Senior Project Director – Tunnels & Underground Infra

COWI; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 240,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangement

5 weeks vacation

Floating holidays

401K contributions

Medical insurance

Job summary

COWI seeks a Project Director – Tunnels and Underground Infrastructure in California. Lead the design and delivery of complex tunnel projects, manage budgets and schedules, and guide multi-disciplinary teams across public and private clients.

Hybrid work with strong emphasis on client relationships and business development. The role requires a CA-licensed PE, 18+ years in tunnel delivery, and fluency in managing large-scale projects in California, including D&B and alternative delivery methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering; Master’s preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California required.
• Demonstrated leadership of tunnel projects as Project Manager/Director in California.
• Experience with D&B Contractors, public clients, and agencies in California.
• Seller-doer capability with business development and pursuits.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex multi-disciplinary tunnel and underground infrastructure projects for public and private clients across California.
• Oversee all phases of technical delivery: conceptual design through construction support.
• Build and maintain relationships with public agencies, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Support business development with market directors, proposals, and client engagement.
• Provide technical leadership across tunnel projects and ensure high-quality delivery.
• Manage project teams and budgets (> $100M) with schedule and quality controls.
• Coordinate with internal centers of excellence and ensure compliance and permitting.
• Mentor staff and promote a culture of high-quality delivery.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

PE license CA

Tunneling experience

Civil engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Geotechnical/Structural Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

COWI seeks a Project Director – Tunnels and Underground Infrastructure in California. Lead the design and delivery of complex tunnel projects, manage budgets and schedules, and guide multi-disciplinary teams across public and private clients.

Hybrid work with strong emphasis on client relationships and business development. The role requires a CA-licensed PE, 18+ years in tunnel delivery, and fluency in managing large-scale projects in California, including D&B and alternative delivery methods.