Principal Project Manager Ports & Maritime

At Mott MacDonald, 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.

If you share that vision, even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we’d still love to hear from you. We value potential and diverse perspectives as much as experience. Let’s explore how we can support your growth and help you take the next step in your career, while contributing to an exciting new chapter for Mott MacDonald in North America.

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.

Benefits & Reward

At Mott MacDonald, our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, providing them with a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. We provide a comprehensive benefit package that includes 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 for this position is the following

Los Angeles $169,000- $207,000

San Diego $167,000- $204,000

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 client, 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.

• 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.