West Coast Water Infrastructure Director

COWI A/S; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 161,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangement

Parental and childbirth recovery leave

5 weeks vacation to start

Floating holiday

Paid sick leave

Fitness subsidy

401K contribution matching

Development fund

Transit allowance

Insurance benefits

Job summary

COWI is seeking an Associate Project Director, Water Infrastructure, to lead major California projects and help expand our West Coast presence. You will manage delivery of complex water resources programs, collaborating with senior engineers and public agencies.

This role emphasizes leadership, client relationships, and strategic growth in the Los Angeles / Long Beach market. Requirements include a PE license or the ability to obtain one in California, a civil/structural engineering background,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; 15+ years in water infrastructure and heavy civil projects (CA).
• Professional Engineer license (or ability to obtain in California).
• Experience leading complex infrastructure projects as PM/PD with LA/Long Beach presence.
• Experience with CA public water agencies, contract negotiations, and client satisfaction.
• Proven track record in managing project margins, risk, and follow-on work.
• Seller-doer capable of growing West Coast business.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex water infrastructure projects, ensuring performance across scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk management
• Build relationships with California public water agencies and position for repeat work
• Contribute to business development and grow pipeline across the Los Angeles / Long Beach market
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, aligning resources and providing direction
• Provide technical oversight across water and heavy civil projects, including conveyance systems, hydraulic structures, flood control, and dams
• Mentor and support team while ensuring compliance with quality standards, project controls and governance
• Engage with North America and global teams to ensure company success

Skills

Civil Engineering

Structural Engineering

Water Infrastructure

Project Leadership

Client Relationships

Financial Performance

Seller-Doer

Education

Bachelor's in Civil/Structural Eng

PE license

Job description

COWI is seeking an Associate Project Director, Water Infrastructure, to lead major California projects and help expand our West Coast presence. You will manage delivery of complex water resources programs, collaborating with senior engineers and public agencies.

This role emphasizes leadership, client relationships, and strategic growth in the Los Angeles / Long Beach market. Requirements include a PE license or the ability to obtain one in California, a civil/structural engineering background,