Principal Project Manager Ports & Maritime

At Mott MacDonald, we are driven by purpose and powered by brilliant people. As a trusted engineering, management, and development consultancy, we work with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes that make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.

When you join us as an experienced professional, you will bring your expertise to work that matters while continuing to grow your career. You will collaborate with talented colleagues across disciplines and geographies, contribute your perspective, and help shape better outcomes through technical excellence, innovation, and integrity.

Build on your experience while helping shape what comes next. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside talented people on complex and rewarding projects that make a real difference. We value fresh perspectives, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and grow your career. Whether you're deepening your technical expertise, broadening your leadership experience, or exploring new opportunities across our business, you'll be supported by a team that is committed to helping you succeed.

At Mott MacDonald, our Ports & Maritime team delivers complex, high-profile infrastructure projects that keep global trade moving and help coastal communities thrive. Working with port authorities, terminal operators, public agencies, and private developers, we provide innovative design and project management solutions across marine terminals (container, dry bulk, liquid bulk, RoRo, Mixed Cargo), marine structures, waterfront developments, dredging, coastal resilience, and maritime transportation infrastructure.

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 project outcomes and support the continued growth of our Ports & Maritime practice in this region.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of large, complex ports and maritime infrastructure design projects, ensuring successful outcomes for scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety.
• Lead civil engineering and design for port clients across a broad spectrum of assets both on and off terminals.
• Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams including civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, architecture and other disciplines 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 effective project controls, contract administration, risk management, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Apply industry and market expertise to identify opportunities, support growth strategies, and strengthen Mott MacDonald's presence 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 demonstrating positive safety leadership.
• Champion PRIDE Values, Our Code, and Inclusion & Diversity by embedding inclusive practices and fostering a culture of belonging.

Candidate Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, or equal.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; California registration preferred.
• Strong technical proficiency in civil engineering design, analysis, and project delivery, with hands-on experience using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, Bluebeam, and other industry-standard civil engineering 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 infrastructure clients.
• Strong technical knowledge of port development, marine structures, terminal infrastructure, waterfront facilities, dredging, and coastal resilience.
• Experience in working with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for plan check and permitting of design packages
• Familiarity with municipal, regional and state codes, regulations and requirements associated with civil engineering design including storm water, sewer, water distribution systems, earthwork, fire suppression, ground water and other similar civil engineering related assets.
• Demonstrated 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 key industry trends, including port modernization, sustainability, electrification, decarbonization, and climate resilience.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, negotiation, and client-facing skills, with the ability to act as a trusted advisor.
• Proven business development acumen and the ability to grow client relationships and market presence.
• Commitment to technical excellence, innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and sustainability.
• PMP certification and involvement in professional organizations such as ASCE COPRI, PIANC, AAPA, or WTS are desirable.

Bring your expertise, curiosity, and drive to make a difference. If you are ready to join a collaborative consultancy where your perspective is valued, your growth is supported, and you are empowered to lead with integrity, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits & Rewards

The expected salary for this position is $169,000 - $207,000

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

In addition to base salary, Mott MacDonald offers performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, giving employees a direct connection to our success.

Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support the health, wellbeing, financial security, and professional growth of our employees. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, FSA and HSA accounts, company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a competitive 401(k) plan with company matching. We also provide paid time off, paid holidays, caregiver leave, employee referral bonuses, professional registration and membership reimbursements, and tuition assistance to support continued learning and career development.

Collaboration at Our Core

At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we're together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet clients, team, and personal commitments.

Equal opportunity is the law.

We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

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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.