Jobloria
Director of Costal and Marine Engineering
Affinity Search
Location : Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Job Type : Contractor
Salary : $140,000 - $175,000 per year
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Director of Costal and Marine Engineering
Salary:$140,000 - $175,000 per year
Location:Grand Rapids, MI
Posted:November 17 2025
Minimum Degree:
Relocation Assistance:Not Available
Position Overview:
The Director of Costal and Marine Engineering will lead and manage complex engineering projects centered on shoreline development, coastal restoration, and marine infrastructure. This leadership role combines deep technical expertise with strategic oversight, driving the successful delivery of multidisciplinary projects that balance innovation, resilience, and sustainability. The Director will serve as the group’s technical authority, overseeing project execution, resource management, staff development, and client engagement across various civil and environmental sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Leadership & Technical Oversight:
- Direct all phases of coastal and waterfront engineering projects, from planning through execution and closeout.
- Provide expert technical guidance in the design of infrastructure such as breakwaters, seawalls, ports, marinas, and shoreline protection systems.
- Lead risk assessments for storm surge, erosion, sea level rise, and climate resiliency.
Team Management & Development:
- Supervise and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams; support career development and technical training.
- Promote a collaborative and high-performance culture aligned with company values.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, and consultants.
- Conduct regular project updates and ensure proactive communication throughout project lifecycles.
- Cultivate long-term client relationships through attentive service, solution-oriented planning, and proactive outreach.
Financial Management & Business Operations:
- Prepare and manage project budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure adherence to financial targets.
- Optimize allocation of team resources to meet project delivery and profitability goals.
Compliance & Regulatory Navigation:
- Ensure project compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental and construction regulations.
- Obtain necessary permits and maintain working relationships with permitting and environmental authorities.
Business Development & Strategic Growth:
- Identify new project and service opportunities in the coastal waterfront sector.
- Lead proposal development efforts including technical approaches, scopes of work, and cost estimates.
- Support the development and execution of strategic plans to expand market share and service offerings.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Coastal, or Environmental Engineering (Master’s preferred).Licensure:
Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required.Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in civil engineering with a strong focus on coastal and waterfront infrastructure.
- Demonstrated success managing large, multidisciplinary teams and high-value projects.
Skills & Competencies:
- Expert knowledge in coastal engineering principles, including wave dynamics, sediment transport, and marine construction.
- Strong understanding of regulatory and permitting processes in marine and environmental projects.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to engage technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strategic thinker with proven problem-solving abilities in dynamic and complex environments.
- Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with a focus on team building and mentorship.
- Proficient in relevant engineering software and data analysis tools.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and professional development opportunities
- Candidates can live in: Grand Rapids, Benton Harbor, or Grand Haven, MI; they can also reside in the South Bend, IN area.
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Success in this leadership role demands deep proficiency in coastal infrastructure design, wave dynamics, sediment behavior, and marine construction techniques. Candidates proficient in risk management for climate impacts and skilled in navigating environmental regulations stand out in this complex engineering field.
Individuals often ascend from senior coastal or civil engineering roles, gaining multidisciplinary project leadership experience. Opportunities include executive management in environmental consulting firms or governmental agencies focused on marine infrastructure and climate resilience strategies.
Managing the interplay between environmental forces and engineered structures poses distinct challenges, requiring constant adaptation to evolving climate data, regulatory changes, and stakeholder coordination across marine and coastal ecosystems.
Besides the mandatory Professional Engineer (PE) license, local employers appreciate familiarity with Michigan's environmental permitting processes and certifications in environmental impact assessment, reflecting regional regulatory frameworks and water resource management.
Grand Rapids sees moderate demand driven by infrastructure redevelopment and Great Lakes shoreline projects. Candidates with proven leadership in sustainable marine engineering and strong client engagement skills are increasingly sought after amid growing regional environmental initiatives.
Affinity Search emphasizes projects that align with Michigan's coastal restoration priorities, integrating sustainable design with local stakeholder collaboration. Their approach fosters innovation while respecting regional environmental policies, offering impactful leadership opportunities.
Affinity Search prioritizes multidisciplinary team development and strategic business growth in marine sectors. Their focus on combining technical excellence with proactive client relations creates a dynamic environment distinct from other local engineering consultancies.
The role offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $140,000 to $175,000, reflecting the high level of expertise required in coastal and marine project leadership, along with the responsibility for managing multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure initiatives.
Proficiency in specialized software enables precise modeling of coastal processes and infrastructure resilience. Data-driven insights support risk assessments and optimize resource allocation, empowering directors to make informed strategic decisions in dynamic marine environments.
Some assume the role focuses solely on technical tasks; however, it heavily involves leadership, stakeholder communication, and business development. Balancing engineering expertise with strategic oversight and client relations is critical for success in this position.
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