Principal Engineering Lead

The Principal Engineering Lead position is responsible for the overall engineering strategy, technical governance, and delivery of all engineering activities for the POLA (Port of Los Angeles) Cruise Terminal Project from FEL2 through EPC execution, commissioning, and handover. Location: This position supports a long-term, multi-phase project across several locations. During the initial phase of the project (estimated to last 2–3 years), employees may either work from our Seattle, WA office or travel from Southern California to the Seattle office at least once per month. For the following phase of the project, candidates must be willing to relocate to or reside near Long Beach, CA. Salary range: $200,000-$250,000yr Relocation available: Yes Acting as SSA Marine's technical authority within an Owner-led Progressive Design-Build (PDB) model, this role ensures the development of a robust, optimized, and constructible technical baseline aligned with project objectives for cost, schedule, operability, and risk. This role oversees the Engineering & Design Criteria Document (DCD) Integrator, ensures engineering maturity at each FEL stage-gate, and drives integration between design, permitting (CEQA/NEPA), procurement, and construction. The role is critical to de-risking the project prior to GMP/Lump Sum conversion and ensuring engineering supports safe and efficient execution. Engineering Governance & Technical Authority: Act as SSA Marine's technical authority for the POLA project across all engineering disciplines. Establish and enforce engineering standards, design criteria, and quality expectations aligned with SSA Marine and industry best practices. Ensure engineering deliverables comply with project requirements, regulatory frameworks, and applicable codes and standards. FEL Stage-Gate Engineering Leadership: Lead engineering activities across FEL2 (Preliminary Engineering), FEL3 (Definition), and EPC execution. Ensure engineering deliverables meet required maturity levels for stage-gate approvals and investment decisions. Support preparation of engineering deliverables for FEL reviews, including design basis, technical reports, cost estimates, and engineering schedules. Apply engineering maturity tools to ensure readiness for execution and procurement. Management of Engineering & DCD Integrator: Direct and manage the Engineering and DCD Integrator as the primary engineering delivery partner. Define scope, priorities, deliverables, and performance expectations. Monitor engineering progress, resource allocation, and deliverable quality across disciplines. Ensure timely development of a fit-for-purpose Design Criteria Document (DCD) to support CEQA and procurement. Integration with Progressive Design-Build (PDB): Ensure alignment between engineering and the Design-Builder during Progressive DB phases. Validate constructability, phasing strategies, and technical solutions with real-time contractor input. Support development of cost estimates and technical inputs required for GMP/Lump Sum negotiations. Ensure engineering decisions support efficient procurement packaging and construction execution. Engineering Planning, Deliverables & Interfaces: Define and manage engineering execution plans, schedules, and deliverable requirements. Ensure timely issuance of engineering documentation to support procurement, fabrication, and construction (IFC readiness). Lead multidisciplinary coordination across civil, structural, marine, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering. Ensure engineering supports operational requirements, maintainability, and lifecycle performance. Technical Interface Management: Lead technical interfaces with: Engineering & DCD Integrator Design Architect - design intent alignment Design builder CEQA/NEPA consultants - environmental inputs POLA stakeholders - regulatory and compliance alignment SSA internal functions (Operations, Procurement, Sustainability, Safety, Technology) Resolve cross-functional and cross-party technical conflicts efficiently. Cost, Value Engineering & Optimization: Own engineering input into CAPEX development, cost estimates, and value engineering initiatives. Drive optimization of design solutions balancing cost, performance, operability, and risk. Prevent overdesign and ensure practical, constructible, and cost-effective solutions. Technical Risk Management & Assurance: Identify, assess, and mitigate technical and design risks across all project phases. Integrate engineering risks into the overall project risk management framework. Lead technical reviews, constructability reviews, and assurance processes. Construction & Execution Readiness: Ensure engineering supports: Construction sequencing Procurement strategy Field execution requirements Coordinate closely with the Construction Manager and Procurement teams to ensure readiness Support resolution of technical issues during construction, commissioning and start-up Continuous Improvement & Knowledge Capture: Capture lessons learned from engineering and execution phases. Contribute to improving SSA Marine's engineering standards, governance, and delivery practices. Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline). Advanced degree (MBA, MSc) or professional certifications (PE, PMP) preferred. Minimum 12-15 years of progressive engineering and project delivery experience in large infrastructure, port, marine terminal, or heavy industrial projects. Proven experience leading engineering delivery for projects exceeding USD 500M+. Strong experience in Owner, EPCM, Design-Build, or hybrid delivery models. Demonstrated experience in FEL stage-gate processes and engineering governance frameworks. Experience working within U.S. regulatory environments, including CEQA/NEPA processes preferred. Strong understanding of: Multidisciplinary engineering coordination Constructability and contractor-driven design Cost estimation and value engineering Experience managing engineering consultants and multidisciplinary teams. Strong technical leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Proven ability to resolve complex technical challenges and interface issues. Fluency in English required; Spanish speaking capabilities is strongly preferred. Supervisory Responsibilities: No Work Environment: Required job duties are normally performed in a climate-controlled office environment, but may be required to work in extreme outdoor temperatures on occasion as needed. Exposure to computer screens. Ability to work safely in a safety-sensitive environment with moving equipment and potential operational hazards. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Will travel to project sites and multiple regions, as well as attend required meetings as necessary, including extended off-site stays when required. Our Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer