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Freelance Marine Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform civil design for both overwater structures and upland components under supervision of senior ports and marine engineers. * Prepare technical written communications in the form of memoranda ...

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer will design, update, and improve ... Leverage any experience with marine equipment design and relevant industry standards as a plus to ...

Perform civil design for both overwater structures and upland components under supervision of senior ports and marine engineers. * Prepare technical written communications in the form of memoranda ...

The Design Engineer designs and analyzes gear drive systems and components for Industrial and Marine applications. This position requires the ability to engineer, design, analyze and select gear ...

The Design Engineer designs and analyzes gear drive systems and components for Industrial and Marine applications. This position requires the ability to engineer, design, analyze and select gear ...

Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging ... Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded software in C/C++. * Work closely with engineers ...

Perform civil design for both overwater structures and upland components under supervision of senior ports and marine engineers. * Under civil engineering planning and design aspects of container ...

Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging ... Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded software in C/C++. * Work closely with engineers ...

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Freelance Marine Design Engineer information

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$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance marine design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance marine design engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Marine Design Engineer vs Marine Structural Engineer?

AspectFreelance Marine Design EngineerMarine Structural Engineer
CredentialsRelevant engineering degree, certifications varyEngineering degree, professional engineer license often required
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often remote or client sitesOffice or on-site, typically employed by firms or shipyards
Industry UsageUsed by clients seeking specialized, flexible design servicesEmployed within companies for structural analysis and design
Search & ComparisonOften compared for design expertise and flexibilityCompared for structural safety and compliance expertise

Freelance Marine Design Engineers typically work independently on various projects, offering flexible design services, while Marine Structural Engineers are usually employed by organizations to focus on structural integrity and safety. Both roles require engineering credentials, but their work environments and client interactions differ significantly.

What is a Freelance Marine Design Engineer?

A Freelance Marine Design Engineer is a professional who works independently to design, develop, and improve marine vessels and structures, such as ships, boats, and offshore platforms. They typically collaborate with shipbuilders, naval architects, and maritime companies on a project-by-project basis, offering specialized expertise in areas like hull design, propulsion systems, and safety standards. Freelance marine design engineers use advanced software and engineering principles to create efficient, safe, and environmentally compliant marine structures. Their flexible work arrangements allow them to serve multiple clients and industries within the maritime sector.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Marine Design Engineer, you need a solid background in naval architecture, marine engineering principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or Rhino), simulation tools, and familiarity with regulatory standards like IMO and SOLAS are typically required. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills help you manage client expectations and collaborate effectively across disciplines. These competencies ensure the delivery of safe, innovative, and regulation-compliant marine vessel designs in a competitive freelance market.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance marine design engineers when managing multiple projects?

Freelance marine design engineers often juggle several projects at once, each with its own deadlines, technical requirements, and client expectations. A key challenge is maintaining clear communication with diverse stakeholders, such as naval architects, shipyards, and regulatory bodies, to ensure all project specifications are met. Additionally, managing time effectively and staying updated with evolving maritime regulations and design technologies are crucial for delivering quality work. Building strong organizational habits and leveraging project management tools can help freelancers stay on track and maintain client satisfaction.
More about Freelance Marine Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Marine Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Marine Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Marine Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Marine Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Marine Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Marine Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Marine Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Ports and Marine Civil Engineer

Ports and Marine Civil Engineer

WSP

Seattle, WA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full-time Ports and Marine Civil Engineer for our Puget Sound, WA offices. This person will be involved in projects with our Ports and Maritime Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges. Our Maritime group comprises of highly motivated analysts, planners, and maritime civil and structural engineers, working in several key locations across the US and internationally. Major clients are port authorities, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, terminal operators, contractors and private entities. Our strength is derived from the diversity of our marine-related work and our staff.

For over 90-years WSP has been a leader in waterfront structural design, for the U.S. Navy, and worldwide. The WSP Maritime group is a dynamic and energetic group with strong work ethics and a great culture of collaboration and camaraderie.  You would be joining the largest and best waterfront/marine design group in the country. The projects are diverse in nature, interesting, and challenging.  

At WSP, we are driven by inspiring the right people to be part of our future-focused business objectives. Our devotion to teamwork has allowed us to build communities and expand our skylines. Here at WSP, anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!

Your Impact
  • Perform civil design for both overwater structures and upland components under supervision of senior ports and marine engineers.
  • Prepare technical written communications in the form of memoranda and reports.
  • Support managers in the creation of plans, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates in accordance with client requirements.
  • Develop upland site grading plans using Civil 3D software.
  • Work in a team to make sure that work product meets scope, schedule, cost and quality requirements.
  • Perform design calculations in support of broader engineering activities, including stormwater analyses associated with conveyance networks and water quality features that meet Department of Ecology requirements.
  • Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
  • Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of site work and code compliance.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • 3-5 years of prior relevant post education design experience as a Civil engineer.
  • Familiarity with marine, port, and civil engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to project work-related issues. 
  • Familiar with relevant marine, port, and coastal construction codes, regulations, and compliance practices. 
  • Detailed knowledge of the Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington and how to apply it to drainage design is preferred.
  • Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions. 
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience using Civil 3D software, including site grading using grading objects and roadway corridors. 
  • Experience with other discipline-specific design software preferred (i.e., WWHM, StormShed3G, WaterGEMS, etc.). 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, relevant engineering software, spreadsheets, and other tools.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Engineer in Training Certification.  
  • Washington PE license preferred.
  • A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
  • Previous experience in design of marine upland facilities.
  • Field investigation and/or construction support experience.
  • Additional positions available for individuals holding a commercial dive license (ADCI or DCBC) in addition to the qualifications above.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations):  $90,800 - $114,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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