Brian A. Caufield, PE, CFM, PMP, BC.​CE

“I get inspiration from my teammates,” says Brian Caufield, a coastal engineer with over two decades of experience. “I want to ensure that others and I are doing our best so that we all succeed.”

As CDM Smith’s discipline leader for coastal systems resilience, Brian specializes in hydro­dy­namic modeling, flushing studies, wave trans­for­ma­tion, coastal structure design and sediment transport. He is proudest of the work he does for FEMA after natural disasters. “When you spend your days walking amongst debris, you get to interact with survivors and understand the resilience of a community and also work on making that community stronger in the future,” he says.

His favorite part of the job is working with junior staff. “At one point in my academic career, I found teaching to be rewarding and thought I might end up at a university as a professor. I have found that same reward as I work with junior staff,” he says. “I find time to mentor whenever I can and find teaching moments within each project and conver­sa­tion that I have.”

Brian started his career with a boutique costal numerical modeling firm but tran­si­tioned to CDM Smith wondering what “big” engineering was like. “I realized that while CDM Smith does larger projects, the firm still has qualities of a small business,” he says. “CDM Smith truly has a commitment to hire for careers, not jobs. I have a sense of purpose here and that is to increase the resilience of our clients to coastal hazards.”