Principal Project Manager Stormwater & Flood Risk

At Mott MacDonald, we are driven by purpose and powered by brilliant people. As a trusted engineering, management, and development consultancy, we work with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes that make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.

When you join us as an experienced professional, you will bring your expertise to work that matters while continuing to grow your career. You will collaborate with talented colleagues across disciplines and geographies, contribute your perspective, and help shape better outcomes through technical excellence, innovation, and integrity.

Build on your experience while helping shape what comes next. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside talented people on complex and rewarding projects that make a real difference. We value fresh perspectives, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and grow your career. Whether you're deepening your technical expertise, broadening your leadership experience, or exploring new opportunities across our business, you'll be supported by a team that is committed to helping you succeed.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to lead the delivery and growth of stormwater, CSO, LTCP and flood risk services across New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania. This role focuses on solving complex flooding, drainage, and resilience challenges for municipal, utility, and infrastructure clients.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in hydrology, hydraulics and NJ regulatory processes. Extensive experience navigating regional regulatory frameworks, and a proven track record delivering large-scale stormwater, flood mitigation, and CSO programs is preferred. This individual will act as a technical leader, client advisor, and mentor, driving high-quality project delivery and supporting strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead delivery of stormwater management, flood control, and drainage infrastructure projects, including pump stations, storage systems, and conveyance networks
• Experience with H&H modeling using industry standard tools such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, XP-SWMM, InfoWorks ICM, SWMM, and related platforms
• Direct floodplain analysis, watershed studies, and hydraulic system modeling across urban and riverine environments
• Lead permitting and compliance efforts, including:
• NJDEP Flood Hazard Area (NJAC 7:13)
• NJ Stormwater Rules (NJAC 7:8)
• Understanding of NYSDEC and PADEP regulatory processes preferred
• FEMA/NFIP coordination and floodplain considerations
• NN Infrastructure Bank (NJEIT) funding
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and stakeholders (NJDEP, FEMA, USACE, local authorities)
• Deliver complex programs such as:
• Flood mitigation and resilience projects (e.g., floodwalls, pump stations, drainage upgrades)
• Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) LTCPs and sewer system improvements
• Review and approve engineering designs, reports, specifications, and cost estimates
• Lead project execution, managing scope, schedule, budget, and risk
• Develop innovative, climate-resilient solutions, incorporating future rainfall and flood conditions
• Support business development through client engagement, proposals, and market growth initiatives
• Mentor and develop staff, strengthening capability in stormwater, modeling, and flood risk disciplines

Candidate Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) (NJ required, NY, or PA preferred)
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) strongly preferred
• 15+ years of experience in stormwater, drainage, CSO and flood risk engineering
• Advanced experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling across complex systems
• Strong background in:
• Floodplain and floodway analysis
• Stormwater management design (BMPs, green infrastructure, subsurface systems)
• Large-scale sewer and drainage network modeling
• Delivery of major infrastructure and resilience projects, such as:
• Flood mitigation and post storm recovery programs (including FEMA-funded projects)
• CSO Long Term Control Plans and wastewater system upgrades
• Urban drainage and transportation-related stormwater systems
• Deep understanding of NJDEP, NYSDEC, and PADEP requirements
• Experience navigating multi-agency permitting and approvals
• Familiarity with FEMA floodplain management and funding requirements
• Proven ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary projects
• Strong client-facing skills with public-sector stakeholders
• Ability to solve complex, non-routine engineering problems

Bring your expertise, curiosity, and drive to make a difference. If you are ready to join a collaborative consultancy where your perspective is valued, your growth is supported, and you are empowered to lead with integrity, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits & Rewards

The expected salary for this position is $180,000 - $210,000

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

In addition to base salary, Mott MacDonald offers performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, giving employees a direct connection to our success.

Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support the health, wellbeing, financial security, and professional growth of our employees. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, FSA and HSA accounts, company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a competitive 401(k) plan with company matching. We also provide paid time off, paid holidays, caregiver leave, employee referral bonuses, professional registration and membership reimbursements, and tuition assistance to support continued learning and career development.

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 clients, 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.

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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.