Senior Coastal Engineer / Project Manager

WSP in the Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the Middle East is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer / Project Manager to act as technical lead, guiding project delivery through oversight, governance and mentorship. The role covers design of coastal protection structures, beaches, dredging works, and navigation facilities, with emphasis on design direction and compliance.

You will engage clients, support business development, and help grow WSP’s coastal engineering services across the Middle East, leading multidisciplinary teams,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering required; coastal specialization preferred.
• Master’s degree in coastal or maritime engineering is desirable.
• Minimum 7 years of coastal engineering and project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Oversee planning, design, and delivery of coastal projects (revetments, breakwaters, dredging, beaches).
• Manage budgets, schedules, and resources to meet plans.
• Provide technical guidance and ensure high-quality outputs.
• Review documents and coastal models as needed.
• Mentor junior staff and foster learning culture.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and satisfaction.
• Support business development and bids with clients.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Coastal engineering

Client relations

Mentoring

Team coordination

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Master’s degree in Coastal/Maritime Engineering

Tools

Coastal modelling software

Hydrodynamic modelling

Wave transformation

Project management tools

Job description

Job Description

As part of the Coastal Engineering Service Line, the Senior Coastal Engineer / Project Manager will act as a technical lead, guiding project delivery through technical oversight, governance, and mentorship. The role will include managing and supporting the design of coastal protection structures, beaches, dredging works, and navigation facilities; establishing design direction; ensuring compliance with applicable standards and best practice; reviewing engineering outputs; and promoting technical excellence across project teams.

As part of the Coastal Engineering Service Line, the Senior Coastal Engineer / Project Manager will act as a technical lead, guiding project delivery through technical oversight, governance, and mentorship. The role will include managing and supporting the design of coastal protection structures, beaches, dredging works, and navigation facilities; establishing design direction; ensuring compliance with applicable standards and best practice; reviewing engineering outputs; and promoting technical excellence across project teams.

The Senior Coastal Engineer / Project Manager will also play an important role in client engagement, business development, and strategic planning, helping to strengthen client relationships, secure new opportunities, and support the continued growth of WSP’s coastal engineering services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, designers, and construction professionals, to ensure seamless project execution.
• Oversee the planning, design, and delivery of coastal engineering projects, including revetments, breakwaters, dredging, reclamation, coastal modelling, and beach works.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams, ensuring the highest standards of engineering and design are achieved.
• Review technical documentation, calculations, coastal models when necessary.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional growth.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction and meeting project requirements.
• Support in business development through engagement with clients, managing client accounts and supporting in bids.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in coastal engineering.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, preferably with a specialization in coastal engineering.
• Master’s degree in coastal engineering, maritime engineering, or a related field is desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in coastal engineering and project management, with a proven track record of successfully delivering coastal engineering projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Chartered Engineer (CEng), Dubai Municipality (port/marine) registration , or equivalent professional accreditation is desirable.
• Prior experience in design of coastal structures, including but not limited to revetments, breakwaters, and beaches.
• Working knowledge of relevant international design standards and guidelines applicable to coastal and maritime engineering, including CIRIA Rock Manual, Eurotop, PIANC, and related industry guidance.
• Familiarity with coastal numerical modelling tools and techniques, including wave transformation, hydrodynamic modelling, sediment transport assessment, and shoreline response analysis.
• Proficiency in project management tools and coastal modelling software.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills, with a strong client-focused approach.
• Experience working with international clients and delivering projects across the Middle East region is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with the capability to manage complex technical and commercial challenges.
• Proactive, innovative, and results-oriented mindset, with a commitment to delivering sustainable, resilient, and high-quality coastal engineering solutions.
• Good organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality engineering reports and technical documentation