Structural Engineer - Waterfront - Marine

Structural Engineer
- Waterfront
- Marine

Job Location s: US-MA-Watertown, US-MA-Boston, US-ME-Portland, US-RI-Providence, US-VA-Williamsburg

Senior Level Waterfront Engineers are sought to assist with the planning, permitting, and design of waterfront and coastal infrastructure throughout our footprint. Projects span marinas, piers, bulkheads, seawalls, revetments, marine terminal structures, and living shoreline stabilization. The role requires a licensed professional engineer with technical experience in designing and permitting a variety of waterfront projects. The successful candidate will join a high‑performing team delivering multidisciplinary engineering and science‑based solutions to coastal management challenges, including resilience and adaptation design and dredged material management.

• Successfully support ongoing Waterfront/Coastal practice projects and business development efforts.
• Assist in the development of qualifications and proposals for waterfront infrastructure and coastal resilience‑related RFPs.
• Assist and ultimately manage and perform engineering analysis, preliminary, and detail design of waterfront/coastal structures.
• Assist and ultimately manage project scope, budget, and schedule; work with sub‑consultants and team members; and ensure quality control of work throughout project execution, including:
  • Design and permitting of waterfront developments such as piers, marinas, and boardwalks.
  • Analysis and design of flood and erosion control structures including seawalls, bulkheads, revetments, breakwaters, wave fences, fendering, and recreational structures such as fishing piers, marina docking structures, and boat launch ramps.
  • Living shoreline erosion solution designs.
  • Technical analyses/calculations review and completion.
  • 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.

• B.S. in Civil, Structural, Waterfront, or Coastal Engineering. M.S. preferred.
• 8–11 years of Waterfront Engineering experience, including associated geotechnical and structural analysis.
• Professional Engineer license required, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Knowledge of regulatory processes in Rhode Island preferred.
• Experience with project delivery for multiple federal, state, and local coastal agencies/clients; specific experience with USACE, FEMA, USGS, NOAA preferred.
• 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.

Salary: $115,000–150,000 (dependent on qualifications, education, and experience).

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact.
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success.
• Support to grow 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.