Director of Coastal and Marine Engineering

Position Overview:

The Director of Coastal and Marine Engineering will lead and manage complex engineering projects centered on shoreline development, coastal restoration, and marine infrastructure. This leadership role combines deep technical expertise with strategic oversight, driving the successful delivery of multidisciplinary projects that balance innovation, resilience, and sustainability. The Director will serve as the group’s technical authority, overseeing project execution, resource management, staff development, and client engagement across various civil and environmental sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Technical Oversight:

• Direct all phases of coastal and waterfront engineering projects, from planning through execution and closeout.
• Provide expert technical guidance in the design of infrastructure such as breakwaters, seawalls, ports, marinas, and shoreline protection systems.
• Lead risk assessments for storm surge, erosion, sea level rise, and climate resiliency.

Team Management & Development:

• Supervise and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams; support career development and technical training.
• Promote a collaborative and high-performance culture aligned with company values.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, and consultants.
• Conduct regular project updates and ensure proactive communication throughout project lifecycles.
• Cultivate long-term client relationships through attentive service, solution-oriented planning, and proactive outreach.

Financial Management & Business Operations:

• Prepare and manage project budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure adherence to financial targets.
• Optimize allocation of team resources to meet project delivery and profitability goals.

Compliance & Regulatory Navigation:

• Ensure project compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental and construction regulations.
• Obtain necessary permits and maintain working relationships with permitting and environmental authorities.

Business Development & Strategic Growth:

• Identify new project and service opportunities in the coastal waterfront sector.
• Lead proposal development efforts including technical approaches, scopes of work, and cost estimates.
• Support the development and execution of strategic plans to expand market share and service offerings.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Coastal, or Environmental Engineering (Master’s preferred).

Licensure:

• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in civil engineering with a strong focus on coastal and waterfront infrastructure.
• Demonstrated success managing large, multidisciplinary teams and high-value projects.

Skills & Competencies:

• Expert knowledge in coastal engineering principles, including wave dynamics, sediment transport, and marine construction.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and permitting processes in marine and environmental projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to engage technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strategic thinker with proven problem-solving abilities in dynamic and complex environments.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with a focus on team building and mentorship.
• Proficient in relevant engineering software and data analysis tools.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and professional development opportunities
• Candidates can live in: Grand Rapids, Benton Harbor, or Grand Haven, MI; they can also reside in the South Bend, IN area.