Principal Project Manager Ports & Maritime

About the role

The Ports & Maritime team at Mott MacDonald delivers complex, high-profile infrastructure projects that keep global trade moving and help coastal communities thrive. This role involves leading the delivery of major ports and maritime engineering/design projects across Southern California and North America.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of large, complex ports and maritime infrastructure design projects, ensuring successful outcomes for scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety.
• Led 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.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, or equivalent.
• 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.

Benefits & Reward

• Comprehensive benefit package including 401k, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term/long-term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and company paid life insurance.
• Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.
• The expected salary range for this position is $169,000 - $207,000 in Los Angeles, CA and $167,000 - $204,000 in San Diego, CA.

Collaboration at Our Core

Mott MacDonald believes 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 client, team, and personal commitments.

EEO Statement

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. 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. Location(s): Los Angeles, CA, US Contract Type: Regular (US only) Work Pattern: Full Time Market: Transport Discipline: Maritime Job Ref: 15669 Recruiter Contact: Heather Yawger