Lead Waterfront Engineer/Project Manager

Foth; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Foth is seeking a Lead Waterfront/Marine Structural Engineer & Project Manager in Detroit, MI. The role involves leading design and delivery of waterfront and coastal infrastructure projects across the US. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of engineering experience, a Bachelor’s degree and a PE license. Compensation ranges from $110,000 to $180,000, with eligibility for bonuses and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience in structural design and construction management.
• Experience with developing construction documents including plans and specifications.
• Professional Engineer License (or ability to obtain within 12 months).

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead for structural engineering projects nationwide.
• Lead planning and design of marine structures.
• Oversee construction documents and engineering calculations.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams across regions.
• Support business development efforts for waterfront projects.

Skills

Technical lead in engineering

Project management

Coastal analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

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

Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Job description

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.

This position will work closely with Foth’s Great Lakes Ports and Harbors team to help establish and strengthen local client relationships, support project delivery nationally, and achieve growth in Detroit and the greater Great Lakes region.

Key Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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 proposed solutions
• 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
• 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

Compensation & Benefits

$110,000 - $180,000 a year. 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.

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.