Senior Coastal Engineer / Project Manager

BLACK ENGINEERS OF CANADA; Halifax; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Halifax is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer / Project Manager to lead complex coastal projects. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in coastal infrastructure design, project management qualifications, and a postgraduate degree in a relevant field. This role offers competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on innovative projects across Canada and internationally.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Generous vacation allowance

Flexible hours and locations

Employee Family Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in coastal infrastructure design.
• Registered as or eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada.
• Proven experience leading and delivering multi-disciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex, multi-disciplinary coastal engineering projects.
• Serve as Project Manager for major coastal initiatives.
• Mentor and develop junior and intermediate engineers.

Skills

Coastal infrastructure design

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Numerical modelling

Education

Postgraduate degree in coastal engineering or related field

Tools

SWAN

MIKE21

Delft3D

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Join Our Team as a Senior Coastal Engineer / Project Manager!

At CBCL, we are proud to be a trusted leader in engineering and environmental consulting, delivering innovative solutions that shape resilient coastlines and communities. Collaboration, technical excellence, and a commitment to sustainability drive everything we do.

Our Coastal Engineering Group is growing, and we have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Coastal Engineer / Project Manager to join our team in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The successful candidate will contribute to a wide variety of coastal and multi‑disciplinary projects, with opportunities to support project management, mentor junior staff, and participate in business development and quality assurance activities.

At CBCL, you’ll work alongside an experienced and close‑knit team of coastal engineers and scientists, as well as professionals from across our organization. Our projects span a broad range of coastal challenges—from detailed numerical modelling of waves, hydrodynamics, and sediment transport to the design of coastal stabilization and nature‑based protection solutions, integrated coastal zone management, and coastal vulnerability assessments. You’ll have the opportunity to work on innovative projects across Canada and internationally, including the dynamic coasts of Atlantic Canada, the Bay of Fundy, the Great Lakes, and the Arctic, as well as tropical island environments in the Caribbean.

In this role, you’ll apply your technical expertise and project experience to deliver meaningful, high‑quality outcomes that help communities adapt and thrive in the face of coastal change.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex, multi-disciplinary coastal engineering projects from concept through delivery, ensuring technical excellence, quality, and client satisfaction;
• Serve as Project Manager for major coastal initiatives, overseeing scope, budget, schedules, and risk management;
• Provide technical direction and peer review for studies and designs, ensuring adherence to professional standards and best practices;
• Mentor and develop junior and intermediate engineers and scientists, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team culture;
• Guide the development of numerical models for coastal processes (waves, currents, water levels, sediment transport, etc.) and interpret results for design and planning;
• Contribute to the preparation of high‑quality technical reports, presentations, and proposals;
• Lead or support business development activities including client relationship management, proposal preparation, and pursuit strategy; and
• Represent CBCL at professional conferences, workshops, and industry forums.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• A postgraduate degree (master’s or PhD) in coastal engineering, oceanography, or a related field from an accredited university;
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in coastal infrastructure design, numerical modelling, and coastal process studies, including project management responsibilities;
• Registered as or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada;
• Proven experience leading and delivering multi‑disciplinary projects, with strong understanding of both technical and commercial project drivers;
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to manage teams and client relationships effectively;
• Proficiency with coastal and marine modelling software (e.g., SWAN, MIKE21, Delft3D, XBeach, DFLOW‑FM) and data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, etc.); and
• Ability to implement innovative, evidence‑based solutions and manage competing priorities in a dynamic work environment.

You are welcome to apply even if you don’t meet all the requirements.

Additional skills and experience that will make you stand out:

• Experience working along diverse coastlines such as the Atlantic, Great Lakes, Arctic, or tropical regions;
• Valid passport or ability to readily obtain one;
• French and/or Spanish language capabilities considered a strong asset;
• Willingness and ability to travel to CBCL offices and job sites throughout Canada and internationally;
• Valid Driver’s License; and
• Reliability clearance or ability to obtain it.

What we can offer you:

• A competitive compensation package effective on your first day of employment:
  • Comprehensive health and dental benefits
  • CAAT Defined Benefit Pension Plan with employer contributions
  • Generous vacation allowance commensurate with experience
• Maternity or Parental leave top‑up
• Health spending account
• Wellness incentive
• Membership dues reimbursement
• Education and lifelong learning subsidization
• Community volunteering incentive
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Public transit subsidy

In addition to the above benefits, we offer:

• Flexible hours and locations to support work/life balance, including hybrid options;
• Ability to work paid overtime and bank time‑in‑lieu for future use;
• Diverse team with a wide range of experience and expertise;
• Exposure to a variety of projects;
• Support to develop skills and pursue projects related to your own interests;
• Collaboration between multiple disciplines and levels of expertise;
• Mentoring opportunities to foster your personal and professional development;
• Accessible and central offices in Atlantic Canada and Ottawa;
• Access to training opportunities in areas ranging from technical development to leadership skills;

About Us

At CBCL our purpose is to create a positive and lasting impact on people and our planet. As an employee‑owned firm, at CBCL, our people are everything. We are committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity for a workplace where everyone can thrive, and we build long‑term relationships with our clients while providing them with innovative solutions.

We have earned recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. Our multitalented group of professionals offer consulting in the Infrastructure, Water and Wastewater, Buildings, Industrial, and Earth and Environment sectors. We value our people, our communities, and our history and look forward to continuing our steady growth.

Along with our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint corporately, CBCL develops and implements sustainable engineering solutions that respect the current social and environmental impacts, as well as future implications of our designs.

CBCL operates from its offices in Halifax and Sydney, NS; Charlottetown, PE; Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton, NB; St. John’s, NL, and Ottawa, ON.

CBCL Limited strives to provide a diverse workplace that is inclusive, accessible and celebrates individuals and what makes us unique. We are proud to be an employer partner with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for all. If you require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment or interview process, or while working with us, please email [e-mail]. We will work with you to meet your needs in a respectful and timely manner.

Our goal is to ensure every candidate has a fair opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. We value diverse perspectives and are dedicated to removing barriers that may prevent individuals from thriving in their roles.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those applicants who are selected to interview will be contacted.