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Graduate Coastal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you an early-career or new graduate with an Ocean or Coastal Engineering degree? If you are looking for a new and exciting opportunity to work on innovative coastal projects on the Great Lakes ...

Are you an early-career or new graduate with an Ocean or Coastal Engineering degree? If you are looking for a new and exciting opportunity to work on innovative coastal projects on the Great Lakes ...

Are you an early-career or new graduate with an Ocean or Coastal Engineering degree? If you are looking for a new and exciting opportunity to work on innovative coastal projects on the Great Lakes ...

Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ... Be the coastal engineer of record on projects. * Support leadership to develop a team of ...

Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate ... Be the coastal engineer of record on projects. * Support leadership to develop a team of ...

Hydraulic & Hydrology Engineer

Houston, TX

$77.80K - $101.70K/yr

... and graduate coursework in fluid dynamics, engineering hydrology, open channel and pipeline hydraulics, sediment transport, coastal engineering, and numerical methods. Minimum of 1 to 2 years of ...

Hydraulic & Hydrology Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$77.80K - $101.70K/yr

... graduate coursework in fluid dynamics, engineering hydrology, open channel and pipeline hydraulics, sediment transport, coastal engineering, and numerical methods. * Minimum of 1 to 2 years of ...

Graduate Civil Engineer - Water Resources

Tampa, FL

$74.70K - $102.10K/yr

Graduate Civil Engineer - Water Resources - Tampa, FL Singhofen Halff has an immediate opening for ... Coastal Engineering and Planning * Stream Restoration Planning and Design * Stormwater Planning ...

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Showing results 1-20

Graduate Coastal Engineer information

See salary details

$30.5K

$68.6K

$115.5K

How much do graduate coastal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate coastal engineer in the United States is $68,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Coastal Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or coastal engineering, supported by an accredited engineering degree and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with modeling software such as MIKE21, AutoCAD, and GIS tools, along with knowledge of relevant industry standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities help you collaborate effectively and present complex information clearly. These skills are essential for designing resilient coastal structures, addressing environmental challenges, and working within multidisciplinary project teams.

What types of projects can a Graduate Coastal Engineer expect to work on, and how do they typically collaborate with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams?

As a Graduate Coastal Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects such as shoreline protection, harbor and marina design, flood risk assessments, and beach nourishment schemes. You will frequently work under the guidance of senior engineers, contributing to tasks like data analysis, site assessments, report writing, and design development. Collaboration is key—expect to work closely with hydrologists, environmental scientists, surveyors, and construction teams to ensure holistic project outcomes. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop technical skills while gaining exposure to client interactions and project management in a supportive team environment.

What does a Graduate Coastal Engineer do?

A Graduate Coastal Engineer is an entry-level professional who assists in the design, analysis, and management of projects related to coastal environments, such as beaches, harbors, and flood defenses. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to help protect and manage coastlines against erosion, flooding, and other environmental challenges. Typical tasks include data collection, site assessments, computer modeling, and preparing technical reports. The role requires a strong background in civil or environmental engineering and often involves collaboration with other specialists to develop sustainable solutions.

What is the difference between Graduate Coastal Engineer vs Coastal Engineer?

AspectGraduate Coastal EngineerCoastal Engineer
CredentialsTypically recent degree in civil, environmental, or coastal engineering; may lack professional licensureLikely licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with several years of experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level projects, supervised tasks, research, and data collectionProject management, design, and implementation of coastal protection structures
Industry UsageInternships, graduate programs, entry-level roles in consulting firms or government agenciesMid-level to senior roles in engineering firms, government agencies, or research institutions

The main difference is experience and responsibility. Graduate Coastal Engineers are early in their careers, focusing on learning and supporting projects, while Coastal Engineers have more experience, take on design and project management roles, and often hold professional licensure.

More about Graduate Coastal Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Graduate Coastal Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,617 per year, or $33 per hour.
Graduate Engineer I, Coastal Engineer

Graduate Engineer I, Coastal Engineer

Halff Associates, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Graduate Engineer I, Coastal Engineer
Halff is seeking a Graduate Engineer I, Coastal Engineer to support projects in our expanding coastal engineering practice at the Houston, TX office. Applicants should have passed the FE exam or be able to do so within one year of employment and be pursing a Master's degree or PhD. This role offers the opportunity to work on a variety of coastal engineering projects across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. You will gain experience with projects involving nature-based solutions and coastal infrastructure resilience. Qualified candidates should have strong analytical skills and familiarity with coastal processes, sediment management, beneficial use of dredged material, beach and dune nourishment, marsh creation, waterfront development, coastal hazard assessments, and coastal resilience planning.
What you will do:
  • Collect, analyze, model, and synthesize data to inform coastal engineering designs.
  • Develop and apply coastal numerical models to aid in planning, design, and permitting.
  • Organize, analyze, and visualize data using GIS software and coding.
  • Assist in the preparation of plans, specifications, calculations, designs, and cost estimates for coastal projects.
  • Prepare and disseminate correspondence and reports for projects, clients, and team members.
  • Collaborate effectively with other team members, project partners, regulatory staff, and/or clients.
  • Assist with fieldwork, including data collection, site visits, site inspections, surveys, etc.
  • Prepare and present technical content during meetings with team members, clients, and/or the public.
  • Assist other team members in the execution of project work.

What you will need:
  • Related experience: 0-4 years
  • Pursuit of engineering licensure is expected.
  • Pursing a Master's Degree or PhD in Civil, Water Resources, or Coastal Engineering from an ABET Program
  • Registration as an EIT or the ability to obtain within 1 year of employment
  • Self-motivation and an interest in career development and advancement
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment
  • Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • Proficiency in GIS and basic coastal numerical models

Travel Requirements:
  • FIELD (10%) AND OFFICE (90%)

The Halff Water Resources Advantage
  • Water Resources has been a Halff core service since 1950.
  • Halff provides integrated solutions through interdisciplinary services.
  • Water Resources implements GIS-applied technologies (mobile GIS and asset management).
  • Halff has conducted formal technical training programs for more than 30 years.

Learn more about Halff's Water Resources services, check out some of our projects, and meet our team.
Halff's Water Resources Services:
  • Flood Control Planning and Design
  • Floodplain Management, Studies and Mapping
  • Coastal Engineering and Planning
  • Stream Restoration Planning and Design
  • Stormwater Planning, Criteria and Regulation
  • Training Development and Delivery
  • Water Quality Planning and Design

Company Overview:
Halff is a full-service infrastructure consulting firm planned, designed, engineered, constructed - and purposed - for people. Since 1950, we've been creating smart solutions that improve lives and communities by turning ideas into reality.
Halff was founded on a core tenet: Focus on people, treat them well, and success will follow. It's no wonder, then, that our employees and the culture they create result in our firm consistently being named a Top Workplace in America.
Our industry-leading professionals collaborate to meet tough challenges in creative ways. You can view Halff's full complement of services here
Halff has over 30 offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia and Arizona. For a full list of our locations, click here
We offer excellent benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Medical, dental, prescription and life insurance
  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) and 8 company paid holidays (and Veteran's Day for our veterans)
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • 529 College Savings Plan
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Click here for a more comprehensive list of Halff's benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
Halff is a drug-free workplace. This offer of employment is contingent upon the receipt of a clear drug screen and background check prior to your first day of employment. This position may be subject to random drug testing pursuant to federal regulations.
#earlycareer
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.