Lead Waterfront Engineer/Project ManagerStructuralDetroit, Michigan

Olsen Associates has joined Foth; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Foth invites an experienced Lead Waterfront/Marine Structural Engineer & Project Manager to join its Detroit waterfront practice. You will lead technical efforts on marine structures nationwide, oversee design and documentation, and drive project delivery across multiple regions.

The role emphasizes mentorship, collaboration with cross‑disciplinary teams, and growth of Foth’s presence in the Great Lakes region, with a hybrid work model in Detroit, MI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, ocean, or structural engineering required.
• Minimum 10 years in engineering with 7+ years in structural engineering, feasibility/design/construction management.
• PE license or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and act as engineer‑of‑record for waterfront, marine, and coastal projects nationwide.
• Lead design of piers, wharves, seawalls, and related waterfront infrastructure; perform analyses and prepare reports.
• Manage projects: scope, schedule, budget, risk; coordinate with internal multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Waterfront engineering

Project management

Team leadership

Education

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

Job description

Lead Waterfront Engineer/Project Manager

Detroit, Michigan

Structural / Full Time Exempt / Hybrid

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.

We are 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 nationwide, while playing a key role in expanding Foth’s presence in the Great Lakes market.

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

$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. 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.

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.

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.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters/Agencies:

Foth does not accept unsolicited resumes from third‑party recruiting firms. Absent a signed recruiting agreement coordinated through Foth, Foth reserves the right to pursue and hire candidates without financial obligation to third‑party recruiters or agencies.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.