Principal Maritime Engineer

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

Principal Maritime Engineer

Location: Houston, Texas, USA (on site with flexibility)

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About HR Wallingford

Our Maritime and Ships Division is at the center of our maritime consulting work. We apply world‑renowned, state‑of‑the‑art technologies to tackle complex challenges across ports, waterways, and marine environments worldwide.

We are expanding our presence in North America and are seeking a  Principal Level Maritime Engineer to join our Houston‑based team and take a leadership role in our ship navigation and mooring related consultancy projects.

Role Overview

This position requires expertise in project management, scientific analysis, engineering skills, and a strong understanding of the marine environment.

You will be responsible for leading ship navigation simulation and mooring studies using our state-of-the-art ship and tug simulators to assess and improve ship navigation safety and efficiency. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality project outcomes. Effective communication with clients globally will be crucial, as you will need to understand their requirements and deliver solutions that meet their needs. Engaging in innovative research and development activities will support the growth of our ship navigation, mooring and other naval architecture and marine engineering services. Furthermore, you will contribute to business development efforts by procuring and winning new projects as well as cultivating relationships with national and international clients.

Your expertise and leadership will play a vital role in advancing our capabilities and maintaining our position as a leading provider of ship navigation and mooring solutions in the marine industry.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic, international consultancy that works on technically challenging and rewarding maritime projects around the world.

Flexible work arrangements, including partial remote options, may be available depending on experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support ship navigation and mooring simulation studies using advanced simulator technology.


• Develop engineering analyses and recommendations to improve navigational safety and operational efficiency.


• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the organization to deliver high‑quality project outcomes.


• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with clients, stakeholders, and project partners.


• Contribute to research and development activities to advance our maritime engineering capabilities.


• Support business development by identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, and participating in client meetings.


• Represent HR Wallingford at client presentations, technical meetings, and industry events.


• Travel within the U.S. and internationally as project needs require.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related field.


• 10 years of experience in a relevant consulting environment, equivalent professional experience relevant to the role will also be considered


• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months.


• Proven experience of ship navigation, ship mooring, and/or port development engineering or consultancy projects.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage client relationships and respond to time-sensitive issues

• Ability to work independently while collaborating inclusively within multidisciplinary teams.


• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical‑thinking abilities.


• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with federal agencies (e.g., USACE, DoD).


• Experience with programming languages such as Python.


• Experience in business development or client engagement activities.

What We Offer

• Competitive market‑aligned compensation.


• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD insurance and401K plan with company match).


• Paid time off and public holidays.


• Flexible working arrangements to support work–life balance.


• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.


• A supportive, collaborative culture within an international organization that values diversity, innovation, and sustainability.

Further information

• Download a full job description and person specification.


• The closing date for applications is 20^th April 2026

How to apply

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing [email protected]

Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter. 

Additional information

Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.

HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.