Coastal Engineering Specialist

Overview

ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB is actively looking for a Mid-Senior Coastal Engineering Specialist to join our New England team. This person will assist with the planning and design for waterfront and coastal structures projects, including living shoreline stabilization approaches, revetments, dredging, marinas, marine terminals, urban waterfront developments as well as wetland restoration. The ideal candidate for this position will have technical experience in designing and permitting a variety of coastal projects. The candidate who fills this position will join a high performing team that provides clients with multi-disciplinary engineering and science-based solutions to coastal management challenges including coastal engineering, coastal flood risk, resiliency and adaptation design, and dredged material management.

Responsibilities

• Successfully supporting ongoing Coastal / Water Resources practice through contacts and business development efforts working with state and federal agencies, as well as private sector clients.
• Assist in the development of qualifications and proposals for coastal resilience and coastal infrastructure-related RFPs.
• Assist and ultimately manage and perform engineering analysis, preliminary, and detail design of coastal structures.
• Assist and ultimately manage projects (scope, budget, schedule) and work with sub-consultants and team members and assure quality control of work throughout project execution, including:
• all aspects for the design and permitting of waterfront developments including piers, marinas and boardwalks
• analysis and design of structures for flood and erosion control such as seawalls, bulkheads, revetments and breakwaters, wave fences and fendering, and private and waterfront recreation structures such as fishing piers, marina docking structures, and boat launch ramps
• contributing to living shoreline erosion solutions designs
• conducting/reviewing technical analyses/calculations
• completing mooring and berthing analyses and design
• dredging design and permitting
• preparation of project specifications, bid and contract documents
• construction contract administration
• site inspections and reports

Skills and Attributes

• Experience working on multidisciplinary teams involving surveyors, environmental scientists, structural engineers, civil engineers, landscape architects and planner in support of coastal management, restoration, resiliency and adaptation efforts
• Knowledge of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and experience implementing FEMA’s coastal flood hazard analysis and mapping methodologies.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated technical and analytical skills, including technical writing and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with industry standard analysis and design software.
• Team oriented with strong capability to work independently.
• Highly organized.
• Able to interpret and apply technical information contained in procedures and manuals to accomplish the design process for assigned projects.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Coastal or Ocean Engineering, Oceanography or related field. MS degree in related field may be substituted for 2 years of experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Coastal / Ocean Engineering
• Knowledge of the regulatory processes in New England
• Experience with project delivery for multiple Federal, State and local coastal agencies/clients, specific experience with USACE, FEMA, USGS, NOAA preferred

The full-time annual base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $125,000 located in Rhode Island. The base salary offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including geographic location, internal equity, experience, credentials, skills, education, work schedule, and other factors permitted by law. The posted salary range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation and benefits available to eligible employees are outlined in our Total Rewards Program

Annual base salary is one component of VHB’s Total Rewards package. In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases, providing opportunities to increase earnings beyond base pay. VHB also offers a differentiating work experience, including a comprehensive benefits package that includes eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs.Details on VHB’s benefits package can be found here: Benefits Checklist

VHB has been named a U.S. Best Managed Company for 2026, marking its second consecutive year rece iving this prestigious recognition. VHB, was honored for excellence in strategy, execution, corporate culture, and governance/financial performance. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal

Building what’s next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people‑driven, future‑ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When you join VHB, you’ll find:

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.