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Senior Coastal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Coastal Engineer

Pearland, TX ยท Hybrid

$93K - $127K/yr

Freese & Nichols, Inc. (FNI) is currently seeking to add a Senior Coastal Engineer for our offices located along the U.S. Gulf or Atlantic Coasts . Preferred candidates should have knowledge related ...

Senior Coastal Engineer

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Freese & Nichols, Inc. (FNI) is currently seeking to add a Senior Coastal Engineer for our offices located along the U.S. Gulf or Atlantic Coasts . Preferred candidates should have knowledge related ...

Senior Coastal Engineer

Corpus Christi, TX ยท Hybrid

$100K - $138K/yr

Freese & Nichols, Inc. (FNI) is currently seeking to add a Senior Coastal Engineer for our offices located along the U.S. Gulf or Atlantic Coasts . Preferred candidates should have knowledge related ...

Senior Coastal Engineer

Providence, RI ยท 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 ...

Senior Coastal Engineer (PE)

Houston, TX

$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 ...

Senior Coastal Engineer (PE)

Houston, TX ยท 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 ...

Overview Kimley-Horn's Oakland office is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer with 15+ years of experience to join their Coastal and Waterfront team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities This ...

Overview Kimley-Horn's Oakland office is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer with 15+ years of experience to join their Coastal and Waterfront team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities This ...

Kimley-Horn's Oakland office is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer with 15+ years of experience to join their Coastal and Waterfront team! This is not a remote position. This position leads business ...

Senior Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL ยท On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Cummins | Cederberg is seeking a coastal engineer with minimum 10 years of experience in coastal engineering analyses and design of waterfront, project management and business development. Marine ...

Sr. Coastal Engineer

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Overview Kimley-Horn's Oakland office is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer with 15+ years of experience to join their Coastal and Waterfront team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities This ...

Senior Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL ยท On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Cummins | Cederberg is seeking a coastal engineer with minimum 10 years of experience in coastal engineering analyses and design of waterfront, project management and business development. Marine ...

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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 Jun 11, 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.

Is coastal engineering in demand?

Coastal engineering is in demand due to increasing concerns about sea level rise, climate change, and coastal erosion, leading to ongoing infrastructure projects and environmental assessments. Senior coastal engineers with expertise in hydrodynamics, GIS tools, and environmental regulations are sought after in both public and private sectors. The field offers opportunities for growth in project management, design, and research roles.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Coastal Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized engineering roles, often involving extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, or consulting work. Most engineering salaries at this level are significantly lower, though top executives or partners in engineering firms may reach or exceed this figure.

What are Senior Coastal Engineers?

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.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Senior coastal engineers, a specialized civil engineering role, can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Such high salaries are typically found in senior positions within large firms or in regions with high living costs, often supplemented by bonuses or project incentives.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Coastal Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in hydrodynamics and environmental modeling, and often advanced certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with leadership responsibilities. Such compensation typically reflects seniority, project complexity, and industry demand.

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:
Infographic showing various Senior Coastal Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Senior Coastal Engineer

Senior Coastal Engineer

Freese Nichols

Pearland, TX โ€ข Hybrid

$93K - $127K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Freese & Nichols, Inc. (FNI) is currently seeking to add a Senior Coastal Engineer for our offices located along the U.S. Gulf or Atlantic Coasts. Preferred candidates should have knowledge related to coastal restoration, beach nourishment, shoreline protection, dredging, coastal structures, coastal hazard analyses, hydrodynamic modeling and coastal process analyses. Roles and responsibilities of this position include:

  • Project management and/or senior technical oversight of planning, engineering, design, and construction-phase services for coastal and/or navigation multi-disciplinary projects
  • Leading coastal and/or navigation project delivery decisions regarding technical approaches, cost estimating, project scheduling, project resourcing, safety, and subcontractor coordination and management.
  • Team management, mentoring, and professional development of coastal engineering technical staff.
  • Marketing of FNI's coastal and navigation services to include meeting with current/prospective clients and leading proposals and statement of qualification development.
  • Contribution to strategic initiatives to expand FNI's service offering geographically and technically to a wide variety of client types including federal and state agencies, local government clients, ports, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other types of private sector clients.
Qualifications

Required or Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

  • Professional Engineer license required in one or more states located along the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic coast.
  • Master's or higher degree in Coastal, Ocean, or related Engineering preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering, design.
  • Working knowledge of numerical modeling of coastal storm risk management projects and navigation and dredging projects preferred.
  • Project Management Professional certification preferred.
  • Experience in delivering projects for and working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers required. Experience working with additional Federal agencies preferred.
  • Project management skills with experience in managing project delivery teams and coordinating with clients and regulatory agencies required.
  • Intimate understanding of coastal engineering and science principles required; and/or, dredge engineering and science principles.
  • Knowledge of wind-wave-water levels, coastal sediment processes, coastal morphology, storm-induced erosion analyses required, and dredging and dredged material conveyance and management preferred.
  • Understanding of mare vessel maneuvering and environmental forces characteristics preferred.
  • Experience with contributing to and/or leading strategic initiatives to develop and expand business opportunities with new clients and new geographic locations.
  • Experience at recruiting, managing, directing and mentoring a team of professional coastal design staff.
  • Ability to oversee the preparation of construction plans and other graphics using CAD and ArcGIS.
  • Must have experience with technical writing and professional writing, and the ability to deliver presentations at public and client meetings.
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 https://www.freese.com/services/benefits-that-work/), we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico. 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 https://www.freese.com/careers/.

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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