Maritime Geophysical Project Manager

Position Overview

Woolpert is hiring an experienced Project Manager for the Maritime Market in the Geospatial Sector Project Management Office. This can be a remote position or based out of a Woolpert office. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

• Manages marine geophysical survey projects.
• Leads project execution teams in the development of scope, technical approach, and execution strategy for marine geophysical surveys, including multibeam, side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and magnetometer investigations.
• Develop detailed work plans, survey specifications, and line plans aligned with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and applicable standards (e.g., IHO S-44, USACE, project-specific criteria).
• Select appropriate vessels, sensors, and acquisition methodologies based on site conditions, water depths, and project constraints.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, subcontractors, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Lead project kickoff meetings, progress updates, and technical review sessions to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Oversee mobilization, offshore operations, and demobilization activities to ensure efficient and safe execution of survey programs.
• Coordinate field teams, vessel crews, and subcontractors to maintain productivity and adherence to survey specifications.
• Monitor real-time acquisition progress and adjust survey plans as required to optimize data coverage and quality.
• Implement rigorous QA/QC procedures for data acquisition and processing, including calibrations, sensor verification, and positioning integrity checks.
• Works directly with internal discipline and team leaders and external subcontractors for project planning and execution.
• Defines and communicates client needs and expectations to internal team leaders, phase managers, and technical staff.
• Delivers project ahead of or within schedule, scope, and budget.
• Maintains project information and tracking in an ERP system, updating status and resource planning monthly in coordination with team leaders and phase managers.
• Manages project invoicing and forecasting.
• Ensures continuous stakeholder communications to anticipate and mitigate project issues.
• Coordinates with team leaders and phase managers to identify, address and resolve project issues impacting quality, client goals, objectives and/or client satisfaction.

• Builds and enhances existing client relationships to identify and initiate additional project opportunities.
• Identifies and grows new client relationships that match the client and project type focus and overall business strategy of the practice area and sector.
• Promotes Woolpert as an industry leader for specified market/practice and service(s) with new and existing clients.
• Represents Woolpert at conferences and other events.
• Preference to candidates that bring an existing network of client relationships.

• Assists in proposal writing and estimating.
• Develop new workflows and technology applications.
• Makes formal presentations and/or publishes articles for professional, trade, or civic organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate and manipulate standard office equipment.
• Must be able to occasionally reach, bend, climb and/or balance.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to travel as required.

• BA/BS degree in related field and a minimum of five (5) years of related Project Management experience or ten (10) years of related experience.
• Ten (10) or more years of professional geospatial experience with marine geophysical surveys.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-sensor offshore survey programs, including:
  • Multibeam Echo sounder (MBES)
  • Side Scan Sonar (SSS)
  • Sub-bottom Profiler (CHIRP/boomer/sparker/UHRS)
  • Marine magnetometer systems
• Proven track record delivering projects for:
  • Ports and navigation authorities
  • Offshore energy/utilities (wind, oil & gas, subsea cables)
  • Federal/state agencies (USACE, NOAA, etc.)
• Experience with acquisition and processing software such as:
  • QPS (Qinsy/Qimera/Fledermaus)
  • Hypack/Hysweep
  • Sonar Wiz, Chesapeake, Kingdom, or equivalent interpretation platforms
• Familiarity with QA/QC processes including:
  • Patch tests, calibrations, and latency checks
  • Data validation and uncertainty analysis
  • File structuring and metadata standards
• Proven ability to:
  • Develop and execute survey work plans, schedules, and mobilization strategies.
  • Manage offshore operations, including vessel coordination and crew oversight.
  • Control budgets, track progress, and implement corrective actions.
• Experience with leading technical staff to develop fee estimates for vessel-based sonar bathymetry and geophysical projects.
• Experience with contributing to and reviewing proposals (processes, bids,…