$100.20K - $132K/yr

Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... We're currently on the lookout for a Lead Coastal Engineer who's not only passionate about coastal ...

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Coastal Engineering information

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$12

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$57

How much do coastal engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for coastal engineering in the United States is $31.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $37.98 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.

More about Coastal Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Coastal Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Coastal Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coastal Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Coastal Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Coastal Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Coastal Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Coastal Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Coastal Engineering jobs are:
Coastal Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coastal Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 63% Physical, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Coastal Engineer

Coastal Engineer

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC

Seattle, WA • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

Are you passionate about protecting coastlines and restoring ecosystems? EA is seeking a dedicated Coastal Engineer to join our growing Coastal Resilience practice in Seattle, Washington.

This is more than a job-it's an opportunity to shape the future of our natural environment through innovative, science-based solutions. As part of our collaborative team, you'll contribute to projects across the Pacific region that integrate engineering, ecology, and climate resilience. Whether your expertise is in navigating complex regulatory frameworks or advancing coastal engineering design, your work will directly support the protection and restoration of vital coastal systems.

Responsibilities
  • Nature-Based Solutions: Design and permit projects that leverage natural processes to address coastal and environmental challenges.
  • Ecosystem Restoration: Support restoration of coastal habitats, including wetlands, dunes, and nearshore environments.
  • Climate Resilience: Develop adaptive strategies to protect infrastructure and natural resources from climate change impacts.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Contribute to sediment management, wetland assessments, and shoreline stabilization efforts.
  • Project Support: Assist with project/task management, technical reporting, and proposal development.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Coastal/Ocean Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience (recent Master's or PhD graduates may be considered).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in both field and office settings.
  • Familiarity with Federal, State, and local environmental regulations and permitting for tidal or nearshore projects.
  • Experience with coastal engineering design.

Note:  This position requires specific driving duties. You must be able to pass a motor vehicle records check required by our insurer.

Desired Qualifications
  • Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) certification; Washington PE or ability to obtain preferred.
  • Experience with CAD, GIS, and hydrodynamic modeling.
  • Experience with project management and client coordination.
  • Willingness to travel as needed - travel is regional and sporadic with occasional overnight stays
Use of AI in the Application Process:  

Applications should represent your own work and experience.  AI generated resumes will not be considered.

Sponsorship Statement:  

This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants who require sponsorship at any point will not be considered.

Drug Screen Statement

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen.

Apply