Senior Coastal Engineer

Oceanit Laboratories • Honolulu, HI

142d • $95,000 - $125,000

About The Position

Oceanit is a Mind to Market company that develops innovative solutions from fundamental science and engineering to deliver technologies and solutions that make the world a better place. Since our founding in Hawai'i in 1985, Oceanit's projects and products have addressed problems in diverse global markets such as energy, aerospace, healthcare, software & artificial intelligence, sustainable engineering solutions, optics & sensors, and more. Are you passionate about solving complex challenges in the coastal environment? We're looking for a Senior Coastal Engineer to lead the design and execution of high-impact projects focused on shoreline protection, coastal resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. In this role, you'll take ownership of technical direction, field operations, and project delivery—bringing innovative solutions to life through collaboration, leadership, and deep technical expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the face of rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and environmental change while mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering or a closely related discipline preferred.
• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Coastal, Civil, or Environmental Engineering will be considered with appropriate experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant coastal engineering experience required; 10 years or more strongly preferred.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Demonstrated expertise in coastal engineering design, modeling, and field investigations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present technical reports.
• Experience with relevant engineering software (e.g., Delft3D, SWAN, CMS, MIKE21, AutoCAD, ArcGIS).
• Willingness and ability to travel for field work and project needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of engineering solutions for major coastal projects, including beach erosion control, beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization, coastal structures, dredging, harbor design, and environmental monitoring.
• Conduct and oversee advanced engineering analyses, including complex hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
• Provide senior-level support in environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, including review and approval of submittals.
• Direct the analysis of coastal and oceanographic processes, including wave transformation, sediment transport, tidal circulation, and structure interaction.
• Oversee and participate in field work, including planning and execution of land and hydrographic surveys, topographic mapping, sediment sampling, and water quality monitoring.
• Supervise and validate the collection, interpretation, and integration of field data into engineering designs and models.
• Utilize and direct numerical and analytical modeling tools to assess project alternatives and support decision-making.
• Prepare and review high-level technical documentation, including specifications, schedules, cost estimates, and permitting packages.
• Serve as a technical lead for client-facing tasks, providing guidance and presenting technical findings and recommendations.
• Lead the development of engineering design reports, basis-of-design documents, feasibility studies, and peer-reviewed technical analyses.
• Serve as task lead or project manager for coastal engineering projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery of high-quality work.
• Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior and mid-level engineers, including training, supervision, and performance feedback.
• Coordinate across disciplines and with regulatory agencies, contractors, and clients to ensure effective project execution.
• Contribute to quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes and enforce compliance with internal standards.
• Plan and manage field activities, including equipment selection, logistics, safety protocols, and data quality control.
• Conduct site visits to assess conditions, oversee construction, and ensure project alignment with engineering plans.
• Interpret field data and make real-time engineering decisions to address site-specific challenges.
• Lead or support proposal development, including technical writing, scope development, and budgeting.
• Actively contribute to business development, marketing, and client engagement strategies.
• Represent the firm at professional conferences, industry meetings, and stakeholder workshops.
• Perform other senior-level duties as assigned by the Project Manager or Technical Director.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life Insurance & Disability Coverage
• Wellness Programs
• A collaborative, mission-driven workplace where creativity and initiative are celebrated

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Master's degree