
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:
FEL Stage-Gate Engineering Leadership:
Management of Engineering & DCD Integrator:
Integration with Progressive Design-Build (PDB):
Engineering Planning, Deliverables & Interfaces:
Technical Interface Management:
Lead technical interfaces with:
Cost, Value Engineering & Optimization:
Technical Risk Management & Assurance:
Construction & Execution Readiness:
Ensure engineering supports:
Continuous Improvement & Knowledge Capture:
Qualifications
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Work Environment:
Pay Range: $200,000 - 250,000 per year
The posted compensation range is based on the applicable geographic market for the position and may vary depending on factors such as related experience and skill set. Final compensation will be determined based on these items and other relevant factors.
Our Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer
$200,000 - 250,000 per year
Eligible employees (and their families) may qualify for medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as having basic life and accidental death insurance, paid disability insurance, including paid parental leave if eligible, and an Employee Assistance Program. Employees will receive paid sick and vacation time, and company holidays if eligible. The company also offers paid bereavement leave, and paid jury duty. Eligible employees can enroll in our company's 401k plan, as well as a retirement plan. Employees will be eligible for discretionary and/or metric-based bonuses dependent on their position.

Founded by Fred R. Smith in 1949 as Bellingham Stevedoring Company, we began our first cargo handling operations in a small corner of Washington State. Driven by a pioneering spirit, our family-owned company saw steady growth over the years, expanding up and down the West Coast to operate a significant market share of the major international terminals in the eastern Pacific. Today, we have become a global enterprise spanning more than 260 locations across five continents.
We continue to broaden our reach by developing new locations and upgrading existing facilities, providing some of the most technologically advanced facilities in the world.
We partner to move commerce with efficiency, flexibility, and integrity.
With operations across five continents and a vast network of interconnected transportation solutions, we open new opportunities that accelerate the growth and pace of global business. Improving the customer experience is at the heart of everything we do, so we make purposeful investments in people, facilities and technical innovations that deliver the greatest customer value.