Lead Waterfront Engineer/Project Manager

The Foth Companies; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Bonus Potential

Job summary

The Foth Companies is seeking a Lead Waterfront/Marine Structural Engineer & Project Manager to lead the planning, design, and delivery of waterfront infrastructure from Detroit, MI anchored locally with nationwide impact. This role requires strong leadership, a PE license or path to licensure, and the ability to manage multi‑regional projects.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams, and drive business development in the Great Lakes region while delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, ocean, or structural engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of engineering experience with 7+ years in structural engineering.
• Experience developing construction documents (plans and specs).
• Professional Engineer license or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead and engineer-of-record for waterfront projects nationwide.
• Plan, analyze, and design marine structures including piers and bulkheads.
• Develop construction documents and oversee engineering calculations.
• Manage projects, including scope, schedule, and budget.
• Lead client development and strengthen Detroit market presence.

Skills

Engineering experience

Project management

Construction management

Regulatory familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Ocean, or Structural Engineering

Job description

Foth is a 100% member-owned science and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Wisconsin, with over 85 years of success. Our 750 members across 33 locations are dedicated to solving our clients’ toughest science and engineering challenges. Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based, collaborative, and flexible work environment with professional growth opportunities. If you thrive working alongside a smart and caring team, Foth may be the place for you.

Join our team and experience the Foth difference that contributes to our impressive 92+% member retention rate! Learn more at foth.com/careers.

Foth is seeking a Lead Waterfront/Marine Structural Engineer & Project Manager to support and grow our Ports, Harbors, and Waterfront practice in Detroit, MI. This role will serve as a technical and project delivery leader on waterfront and marine infrastructure projects across the United States, including the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts as well as the Great Lakes while playing a key role in expanding Foth’s presence in the Great Lakes market.

The successful candidate will lead the planning, design, and delivery of waterfront, marine, and coastal infrastructure projects nationwide, including ports and terminals, piers, wharves, bulkheads, berthing and mooring systems, and shoreline protection systems. While the role offers exposure to projects across multiple regions of the country, the position will be anchored in Detroit, with a strong emphasis on local market growth, client development, and bolstering Foth in the region.

This position will work closely with Foth’s existing Great Lakes’s Ports and Harbors team to help establish strengthen local client relationships, and support project delivery nationally.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Engineering

• Serve as technical lead and engineer-of-record for waterfront, marine, and coastal structural engineering projects nationwide
• Lead the planning, analysis, and design of marine structures including piers, wharves, dolphins, bulkheads, seawalls, revetments, and related infrastructure
• Perform and oversee coastal analysis, load development, structural modeling, and engineering calculations
• Develop, review, and oversee construction documents, including plans, specifications, and technical reports
• Maintain working knowledge of regulations and codes affecting waterfront infrastructure, with familiarity of local environments
• Proactively identify and help implement new design tools, analysis methods, and execution technologies relevant to marine and waterfront engineering

Project Management & Delivery

• Serve as Project Manager on select projects, responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and quality
• Support and manage projects across multiple regions, including the Northeast, Southeast, California, and Midwest
• Coordinate with internal multidisciplinary teams including coastal, geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction services
• Develop project work plans, staffing plans, schedules, and budgets in collaboration with discipline leads
• Monitor project performance, financials, and risks throughout project execution
• Support construction-phase services including shop drawing review, RFIs, inspections, and on‑site construction support

Detroit Market Growth

• Help grow Foth’s waterfront and marine presence in the Detroit and greater Great Lakes region, while leveraging experience from national projects
• Assist with local and national business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, supporting pursuits, and developing proposals
• Build and maintain relationships with public agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, industrial clients, and private developers
• Represent Foth at industry events, client meetings, and professional organizations in the Detroit region and nationally as appropriate

Leadership, Mentorship & Collaboration

• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers within the waterfront/marine structural discipline
• Support development of standard work practices, design guides, and technical resources for the discipline
• Collaborate with Foth’s Technical Competency Leaders to strengthen firmwide technical excellence
• Lead and participate in technical and client‑facing presentations for both national and local audiences

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Ocean, or Structural Engineering
• Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience, with a background in structural, coastal, mechanical, or environmental engineering, including at least 7 years focused specifically on structural engineering in feasibility, design, and/or construction management
• Experience with developing construction documents including plans and specifications
• Professional Engineer License (or ability to obtain within 12 months)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
• 15+ years of experience with an engineering consulting firm, with emphasis on waterfront, marine, coastal, or port infrastructure
• Experience serving in Project Manager or Task Manager roles on multi‑disciplinary projects
• Professional experience with regulatory frameworks across the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and/or West Coast
• Existing professional relationships with port authorities, public agencies, or waterfront clients
• Ability to obtain PE licensure in additional jurisdictions by comity

All Foth Companies are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. All locations are tobacco‑free. Subject to applicable state law, all applicants who have received a written offer of employment and a copy of Foth’s Drug and Alcohol‑Free Workplace Program Policy, will be required to undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances. Applicants must complete the required drug testing within two business days of offer acceptance. Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical laboratory that follows testing requirements in accordance with applicable state law.

Colorado Residents:

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age‑identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Artificial Intelligence: Foth uses artificial intelligence and other technology‑assisted tools in connection with parts of our recruiting and hiring process, including to assist with reviewing application materials, identifying potentially qualified candidates, sourcing candidates, and supporting interview preparation. These tools are used to support, but do not replace, human decision‑making, and all employment decisions are made by qualified human reviewers. Where required by law, we will provide additional information regarding the use of these tools, and applicants may contact us with questions or request reasonable accommodation regarding their use.

The base compensation listed for this job posting reflects a general range for the posted position. Base compensation will vary based on factors such as: years of experience, location, level of responsibility and licenses/certifications. In addition to base compensation, Foth members may be eligible to receive bonuses through our Earned Performance Incentive program. All employees are eligible for On‑the‑Spot bonuses. Exempt members are also eligible for either quarterly and/or annual bonuses. Eligible full‑time and part‑time members will be offered medical, dental, vision insurance, employee assistance program, disability, retirement, holiday pay, paid time off, and several other voluntary benefits. Please reach out to the recruiting team to discuss any specific benefits or compensation questions.

Note: In some situations, we may consider an alternative position based on your skill set and experience. This may result in a different compensation range.