Associate Project Director, Tunnel, for COWI in North America

About the role

To support the growth of our tunneling sector on the West Coast, we are seeking an Associate Project Director, Tunnels, to help manage project delivery while enabling us to explore new opportunities across California. You will join a globally recognized tunnel team that has contributed to landmark projects such as the Second Avenue Subway in New York and Fraser River Tunnel in Vancouver, bringing deep expertise and credibility to complex underground infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex tunnel and underground infrastructure projects, ensuring performance across scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk management
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and stakeholders, particularly within California public agencies and heavy civil infrastructure sectors
• Contribute to business development as a seller-doer by identifying opportunities, supporting proposals, and helping grow the tunnel pipeline across the West Coast
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, aligning technical expertise and resources while providing leadership through clear direction and indirect people management
• Provide technical leadership across tunnel projects, including bored tunnels, immersed tubes, trenchless methods, slurry walls, and related underground structures
• Support team development and delivery excellence by mentoring staff and ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and project management standards

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering (Master’s preferred) with 15+ years of experience in tunnel and underground infrastructure project delivery
• A Professional Engineer (PE) license in California (required), with technical credibility in tunneling and heavy civil works
• Demonstrated experience leading tunnel projects as a Project Manager or Project Director, with an established presence and credibility in the California market, particularly Los Angeles / Long Beach
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex, multidisciplinary underground projects, with full accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and commercial performance within California public works frameworks
• Technical expertise across tunneling methods, including bored tunnels, immersed tubes, trenchless technologies, slurry walls, and underground structures
• Extensive client relationship management experience, including working with public agencies, supporting contract negotiations, managing risk, and delivering high client satisfaction
• Demonstrated success in financial and commercial performance, including managing margins and securing follow-on work
• Experience operating in a seller-doer capacity, contributing to business development, supporting pursuits, helping grow the tunnel sector on the West Coast, and mentoring and coordinating project teams

Skills

You believe that leadership growth comes from setting a clear and meaningful direction for your team and supporting them in taking ownership of their work. You delegate responsibility, ensure open and safe dialogue, and coach your people to achieve their aspirations through constructive, fact-based feedback. Attracting and nurturing a diverse group of high-potential team members is a priority, as is creating an inclusive, caring, and trusting culture.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangement
• Top-up parental and childbirth recovery leave
• 5 weeks vacation to start (for full-time hires)
• Floating holiday to celebrate employee diversity
• Paid sick leave
• Annual fitness subsidy (usable for ski passes, yoga, gym memberships, etc.)
• 401K contribution matching with generous company match
• Personal and professional development fund
• Parking or public transit allowance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 80% employer-paid premiums
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• Referral incentive program
• Frequent social events

Pay

Base compensation: $160,800 to $240,000 for Long Beach, San Diego, and Oakland. Actual compensation is subject to variations due to education, experience, skill set, and location.

Schedule

Regular, full-time hybrid position.