We're looking for an experienced Waterfront & Coastal Engineering Practice Leader to join our Portland, Maine office - a thriving coastal setting that blends professional challenge with everyday ...
We're looking for an experienced Waterfront & Coastal Engineering Practice Leader to join our Portland, Maine office - a thriving coastal setting that blends professional challenge with everyday ...
We're looking for an experienced Waterfront & Coastal Engineering Practice Leader to join our Portland, Maine office - a thriving coastal setting that blends professional challenge with everyday ...
We're looking for an experienced Waterfront & Coastal Engineering Practice Leader to join our Portland, Maine office - a thriving coastal setting that blends professional challenge with everyday ...
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 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 ...
Coastal Engineer
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is seeking a Coastal Engineer to join our Jacksonville, FL office! This role involves engaging ...
Quick apply
Coastal Engineer
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is seeking a Coastal Engineer to join our Jacksonville, FL office! This role involves engaging ...
Coastal Engineer
Horsham, PA · On-site +1
$81K - $102K/yr
Experience with coastal engineering concepts such as beneficial use of dredged material, shoreline protection, living shorelines, marsh restoration, and engineering with nature and nature-based ...
Coastal Engineer
Horsham, PA · On-site +1
$81K - $102K/yr
Experience with coastal engineering concepts such as beneficial use of dredged material, shoreline protection, living shorelines, marsh restoration, and engineering with nature and nature-based ...
Coastal Engineer
Horsham, PA · Remote
$81K - $102K/yr
Experience with coastal engineering concepts such as beneficial use of dredged material, shoreline protection, living shorelines, marsh restoration, and engineering with nature and nature-based ...
Quick apply
Coastal Engineer
Horsham, PA · Remote
$81K - $102K/yr
Experience with coastal engineering concepts such as beneficial use of dredged material, shoreline protection, living shorelines, marsh restoration, and engineering with nature and nature-based ...
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is seeking a Coastal Engineer to join our Jacksonville, FL office! This role involves engaging ...
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is seeking a Coastal Engineer to join our Jacksonville, FL office! This role involves engaging ...
Coastal Engineer
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is seeking a Coastal Engineer to join our Jacksonville, FL office! This role involves engaging ...
Coastal Engineer
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is seeking a Coastal Engineer to join our Jacksonville, FL office! This role involves engaging ...
Lead Coastal Engineer
$95K - $125K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Lead Coastal Engineer
$95K - $125K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Diver
$30 - $35/hr
Description About Coastal Engineering Coastal Engineering is a specialized marine construction firm delivering complex, high-quality waterfront and underwater infrastructure projects along the East ...
Diver
$30 - $35/hr
Description About Coastal Engineering Coastal Engineering is a specialized marine construction firm delivering complex, high-quality waterfront and underwater infrastructure projects along the East ...
Description About Coastal Engineering Coastal Engineering is a specialized marine construction firm delivering complex, high-quality waterfront and underwater infrastructure projects along the East ...
Description About Coastal Engineering Coastal Engineering is a specialized marine construction firm delivering complex, high-quality waterfront and underwater infrastructure projects along the East ...
Diver
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
Description About Coastal Engineering Coastal Engineering is a specialized marine construction firm delivering complex, high-quality waterfront and underwater infrastructure projects along the East ...
Diver
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
$30 - $35/hr
Description About Coastal Engineering Coastal Engineering is a specialized marine construction firm delivering complex, high-quality waterfront and underwater infrastructure projects along the East ...
Lead Coastal Engineer
Jupiter, FL · On-site
$100K - $132K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Lead Coastal Engineer
Jupiter, FL · On-site
$100K - $132K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Senior Marine Project Engineer / Project Manager
West Milford, NJ · On-site
$100K - $150K/yr
About Coastal Engineering Coastal Engineering is a specialized marine engineering & construction firm delivering complex, high-quality waterfront and underwater infrastructure projects throughout the ...
Quick apply
Senior Marine Project Engineer / Project Manager
West Milford, NJ · On-site
$100K - $150K/yr
About Coastal Engineering Coastal Engineering is a specialized marine engineering & construction firm delivering complex, high-quality waterfront and underwater infrastructure projects throughout the ...
Lead Coastal Engineer
Jupiter, FL · On-site
$100K - $132K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Quick apply
Lead Coastal Engineer
Jupiter, FL · On-site
$100K - $132K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Lead Coastal Engineer
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
$95K - $125K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Quick apply
Lead Coastal Engineer
Jacksonville, FL · On-site
$95K - $125K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Lead Coastal Engineer
Jupiter, FL · On-site
$100K - $132K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Lead Coastal Engineer
Jupiter, FL · On-site
$100K - $132K/yr
Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... Foth is looking for a Lead Coastal Engineer will lead and execute complex coastal and waterfront ...
Civil/Coastal Engineer
Buzzards Bay, MA · On-site
$80K - $95K/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 ...
Quick apply
Civil/Coastal Engineer
Buzzards Bay, MA · On-site
$80K - $95K/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 ...
Coastal Engineer
Honolulu, HI · On-site
As part of our dynamic team, you'll contribute to projects across the Pacific that integrate engineering, ecology, and climate resilience. Whether your expertise lies in navigating Hawaii's coastal ...
Coastal Engineer
Honolulu, HI · On-site
As part of our dynamic team, you'll contribute to projects across the Pacific that integrate engineering, ecology, and climate resilience. Whether your expertise lies in navigating Hawaii's coastal ...
Civil/Coastal Engineer
Buzzards Bay, MA · On-site
$80K - $95K/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 ...
Quick apply
Civil/Coastal Engineer
Buzzards Bay, MA · On-site
$80K - $95K/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 ...
Coastal Engineering information
See salary details
$12.98 - $17.02
9% of jobs
$20.16 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$17.02 - $21.07
21% of jobs
$21.07 - $25.11
12% of jobs
The median wage is $29.15 / hr.
$25.11 - $29.15
9% of jobs
$29.15 - $33.19
13% of jobs
$36.52 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$33.19 - $37.24
15% of jobs
$37.24 - $41.28
9% of jobs
$41.28 - $45.32
3% of jobs
$45.32 - $49.37
3% of jobs
$49.37 - $53.41
4% of jobs
$53.41 - $57.45
3% of jobs
$12
$31
$57
How much do coastal engineering jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 5, 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 is the difference between Coastal Engineering vs Hydraulic Engineering?
| Aspect | Coastal Engineering | Hydraulic Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Designing and managing coastal structures, shoreline protection, and erosion control | Designing water flow systems, dams, and flood control infrastructure |
| Work Environment | Coastal areas, shoreline projects, marine environments | Rivers, dams, urban water systems |
| Credentials | Civil or environmental engineering degrees, coastal engineering certifications | Civil or hydraulic engineering degrees, hydraulic engineering certifications |
| Industry Usage | Construction, environmental protection, marine projects | Water 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 does a coastal engineer do?
A coastal engineer designs and manages projects related to shoreline protection, erosion control, and the development of coastal infrastructure. They analyze environmental conditions, use modeling tools, and often work with geotechnical and environmental data to ensure sustainable and resilient coastal systems.
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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coastal engineer?
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 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 jobs can you get with a coastal engineering degree?
A coastal engineering degree can lead to jobs such as coastal engineer, oceanographer, environmental consultant, or project manager. These roles involve designing and managing shoreline protection, harbor development, and marine infrastructure, often requiring knowledge of hydrodynamics, GIS tools, and environmental regulations.
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:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 14 days ago
GEI Consultants rating
7.6
Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
271st of 440 rated engineering
Job description
Description
Your role at GEI.
At GEI, we're passionate about designing resilient, sustainable, and inspiring waterfronts. From harbors and marinas to seawalls and dunes, our work protects and enhances some of the most iconic and vulnerable coastlines in New England and beyond.
We're looking for an experienced Waterfront & Coastal Engineering Practice Leader to join our Portland, Maine office - a thriving coastal setting that blends professional challenge with everyday balance.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
You'll lead and contribute to a diverse range of projects, including:
You'll lead, manage, and design projects in partnership with GEI's nationwide team of structural, coastal, and environmental experts.
Your Impact
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
We are GEI.
Some of the world's most pressing problems - from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply - need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.
We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients' most complex challenges.
With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here .
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs - we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded - which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI's career site here .
GEI's Total Rewards Package Includes
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Functional Demands:
Sedentary
Light
X
Medium
Other
Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)
Physical Activity Requirements
Occasional
(0-35% of day)
Frequent
(33-66% of day)
Continuous
(67-100% of day)
Not Applicable
Sitting
1-2 hours
Standing
6-8 hours
Walking
3-5 hours
Climbing
0-1 hours
Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
0-30 pounds
Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
0-10 pounds
Carrying objects
6-8 hours
Push/pull
0-1 hour
Twisting
1-2 hours
Bending
3-5 hours
Reaching forward
1-3 hours
Reaching overhead
0-1 hour
Squat/kneel/crawl
1-2 hours
Wrist position deviation
1-2 hours
Pinching/fine motor skills
2-3 hours
Keyboard use/repetitive motion
1-2 hours
Taste or smell (taste=never)
0-1 hour
Talk or hear
6-8 hours
Accurate 20/40
Very Accurate 20/20
Not Applicable
Near Vision
X
Far Vision
X
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Color Discrimination
X
Sensory Requirements
Minimal
Moderate
Accurate
Not Applicable
Depth perception
X
Hearing
X
Environment Requirements
Occupational Exposure Risk Potential
Reasonably Anticipated
Not Anticipated
Blood borne pathogens
X
Chemical
X
Airborne communicable diseases
X
Extreme temperatures
X
Radiation
X
Uneven surfaces or elevations
X
Extreme noise levels
X
Dust/particulate matter
X
Other (exposure risks):
Usual workday hours :
X
8
X
10
12
Other work hours
GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.
Your role at GEI.
At GEI, we're passionate about designing resilient, sustainable, and inspiring waterfronts. From harbors and marinas to seawalls and dunes, our work protects and enhances some of the most iconic and vulnerable coastlines in New England and beyond.
We're looking for an experienced Waterfront & Coastal Engineering Practice Leader to join our Portland, Maine office - a thriving coastal setting that blends professional challenge with everyday balance.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
You'll lead and contribute to a diverse range of projects, including:
- Marine infrastructure - ports, piers, marinas, ferry terminals, and waterfront facilities.
- Coastal resilience and stabilization - beach nourishment, dune restoration, living shorelines, seawalls, revetments, and bulkheads.
- Waterfront planning and adaptation - integrating climate change and sea level rise strategies into harbor improvement and community growth initiatives.
- Facility inspections and assessments - supporting in-house engineer-diver and drone teams to evaluate and rehabilitate critical structures.
You'll lead, manage, and design projects in partnership with GEI's nationwide team of structural, coastal, and environmental experts.
Your Impact
- Expand our waterfront and coastal engineering practice by cultivating new and existing clients and markets, while also cross-selling GEI's core services across environmental, water resources, ecological, and civil engineering.
- Serve as a technical leader and mentor, support recruiting, staff development, and team management.
- Lead proposal development; maintain strong visibility in the marketplace through ongoing client engagement, participation in professional organizations, and presentations at industry events.
- Manage a variety of waterfront and coastal engineering projects.
- Develop and oversee project plans, schedules, and budgets.
- Serve as a technical lead for the design of waterfront structures, including preparation of construction drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and engineering reports.
- Contribute to strategic planning efforts at the office, regional, and national levels.
Minimum Qualifications
- Proven success in growing and leading practice, including mentoring and developing staff.
- B.S. in Structural or Civil Engineering (M.S. preferred).
- 15+ years of experience in structural, civil, or coastal engineering.
- Registered professional engineer in Maine, or ability to obtain within 6 months of joining GEI.
- Strong design experience in concrete, steel, timber, and aluminum structures.
- Familiarity with permitting at local, state, and federal levels.
- Experience managing interdisciplinary design teams.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- A valid U.S. driver's license and willingness to travel for site work (some overnight trips).
- Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Extensive experience in the Maine waterfront practice with a well-established professional network.
- Significant experience in the New England Region and a well-established professional network
We are GEI.
Some of the world's most pressing problems - from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply - need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.
We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients' most complex challenges.
With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here .
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs - we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded - which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI's career site here .
GEI's Total Rewards Package Includes
- Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
- Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
- Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
- Commuter Benefits
- Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
- GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
- Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
- Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
- Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
- Rewards and Recognition
- GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
- Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here )
- A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- And More...
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Functional Demands:
Sedentary
Light
X
Medium
Other
Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)
Physical Activity Requirements
Occasional
(0-35% of day)
Frequent
(33-66% of day)
Continuous
(67-100% of day)
Not Applicable
Sitting
1-2 hours
Standing
6-8 hours
Walking
3-5 hours
Climbing
0-1 hours
Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
0-30 pounds
Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
0-10 pounds
Carrying objects
6-8 hours
Push/pull
0-1 hour
Twisting
1-2 hours
Bending
3-5 hours
Reaching forward
1-3 hours
Reaching overhead
0-1 hour
Squat/kneel/crawl
1-2 hours
Wrist position deviation
1-2 hours
Pinching/fine motor skills
2-3 hours
Keyboard use/repetitive motion
1-2 hours
Taste or smell (taste=never)
0-1 hour
Talk or hear
6-8 hours
Accurate 20/40
Very Accurate 20/20
Not Applicable
Near Vision
X
Far Vision
X
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Color Discrimination
X
Sensory Requirements
Minimal
Moderate
Accurate
Not Applicable
Depth perception
X
Hearing
X
Environment Requirements
Occupational Exposure Risk Potential
Reasonably Anticipated
Not Anticipated
Blood borne pathogens
X
Chemical
X
Airborne communicable diseases
X
Extreme temperatures
X
Radiation
X
Uneven surfaces or elevations
X
Extreme noise levels
X
Dust/particulate matter
X
Other (exposure risks):
Usual workday hours :
X
8
X
10
12
Other work hours
GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.
About GEI Consultants
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Civil engineering construction
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Woburn, MA, US
Year founded
1970