Associate Project Director (Water Infrastructure), for COWI in North America

COWI•San Diego, CA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

To support our growing presence in California, we are seeking an Associate Project Director, Water Infrastructure, to manage the delivery of major projects while contributing to business growth across key clients. You will work closely with senior leadership and technical experts on high-profile projects -including major dam and water conveyance programs such as the Anderson Dam project - while helping position COWI for upcoming pursuits across the Los Angeles / Long Beach region.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master’s preferred) with 15+ years of experience delivering water infrastructure and heavy civil projects, particularly within California
A Professional Engineer (PE) license (or ability to obtain in California), with demonstrated technical credibility across water conveyance, hydraulic structures, flood control, dams, and related infrastructure
Demonstrated experience leading complex infrastructure projects as a Project Manager or Project Director, with an established presence in the Los Angeles / Long Beach market
Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary water infrastructure projects with full accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and commercial performance within California public works frameworks
Demonstrated experience working with California public water agencies (e.g., MWD, SFPUC, DWR), including client relationship management, contract negotiations, and delivering high levels of client satisfaction
Demonstrated success in financial and commercial performance, including managing project margins, mitigating risk, and securing follow-on work and repeat business
Experience operating in a seller-doer capacity, contributing to business development, supporting proposals, growing market presence on the West Coast, and mentoring and coordinating project teams

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Design or CM experience is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end delivery of complex water infrastructure projects, ensuring performance across scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk management
Build and maintain close relationships with California public water agencies (e.g., MWD, SFPUC, DWR), acting as a trusted client partner and positioning for repeat work
Contribute to business development as a seller-doer by identifying opportunities, supporting proposals, and helping grow the pipeline across the Los Angeles / Long Beach market
Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, aligning technical resources and providing direction through guidance with indirect responsibility for team performance
Provide technical oversight across water and heavy civil infrastructure projects, including conveyance systems, hydraulic structures, flood control, and dams (design or CM experience is considered an asset)
Mentor and support team capability while ensuring compliance with quality standards, project controls, and COWI’s delivery and governance frameworks