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Senior Coastal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freese Nichols

Senior Coastal Engineer

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$99K - $137K/yr

As Senior Coastal Engineer , you will lead coastal and navigation projects that span planning, design, and construction-phase services while helping expand our work along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic ...

Freese Nichols

Senior Coastal Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$97K - $134K/yr

As Senior Coastal Engineer , you will lead coastal and navigation projects that span planning, design, and construction-phase services while helping expand our work along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic ...

Freese Nichols

Senior Coastal Engineer

New Orleans, LA · Hybrid

$100K - $137K/yr

As Senior Coastal Engineer , you will lead coastal and navigation projects that span planning, design, and construction-phase services while helping expand our work along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic ...

Halff

Senior Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

The Senior Coastal Engineer will play a pivotal role in the design, analysis, and implementation of coastal engineering projects, including shoreline protection, coastal restoration, dredging, flood ...

Halff

Senior Coastal Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA

$91K - $125K/yr

The Senior Coastal Engineer will play a pivotal role in the design, analysis, and implementation of coastal engineering projects, including shoreline protection, coastal restoration, dredging, flood ...

Freese and Nichols

Senior Coastal Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

As Senior Coastal Engineer , you will lead coastal and navigation projects that span planning, design, and construction-phase services while helping expand our work along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic ...

Freese Nichols

Senior Coastal Engineer

Pearland, TX · Hybrid

$93K - $127K/yr

As Senior Coastal Engineer , you will lead coastal and navigation projects that span planning, design, and construction-phase services while helping expand our work along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic ...

Freese Nichols

Senior Coastal Engineer

Corpus Christi, TX · Hybrid

$100K - $138K/yr

As Senior Coastal Engineer , you will lead coastal and navigation projects that span planning, design, and construction-phase services while helping expand our work along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic ...

Freese Nichols

Senior Coastal Engineer

Tampa, FL · Hybrid

$98K - $135K/yr

As Senior Coastal Engineer , you will lead coastal and navigation projects that span planning, design, and construction-phase services while helping expand our work along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic ...

Freese Nichols

Senior Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · Hybrid

$96K - $133K/yr

As Senior Coastal Engineer , you will lead coastal and navigation projects that span planning, design, and construction-phase services while helping expand our work along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic ...

GZA GeoEnvironmental

Senior Coastal Engineer

Providence, RI · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer to assist in expanding the waterfront and coastal engineering practice. This position can be based out of the Providence, RI and ...

HDR, Inc.

Senior Coastal Engineer (PE)

Houston, TX · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

HDR is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer (PE) to join our nationally ranked team of coastal and waterfront professionals across the United States. We're looking for individuals passionate about ...

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Senior Coastal Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior coastal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior coastal engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior coastal engineer?

Senior Coastal Engineers are experienced professionals who design, plan, and manage projects related to coastal and shoreline environments. Their work includes developing solutions for erosion control, flood protection, harbor and port design, and habitat restoration. They use specialized knowledge of hydrodynamics, geology, and environmental regulations to ensure sustainable and resilient coastal infrastructure. Senior Coastal Engineers often lead project teams, provide technical expertise, and coordinate with stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.

What do senior coastal engineers make?

Senior coastal engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often have specialized skills in hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and use tools like GIS and modeling software, with many holding professional engineering licenses.

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

AspectSenior Coastal EngineerCoastal Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Environmental Engineering, PE license often preferred, experience in coastal projectsBachelor's in Civil or Environmental Engineering, entry-level or junior role, some positions may require PE license
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, overseeing complex coastal projects, team leadershipAssist in coastal project planning, data collection, basic design tasks, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, environmental organizationsEngineering firms, government departments, construction companies

The main difference between a Senior Coastal Engineer and a Coastal Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and project scope. Senior Coastal Engineers typically have more advanced credentials, oversee complex projects, and lead teams, while Coastal Engineers are often in entry-level roles supporting project tasks. Both roles are essential in coastal engineering projects, but the senior position involves greater leadership and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior coastal engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Coastal Engineer, you need an advanced degree in civil or coastal engineering, strong analytical skills in hydrodynamics, and significant experience in coastal project design and management. Proficiency with modeling software such as MIKE21, SWAN, or HEC-RAS as well as familiarity with GIS tools and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) are typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively lead teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure successful design, implementation, and sustainability of coastal infrastructure projects while mitigating environmental and safety risks.

What are some common challenges faced by senior coastal engineers in managing multi-disciplinary project teams?

Senior Coastal Engineers often lead teams that include specialists in hydrodynamics, geology, ecology, and construction. One common challenge is ensuring effective communication and coordination among these diverse disciplines to achieve project goals within deadlines and budget constraints. Additionally, balancing technical design requirements with environmental regulations and stakeholder input can require strong project management and negotiation skills. Successfully navigating these challenges can enhance leadership abilities and open pathways to higher management roles.

What cities are hiring for Senior Coastal Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Coastal Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Coastal Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Coastal Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Coastal Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Coastal Engineer jobs include:

Senior Coastal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Coastal Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Coastal Engineer

Freese Nichols

Houston, TX • Hybrid

$99K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Freese and Nichols is seeking Senior Coastal Engineer to join our team in the Western Gulf Coast. As Senior Coastal Engineer, you will lead coastal and navigation projects that span planning, design, and construction-phase services while helping expand our work along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.

This position is open to the following locations: Houston, TX; Pearland, TX; Corpus Christi, TX; New Orleans, LA; Tampa, FL; Jacksonville, FL or Orlando, FL

What You'll Do

  • Lead project management and/or senior technical oversight for coastal and navigation planning, engineering, design, and construction-phase services
  • Guide project delivery decisions related to technical approach, cost estimating, scheduling, resourcing, safety, and subcontractor coordination
  • Manage and mentor coastal engineering staff while supporting their professional growth
  • Build relationships with current and prospective clients and lead proposals and statements of qualifications
  • Support strategic growth initiatives that expand services geographically and technically across federal, state, local, port, NGO, and private sector clients
  • Oversee multidisciplinary project execution for coastal restoration, beach nourishment, shoreline protection, dredging, coastal structures, hazard analyses, hydrodynamic modeling, and coastal process analyses
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering
  • Professional Engineer license in one or more states along the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic coast
  • 10+ years of engineering and design experience
  • Experience delivering projects for and working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Project management experience leading delivery teams and coordinating with clients and regulatory agencies

Preferred

  • Master's degree or higher in coastal engineering, ocean engineering, or a related engineering field
  • Project Management Professional certification
  • Working knowledge of numerical modeling for coastal storm risk management, navigation, and dredging projects
  • Experience leading strategic initiatives to develop business with new clients and in new geographic locations
  • Experience overseeing construction plans and graphics prepared in CAD and ArcGIS
About Freese and Nichols

At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values (Learn continuously, Engage as family, Act with integrity, Deliver quality, and Serve always). Each year, our employee engagement survey confirms that our leaders and our employees live our values.

We strive to be the firm of choice for clients and employees through innovative approaches, practical results, and outstanding service. For more than 130 years, we have been planning and designing the infrastructure our communities need: developing water supplies, designing roadways and bridges, preparing for natural disasters, and much more.

Besides our comprehensive benefits package (see more at Benefits That Work for You), we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina. We are proud of our flexible work environment which includes a hybrid schedule with up to 40% of remote work, and an alternative work schedule program which provides a day off every other Friday.

Join our team of 1,300+ employees as we grow from Virginia to Colorado. Learn more about working here at Working at Freese and Nichols.

Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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