Principal Project Manager Ports & Maritime

Mott MacDonald; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 167,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Paid holidays

PTO

Parental leave

Company-paid life insurance

Job summary

Mott MacDonald is seeking a Principal Project Manager in Southern California to lead high-impact port and maritime projects across North America. The role combines leadership of design, client relationship management, and business development to grow the Ports & Maritime practice.

Based in Southern California with a hybrid work model, you will guide multidisciplinary teams, ensure outcomes across scope, schedule, and budget, and foster innovation and sustainable solutions for complex coastal

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or equivalent.
• PE license required; California registration preferred.
• 15+ years of port/maritime or heavy civil project delivery experience.
• Experience with AHJ plan checks and permitting.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of large ports and maritime infrastructure projects across multiple phases.
• Lead civil design for port clients across assets on and off terminals.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams across planning, design, procurement, and construction phases.
• Build and maintain client relationships with port authorities and operators.
• Lead major pursuits including proposals and business development.
• Drive project controls, risk management, and contract administration.

Skills

Civil engineering design

Project management

Leadership

Client relationship management

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Civil or Structural Engineering

Master's degree preferred

PE license

California registration preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MicroStation

Bluebeam

Job description

Overview

At Mott MacDonald, we deliver engineering, management, and development services across multiple sectors in over 150 countries. As a large employee-owned company, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional outcomes through our network of consultants, with a focus on sustainability and innovation in North America, including Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water.

We empower our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work. Join us in a collaborative environment where ambitions are united with ours, shaping your story.

Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Project Manager to lead the delivery of major ports and maritime engineering/design projects across Southern California and North America. Based in Southern California, you will combine project leadership, design delivery, client relationship management, business development, and team leadership to drive successful outcomes and grow our Ports & Maritime practice in this region.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of large, complex ports and maritime infrastructure design projects, ensuring outcomes for scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety.
• Lead civil engineering and design for port clients across assets on and off terminals.
• Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams across planning, design, procurement, and construction phases of marine terminals, waterfront developments, marine structures, dredging, coastal infrastructure, and resilience projects.
• Build and maintain trusted client relationships with port authorities, terminal operators, transportation agencies, developers, and contractors.
• Lead major pursuits, including proposals, qualifications, interviews, and strategic business development activities as needed.
• Drive commercial performance through project controls, contract administration, risk management, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Apply industry and market expertise to identify opportunities and support growth strategies in the Ports & Maritime sector.
• Foster technical excellence, innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across project teams.
• Promote collaboration across disciplines, offices, and regions to deliver integrated solutions and exceptional client service.
• Represent Mott MacDonald at industry events, client engagements, and professional organizations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, fostering accountability, inclusion, and professional growth.
• Lead and promote safety and wellbeing culture, ensuring compliance with established processes and positive safety leadership.
• Champion PRIDE Values, Our Code, and Inclusion & Diversity by embedding inclusive practices and fostering belonging.

Candidate Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, or equivalent.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; California registration preferred.
• Strong technical proficiency in civil engineering design, analysis, and project delivery with familiarity in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, Bluebeam, and similar software.
• 15+ years of experience delivering ports, terminals, maritime, waterfront, coastal, marine, or heavy civil infrastructure design projects.
• Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects through planning, design, and construction.
• Experience working with port authorities, harbor agencies, terminal operators, transportation agencies, and other public or private clients.
• Strong knowledge of port development, marine structures, terminal infrastructure, waterfront facilities, dredging, and coastal resilience.
• Experience with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) plan checks and permitting of design packages.
• Familiarity with municipal, regional, and state codes and requirements related to civil engineering design (stormwater, sewer, water distribution, earthwork, fire suppression, groundwater, etc.).
• Ability to lead winning proposals, pursuits, and client development initiatives.
• Expertise in commercial management, contract administration, project controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Understanding of industry trends including port modernization, sustainability, electrification, decarbonization, and climate resilience.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, negotiation, and client-facing skills; able to act as a trusted advisor.
• Business development acumen to grow client relationships and market presence.
• Commitment to technical excellence, innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and sustainability.
• PMP certification and involvement in professional organizations (e.g., ASCE COPRI, PIANC, AAPA, WTS) are desirable.

Benefits & Reward

We offer performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package including 401k, medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability; paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and company-paid life insurance. Individual pay is determined by location, education, experience, and skills.

Compensation Details

The expected salary for this position includes: Los Angeles: 169,000–207,000; San Diego: 167,000–204,000.

Collaboration at Our Core

We believe great ideas happen when we’re together. Our hybrid approach centers on in-office collaboration with a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection to meet client, team, and personal commitments.

Equal Opportunity

Equal opportunity is the law. We promote fair employment practices and support an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.

Languages

• English version
• Spanish version
• Chinese version

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.