Principal Ports and Maritime Planner

AtkinsRéalis; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 109,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase

Flexible work options

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis in Houston, TX seeks a Principal Ports and Maritime Planner to lead master planning for ports and intermodal facilities. You will guide feasibility studies, capacity analyses, and capital programs, while coordinating with multi‑disciplinary teams and port authorities.

The role emphasizes client-facing leadership, business development oversight, and the advancement of planning tools and data‑driven methodologies to strengthen port planning capabilities across the firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Maritime/Urban/Transportation Planning or closely related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in ports, maritime, or intermodal planning.
• Experience in port master planning, terminal layout, capacity and operational analysis, and capital program development.
• Experience working with public port authorities and/or terminal operators.
• Strong understanding of port operations, infrastructure, and logistics systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of port master plans, terminal layout, market analysis and capacity assessments.
• Oversee feasibility studies, alternative analyses, and implementation strategies.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and ensure quality delivery of planning reports and models.
• Support RFQs/SOQs and act as client-facing subject matter expert for port authorities and operators.
• Help grow the firm’s port planning capabilities and contribute to market positioning.

Skills

Port planning

Project leadership

Master planning

Feasibility analysis

Data-driven approaches

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Maritime/Urban/Transportation Planning

Master’s degree in planning/engineering (preferred)

Tools

Terminal simulation

Capacity modeling

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Principal Ports and Maritime Planner to join our team in Houston, TX. AtkinsRéalis, one of the ENR top ranked firms for Ports and Marine Facilities, has a longstanding history in Florida, Texas and the rest of the nation with a portfolio of high-profile ports and marine projects.

Technical Leadership

• Lead development of master plans for ports and intermodal facilities, terminal layout and planning studies, market analysis and economic assessment, and capacity/operational analyses for bulk and containerized cargo terminals, cruise and multi‑purpose ports.
• Oversee feasibility studies, alternative analyses, and implementation strategies.
• Integrate planning with engineering, environmental, and infrastructure constraints.
• Develop phasing plans, cost estimates, and capital improvement programs.
• Lead application of digital tools and data‑driven methodologies to enhance port and terminal planning.

Project Delivery

• Serve as Project Manager or Technical Lead for complex planning assignments.
• Ensure quality delivery of planning reports, models, and decision‑support tools.
• Coordinate with multi‑disciplinary teams (civil, structural, environmental, transportation).

Business Development

• Support RFQs/SOQs and capture strategies, particularly for port planning and master plan updates.
• Act as client‑facing subject matter expert for port authorities and terminal operators.
• Identify and develop new planning‑led opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Strategic & Practice Development

• Help grow the firm’s port planning capability and service offerings.
• Contribute to market positioning and thought leadership.
• Responsible for development of internal planning tools and best practices.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Maritime/Urban/Transportation Planning, Economics or closely related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in ports, maritime, or intermodal planning.
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Port master planning and terminal layout development.
  • Capacity and operational analysis.
  • Capital planning and program development.
• Experience working with public port authorities and/or terminal operators.
• Strong understanding of port operations, infrastructure, and logistics systems.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in planning, engineering, or related discipline.
• AICP, ENV SP, and/or similar certification.
• Experience with planning tools/models (e.g., terminal simulation, capacity modeling) and applying data‑driven approaches to master planning and feasibility studies.
• Seller‑doer experience.

Location

• Flexible for highly qualified candidates.

Benefits

Depending on your employment status, AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company‑paid life and short‑ and long‑term disability benefits, employer‑matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, leaves of absence options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits.

Compensation

Expected compensation range is between $109,000 - $181,000 annually depending on skills, experience, and geographical location.

Equal Opportunity

AtkinsRéalis is an equal opportunity, Drug‑Free employer EOE/Veteran/Disability. Please review AtkinsRéalis’ Equal Opportunity Statement.