Mooring & Metocean Engineer

Location: New York, NY; Houston, TX; Boca Raton, FL; Tacoma, WA

Department: Coastal/Marine Design

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Mooring & Metocean Engineer to join our growing coastal and marine engineering consultancy. This role is a key addition to our expertise in ports, coastal infrastructure, marine operations, and the rapidly evolving offshore wind sector.

If you’re an engineer who thrives on applying analytical tools and physical principles to solve real-world marine challenges, this is an excellent opportunity for you. You won’t just be running software; you’ll be applying a deep understanding of marine physics to bridge the gap between theoretical data and real-world structural integrity.

What You Will Do

Working within a multidisciplinary team with structural engineers, naval architects, and other specialists, you will deliver complex marine infrastructure projects through the following functions:

• Mooring & Berthing: Lead dynamic mooring analyses for ports and coastal terminals. You will also support our structural team by calculating forces from wind, waves, currents, and vessel impacts. This involves not just analyzing but also designing and optimizing mooring systems for various vessel types and environmental conditions.
• Port Development: Conduct underkeel clearance and squat studies to optimize access channels and develop operational forecast systems.
• Navigation Support: Provide critical metocean data and vessel characteristics for navigation simulations, including attending in-person sessions at simulator facilities.
• Risk Assessment: Perform navigation risk assessments to ensure seamless, safe port operations.
• Data Analysis: Interpret and analyze complex metocean data sets derived from both field measurements and numerical modeling.

What You Will Bring

As the ideal candidate, you are able to balance advanced technical proficiency with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.

• Bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, offshore/ocean engineering, or applied mathematics.
• 6+ years of relevant engineering experience in the marine/offshore industry.
• Proven proficiency in conducting dynamic mooring analyses for ships and/or offshore structures.
• Advanced analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar programming environments.
• Exceptional verbal and written skills. You have the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for clients and internal teams.
• A willingness and ability to travel (typically 1–2-week periods, potentially longer) both domestically and internationally to support project needs.

We’ll Meet You Where You’re At

We believe that great engineering isn't tethered to a single desk. This position is open to candidates working from any of our U.S.-based locations, offering you the flexibility to grow your career while maintaining the work-life balance that suits you best. Since some of the work may deal with U.S. government CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) data, you must have U.S. citizenship or permanent residence to work in this role.

We are committed to an inclusive, accessible recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

About the Company

You Belong at Baird

At W.F. Baird, you’re never just a number, you’re part of a global team that values your voice, ideas, and growth. For 40+ years, we have combined the stability of an established and trusted firm with the creativity of a niche engineering company, working where water meets land to design and deliver solutions that protect coastlines, strengthen ports, restore ecosystems, and more.

With offices across North America, the Caribbean, South America, and Australia, we offer global impact with a welcoming, people first culture. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, room to grow, and the chance to make waves alongside other talented people who share your passion.