Principal Project Manager Ports & Maritime

Principal Project Manager

At Mott Mac Donald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of all our sectors in North America, including Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water.

We believe in empowering our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work. Join us and be part of a collaborative environment where your ambitions are united with ours, and you can truly shape your story.

At Mott Mac Donald, 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 Mac Donald'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 Mac Donald 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, Micro Station, 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 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…