AVP, Dams Engineering Practice Leader (Southern California)

AECOM • Orange, CA

4d

About The Position

Join AECOM as the AVP, Dams Engineering Practice Leader for our West Region Water Business Line, and take the lead in advancing dam and hydropower projects across the Southern California Region. You’ll drive transformative initiatives that enhance water reliability, resilience, and sustainability—partnering with public agencies and industry leaders to deliver solutions that protect communities and power progress for generations to come. This is an opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a growing practice, mentor top engineering talent, and play a visible role in strengthening the region’s most critical water infrastructure. Your leadership will help define how innovation, safety, and technical excellence come together to meet the evolving challenges of the future. With a proud history spanning over 85 years and thousands of successful projects, our expertise in dam and reservoir engineering is unmatched. From feasibility studies to design, construction, and maintenance, we cover every aspect of the process, ensuring the longevity and safety of critical water infrastructure. As part of our team, you'll contribute to our legacy, bringing innovative solutions to life and making a meaningful impact on global water resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree + 10 years of experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership

Nice To Haves

• Master's (MS) or Doctorate (PhD) in Engineering. Civil, Structural, Geotechnical, or a related field is preferred.
• Extensive and proven knowledge of dams and hydropower markets, trends, and clients.
• 15+ years dams and hydropower industry technical and leadership experience.
• 5 years of experience leading projects, client accounts, or business development initiatives.
• Strong reputation in the industry through participation in USSD, ASDSO, or related industry organizations.
• Ability to broad scan other water related end markets and to assist in strategy development.
• Agile response to fast paced, complex work environment and organizational change.
• Proven ability to deliver projects and foster collaboration across geographies, disciplines, and business lines.

Responsibilities

• Dams practice and business development lead with region.
• Serve as a program manager, project manager, or technical lead, directing teams on major dams and hydropower projects and programs.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams to the successful completion of the project, focusing on client communication and delivery.
• Lead the pursuit of major dam and hydropower projects in Southern California leading major proposals, and engaging with clients.
• Support senior leaders in the development of business strategies for dams and hydropower in these regions based on market trends and identify and pursue opportunities within the business line and adjacent sectors.
• Lead client-facing activities to develop business with existing clients and win work with new clients, build strong relationships with clients, teaming partners, industry groups, and stakeholders related to the market sector.
• Develop strategies and capture plans for major pursuits, aligning with AECOM’s business development strategies and technical capabilities.
• Coordinate project opportunities with the Dams & Hydropower Division Manager and Growth Lead, and senior project managers within the Water Business Line.
• Maintain regular interaction with clients to ensure satisfaction with AECOM services and engage with project delivery personnel to proactively address client feedback on team performance.
• Coordinate with AECOM's Technical Practice Leads and Division Managers to match team skills with market trends and drive strategic technical leadership hires.

Benefits

• AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options , well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees