Intermediate Coastal Engineer

Catch the Current. Build the Future at Baird.

What You Will Do

As a Coastal Engineer at Baird you will be responsible for supporting the planning, design, and delivery of waterfront and coastal projects, with an emphasis on coastal structure design. This position requires applying technical engineering expertise while also contributing to project support and client interaction.

This role involves providing both engineering and administrative support to assist colleagues in meeting client deliverables. The Intermediate Coastal Engineer is expected to demonstrate independent initiative, effective collaboration, and strong attention to detail while maintaining confidentiality and contributing to team priorities across multiple offices and time zones.

Engineering & Technical Design

• Perform a variety of assignments requiring the application of moderate-to-advanced coastal and civil engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria with limited guidance from senior engineers.
• Lead data collection and analysis to support engineering design and decision-making.
• Support planning, research, design, and preparation of plans, specifications, and project manuals.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with relevant environmental regulations (e.g., NEPA, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act).

Project Management & Client Support

• Participate in project management activities, including client interaction, budget and schedule tracking, and quality control coordination.
• Provide administrative and on-site observation support during marine construction projects.

Business Development & Collaboration

• Contribute to proposal preparation, interviews, and business development efforts to attract and retain clients.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, scientists, geomatics specialists, CAD drafters, and surveyors.
• Work effectively across offices and time zones to ensure alignment with project deliverables.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in coastal engineering, civil engineering, ocean engineering or related field
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng. in Canada or P.E. in the U.S.) in good standing
• 6+ years of coastal or marine engineering experience in consulting or a contractor role.
• Demonstrated experience in project design or construction experience involving coastal and marine structures, ecosystem restoration or navigation and dredging.
• Deep working knowledge of design guidelines, codes, and standards related to coastal and marine engineering.
• Proven project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Availability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in coastal engineering, civil engineering, ocean engineering or related field from an accredited institution.
• Construction experience related to waterfront and coastal projects.
• Ability to clearly document the basis of design including the documentation of design codes and standards, data analysis, assumptions, calculations, and conclusions.
• Proficiency in related software (e.g., ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Python, HEC-RAS, MIKE21, SWAN, Delft3D) and numerical modeling tools
• Experience conducting feasibility studies, environmental impact analyses, and cost evaluations.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations affecting coastal and marine projects.
• Experience working with public agencies (e.g., EPA, USACE, NOAA, local environmental agencies) as well as private sector clients.

Baird is employee-owned. We offer competitive compensation and benefits. 

W.F. Baird & Associates (Baird) is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all and is proud to be an EOE/M/F/D/V.

Baird is an equal-opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work) and will not be discriminated against based on such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where Baird operates.

We thank all candidates for their interest. Baird is a diverse and inclusive workplace that is welcoming to all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you don't match all of our job requirements!

Disclaimer: The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees with this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

Please note applicants must be legally entitled to work in the U.S. now and in the future, without requiring employer sponsorship to be considered.