A graduate from Tulane University of New Orleans' School of Engineering in 1974, Don Barnes is a licensed PE in seven states. He has worked with J. Ray McDermott, Lanier & Associates, and River Consulting and has been a principal in Silverton Construction and Sperry Ocean Dock giving him a unique perspective as an engineer, contractor and owner of marine facilities.

Established in 1988, Barnes Engineering's client list includes the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration, ADM Growmark, Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Bunge Corporation, Maersk Lines, Crowley Maritime, Keystone Shipping, Tote Services, Lone Star Cement, Sundown Energy, Bollinger Shipyards, Signal International, Blackwater Midstream and many others.