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Director Coastal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VHB

Waterfront Growth Leader

Hauppauge, NY

$160K - $210K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION VHB is seeking a Waterfront Growth Leader to help drive the expansion of our Coastal Engineering & Resiliency (CE&R) services team in our Northeast Region. This individual will ...

Kimley-Horn

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a coastal and marine engineering practice. * Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and ...

Kimley-Horn

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Oakland, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a coastal and marine engineering practice. * Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and ...

Kimley-Horn

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Oakland, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a coastal and marine engineering practice. * Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and ...

Kimley-Horn

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Open communication with partners and team, along with growing and directing a coastal and marine engineering practice. * Manage projects profitably, transition work to qualified staff, grow and ...

Woolpert

Water Program Director (TX)

Houston, TX

This position reports to the Director of National Sales and is responsible for leading and growing ... Build and expand Woolpert's water resources, stormwater, and coastal engineering services while ...

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All JobsDirector Coastal Engineering Jobs

Director Coastal Engineering information

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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director coastal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director coastal engineering in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a Director of Coastal Engineering typically faces when leading large-scale projects?

A Director of Coastal Engineering often manages complex projects that involve balancing environmental regulations, stakeholder interests, and technical feasibility. One major challenge is ensuring designs are resilient to climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise and increased storm frequency. Coordinating multidisciplinary teams—including environmental scientists, engineers, and government agencies—while maintaining project timelines and budgets is also a critical responsibility. Successful directors proactively address these challenges by fostering open communication, staying informed on regulatory updates, and implementing adaptive project management strategies.

What does a Director of Coastal Engineering do?

A Director of Coastal Engineering oversees the planning, design, and management of projects related to coastal areas, such as shoreline protection, harbor development, and erosion control. They lead teams of engineers and scientists, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure projects comply with environmental regulations. Their responsibilities often include budgeting, project management, and providing technical expertise to solve complex coastal challenges. They play a critical role in protecting coastal communities and infrastructure from natural hazards like storms and sea level rise.

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

To thrive as a Director of Coastal Engineering, you need advanced expertise in coastal processes, project management, and civil or environmental engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with modeling software (such as HEC-RAS, Delft3D), GIS tools, and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder relationships. These skills are vital for leading successful coastal projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mitigating environmental risks.

What is the difference between Director Coastal Engineering vs Coastal Engineer?

AspectDirector Coastal EngineeringCoastal Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Environmental Engineering, PE license advantageous
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing projects, teams, and strategic planningDesign, analysis, and implementation of coastal projects, site assessments
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, large engineering firmsEngineering firms, government agencies, research institutions

The main difference is that the Director Coastal Engineering holds a leadership position responsible for managing teams and strategic planning, while the Coastal Engineer focuses on technical design and project execution. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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Director Coastal Engineering jobs near you
Project Director - Marine Structural Engineer

Project Director - Marine Structural Engineer

Cummins Cederberg Inc

Saint Petersburg, FL • On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Cummins | Cederberg is seeking a Project Director specializing in marine structures with minimum 10 years of experience in steel and concrete construction of marine structures, project management and business development. Coastal engineering experience is a plus. The preferred candidate should be licensed in Florida or have the ability to be licensed within 6 months. The position will be in our St. Petersburg office providing excellent opportunities for growth statewide. We provide outstanding benefits and a superb work environment with focus on collaboration, personal growth and interesting projects. This individual will be involved in interesting, complex waterfront projects in Florida and the Caribbean. Cummins | Cederberg is Florida’s largest coastal and marine engineering firm with projects throughout Florida and the Caribbean, serving both private and public clients.

Company Description

Cummins | Cederberg is Florida’s largest coastal and marine engineering firm with projects throughout Florida and the Caribbean, serving both private and public clients. Cummins | Cederberg offers a very generous benefit package paid 100% by company with significant flexibility and proactive work environment for good work/life balance.