Coastal Project Engineer II

Job Description Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms. Position Summary: JMT is seeking a Coastal Engineer to help deliver complex, high-impact coastal and resilience projects that address real-world challenges in flood risk reduction, shoreline protection, and adaptation—using advanced modeling, nature-based solutions, and innovative engineering design. Role Purpose: In this role, you will help lead technical execution on multidisciplinary coastal projects—translating coastal processes and modeling insights into practical, implementable engineering solutions. You will support project delivery from concept through design and construction documentation, working closely with senior staff, clients, and regulatory agencies to advance resilient, constructible outcomes. Core Capabilities: The ideal candidate is a well-rounded coastal engineer who operates effectively at the intersection of science, modeling, and design. Key capabilities include: Application of coastal engineering principles, including waves, surge, sediment transport, and shoreline dynamicsHands-on experience with numerical modeling tools (e.g., ADCIRC, SWAN, CMS, XBeach, Delft3D, DHI, or similar)Development of engineering designs for shoreline protection, coastal structures, and nature-based solutionsIntegration of green-gray infrastructure approaches into resilient, constructible designsPreparation of engineering plans, specifications, and technical reportsFamiliarity with USACE, FEMA, and state/local regulatory frameworks and permitting processesAbility to collaborate across disciplines (structural, geotechnical, environmental, civil) to deliver coordinated designs Growth Expectation: This position offers a clear path for advancement within JMT’s growing coastal resilience practice. You will: Gain increasing responsibility in technical leadership and project deliveryEngage directly with clients and project stakeholdersContribute to proposal development and strategic growth initiativesMentor junior staff and support team developmentHelp shape innovative approaches to coastal resilience and adaptation Key Responsibilities: The Coastal Engineer will be a key leader in the planning, analysis, modeling, design, permitting, engineering, quality assurance/control, preparation of construction bid packages, and monitoring of a broad variety of coastal engineering projects and studies. The position’s essential functions and responsibilities include: Project Delivery (Design, Modeling, Reports) Lead and support the planning, analysis, and design of coastal engineering projects, including shoreline protection, flood risk reduction, and resilience solutionsPrepare and oversee technical deliverables such as engineering reports, design drawings, specifications, bid packages, and permit applicationsApply industry standards and guidance (e.g., USACE, FEMA, AASHTO, FHWA, ASCE) to develop practical and defensible engineering solutions Technical Leadership (Mentoring, QA/QC)Provide technical oversight and ensure quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) across project deliverables in accordance with JMT standards and engineering best practicesServe as a technical mentor to junior staff, supporting skill development in coastal engineering analysis, modeling, and designCoordinate across multidisciplinary teams to integrate coastal engineering solutions with structural, environmental, and transportation components Data & ModelingPerform coastal data analysis using field data, surveys, metocean data, and geospatial datasets to support engineering evaluations and design decisionsDevelop and apply numerical models for coastal processes, including waves, water levels, storm surge, and sea level rise scenariosConduct statistical and risk-based analyses (e.g., extreme value analysis) to quantify coastal hazards and inform resilient design solutions Client & Stakeholder EngagementCollaborate with clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, and stakeholders to advance project objectives and ensure alignment with permitting and regulatory requirementsSupport coordination efforts during design, permitting, and construction phases, including site visits and field investigationsCommunicate technical concepts effectively through presentations, meetings, and written documentation tailored to diverse audiences Business Development & GrowthContribute to proposal development, including technical approaches, scopes, budgets, and schedules for coastal and resilience projectsSupport strategic growth initiatives within JMT’s coastal practice, including identifying opportunities and strengthening client relationshipsParticipate in internal planning and market-facing activities that expand JMT’s presence in the coastal and resilience sector Required Skills Successful candidates will bring a combination of technical expertise, analytical capability, and professional skills necessary to deliver complex coastal and resilience projects Required Experience Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field from ABET accredited engineering programMaster’s degree or higher preferredProfessional Engineering (PE) license is required or the ability to become professionally licensed within 6 months of employment7-12 years of relevant experience in coastal or civil engineering, including demonstrated experience leading tasks or workstreams on multidisciplinary projectsExperience working with federal, state, municipal, private, and/or non-governmental clientsDemonstrated experience in coastal engineering design and analysis, including shoreline protection, flood risk reduction, and resilience solutionsProficiency in coastal numerical modeling (hydrodynamic, wave, and/or morphologic processes) using tools such as Delft3D, DHI, or USACE modeling suitesStrong analytical skills, including coastal data analysis, statistical evaluation (e.g., extreme value analysis), and application of engineering principles to real-world problemsExperience preparing technical deliverables such as engineering reports, design drawings, and specifications for multidisciplinary projectsWorking knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks (e.g., USACE, FEMA, NEPA, NFIP, Section 404 permitting, Section 408 coordination/authorization)Strong communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and interact with clients and stakeholdersAbility to manage multiple assignments and deliver high-quality work within established schedules and budgets Preferred Qualifications Experience with nature-based and hybrid coastal infrastructure (e.g., living shorelines, dune systems, breakwaters)Familiarity with benefit-cost analysis, risk assessment, and resilience planning frameworksProficiency in GIS (ESRI or equivalent) for spatial analysis and visualizationExperience with CAD platforms such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation and/or OpenROADS DesignerProgramming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R) for data processing and analysisPrior experience supporting proposal development and client engagement activities Working Conditions Work is performed within a general office environment 95% of the time. Work is generally sedentary in nature but may require occasional standing and walking. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment. Field work is required on occasion where work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Some lifting (up to 25lbs) may be required as needed. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.