Associate Technical Director, for COWI in North America 1

COWI•Seattle, WA

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

COWI is seeking an Associate Technical Director to join its North American team in Seattle. The role focuses especially on detailed design for complex bridge types, including cable-stayed, suspension, truss, and arch bridges. The Associate Technical Director will provide technical leadership, manage and develop teams, support project delivery and financial performance, and lead business development and client relationship activities. The position works closely with experts on significant North American projects and requires the ability to work with remotely located staff and travel predominantly within North America. The role includes contributing to technical and business strategy, developing specialist talent and design best practices, managing projects in accordance with COWI’s Quality System, and representing COWI in external professional and business settings. COWI describes its culture as inclusive, caring, trusting, and collaborative, with a focus on sustainability, professional development, and employee well-being.

Requirements

Formal education in structural engineering.
15 or more years of engineering, project management, and business development experience, with a strong emphasis on the design, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of structures.
Experience with a wide range of complex bridge types, including arch, cable-stayed, suspension, and truss bridges.
Professional Engineer status in California.
Active participation in national and international professional societies.
Established experience and reputation with local clients, including government organizations, municipalities, contractors, and engineering partners.
Comprehensive written and oral communication skills.
Ability to prepare proposals and review agreement terms.
Ability to work with remotely located staff and willingness to travel predominantly within North America.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.Eng.) in structural engineering.
Professional engineering licenses in Canadian provinces and other U.S. states.

Responsibilities

Perform project tasks requiring broad or deep knowledge in a field of expertise.
Develop and implement design best practices while maintaining technical excellence.
Lead and manage teams, supporting their development and success in project delivery.
Identify and pursue business opportunities and support the long-term success of project initiatives.
Promote strategic initiatives as delegated by the VP.
Develop technical talent through specialist training programs, advanced training opportunities, and mentoring.
Build and maintain technical networks outside COWI by participating in conferences and publishing or presenting technical papers.
Participate in strategy meetings and contribute to COWI North America and COWI Group strategic priorities.
Contribute to COWI North America meeting or exceeding budgeted financial performance.
Manage assigned projects in accordance with the company’s Quality System.
Manage project schedules, resources, budget controls, and client and subcontractor matters.
Lead business development and marketing, including identifying, tracking, positioning, and pursuing project opportunities.
Represent COWI in external settings, including technical committees, conferences, seminars, professional bodies, and business groups.
Build and use a network of engineering and construction partners to position for transportation projects.
Develop and maintain relationships with specified key clients.
Set clear direction, delegate responsibility, support open dialogue, and coach team members through constructive, fact-based feedback.
Help attract and nurture diverse, high-potential team members and foster an inclusive, caring, and trusting team culture.
Work with remotely located staff and travel predominantly within North America.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangement.
Top-up parental and childbirth recovery leave.
At least four weeks of vacation to start for full-time hires.
Floating holiday to celebrate employee diversity.
Paid sick leave.
Annual fitness subsidy.
401(k) contribution matching with a generous company match.
Personal and professional development fund.
Parking or public transit allowance.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 80% of premiums paid by the employer.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Short-term disability, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance.
Referral incentive program.
Frequent social events.
Competitive salary.