Principal Ports and Maritime Planner

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.

The Principal Ports and Maritime Planner will serve as a senior technical and strategic leader responsible for advancing port and maritime planning services across key markets, including Florida, Texas, and broader U.S. growth regions. This role will lead planning studies, master plans, and feasibility analyses while supporting business development and client engagement efforts.

Your role 

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.

Rewards & benefits 

At AtkinsRéalis, our values—Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence—are more than just words. They are the foundation of who we are and how we work. These principles shape our culture, guide our decisions, and inspire us to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact. 

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 absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits. You can review our comprehensive benefits page here.  

About AtkinsRéalis 

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