Senior Coastal Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 client, a specialist consultancy in marine and coastal engineering, seeks a Senior Coastal Engineer to join their Richards Bay team. You will design and manage coastal protection, port development, and marine infrastructure projects, from site investigations to construction supervision.

Ideal candidate has deep knowledge of wave mechanics, sediment transport, coastal hydrodynamics, environmental considerations, and is ready to lead multidisciplinary teams in KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Coastal Engineering or allied field.
• Pr. Eng. registration with ECSA is required.
• 8+ years in coastal and marine engineering.
• Experience with coastal processes, wave modeling and sediment transport.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of coastal structures (breakwaters, seawalls, revetments).
• Model coastal hydrodynamics and morphology for projects.
• Develop designs for ports, dredging and marine infra.
• Prepare detailed reports, specs and tender documents.
• Oversee site investigations including bathymetric surveys.

Skills

Coastal engineering

Wave modeling

Sediment transport

Project management

Team leadership

Report writing

Education

Master's degree in Coastal Engineering

Tools

Delft3D

Mike 21

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialist consultancy in marine and coastal engineering, is seeking a Senior Coastal Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical for the design and management of coastal protection, port development, and marine infrastructure projects. You will be involved in everything from site investigations and numerical modeling to detailed design and construction supervision. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of wave mechanics, sediment transport, coastal hydrodynamics, and environmental considerations. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to vital projects along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline and advance your career in a specialized field.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the investigation, analysis, and design of coastal structures such as breakwaters, seawalls, and revetments.
• Conduct hydrodynamic and morphological modeling for coastal processes.
• Develop designs for port facilities, dredging, and other marine infrastructure.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and tender documents.
• Oversee site investigations, including bathymetric surveys and geotechnical sampling.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams and clients.
• Manage project budgets and schedules for coastal engineering projects.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable engineering practices in Richards Bay.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Coastal Engineering, Civil Engineering (with a coastal focus), or a related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Pr. Eng. is required.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in coastal and marine engineering.
• Proven expertise in coastal processes, wave modeling, and sediment transport analysis.
• Proficiency with relevant software such as Delft3D, Mike 21, or similar.
• Experience in project management and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of environmental impact assessment for coastal projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Contribution to a reputable company with significant projects in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Opportunities for professional development and international exposure.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and pension.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment with a focus on technical excellence.