What we are looking for
The Project Director – Engineering Lead, Southwest Region provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for a high-impact engineering practice within the Southwest region. This role is responsible for driving market growth, strengthening key client relationships, and advancing the firm’s solid waste capabilities while ensuring exceptional project delivery, financial performance, and alignment with company-wide objectives.
As a senior leader, the Project Director partners closely with business unit leadership, corporate market leaders, and national technical experts to shape strategy, pursue complex opportunities, and deliver innovative solutions for clients. The role oversees and mentors Project Directors, Project Managers, and technical staff, fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture while serving as a trusted advisor to clients, regulators, and industry organizations. You will report to the Southwest Solid Waste Leader. The preference is for you to be hybrid out of any Southwest SCS Office located in California, Arizona, Utah, or Nevada. Remote work or hybrid work out of another SCS office may be considered.
How you can make an impact
Leadership & Culture
- Build and sustain a high-performing, collaborative engineering team aligned with company core values and strategic priorities.
- Lead succession planning and develop future leaders across PD, PM, and staff levels.
- Foster a culture of accountability, productive conflict, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Promote health, safety, and employee development as core operational priorities.
Strategy & Market Leadership
- Develop and execute business unit and market strategies aligned with company growth objectives.
- Drive expansion in key service areas, including solid waste, landfill gas, and organics.
- Lead market growth initiatives, including new client development and service expansion.
- Represent the firm in industry organizations, conferences, and strategic forums.
Technical Leadership & Quality
- Serve as Technical Leader and/or reviewing principal on complex projects.
- Ensure delivery of high-quality, innovative engineering solutions consistent with company Quality Management System (QMS).
- Provide technical oversight, guidance, and mentorship to project teams.
- Promote standardization, best practices, and continuous improvement across projects.
Operational & Team Management
- Oversee staffing, resource planning, and workforce development to support project delivery and growth.
- Conduct regular performance coaching, mentoring, and development discussions with staff.
- Support cross-training and knowledge sharing across disciplines and business units.
- Drive improvements in productivity, utilization, and operational efficiency.
Business Development & Client Management
- Develop and implement business development plans to support revenue growth and market positioning.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring long-term partnerships and client satisfaction.
- Lead or support proposal development, including RFP responses, qualifications, and interviews.
- Expand services to existing clients through cross-selling and collaboration across business units.
Financial Performance
- Drive revenue growth, profitability, and sustainable financial performance.
- Monitor key financial metrics including net revenue, utilization, and profit margins.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
- Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and at expected profitability levels.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related engineering field required. Master’s degree preferred.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in one Southwest Region state required. California state registration preferred.
- Minimum of 12 years of experience in environmental services or solid waste engineering with increasing leadership responsibility required.
- Demonstrated experience in business development and client relationship management.
- Proven track record of managing teams, projects, and financial performance.
- Valid driver’s license with a good driving record required.
Pay Range
USD $160,000.00 - USD $210,000.00 /Yr.
Additional Information
Please note that our pay ranges are determined by several factors, including relevant experience, internal pay equity, and location. They do not include any of the amazing benefits of being an employee-owner, which are listed below. SCS is building a world where environmental systems and infrastructure strengthen the health, safety and resilience of communities — from reducing methane emissions at landfills to producing alternative energy, from repurposing contaminated properties to sequestering carbon. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we bring a long-term perspective, personal ownership and shared success to everything we do. We live our values every day: We care. We are a team. We are tenacious. Join us and be part of a team where your work has real impact — on the world and on your own growth. As a growing firm, we offer excellent opportunities for career advancement and a comprehensive package, including: • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance • 100% employer- funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401K including employer match • Annual Bonus Program • Student Debt Employer Contribution Program • Paid holidays, PTO and Paid Parental Leave SCS Engineers is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). SCS provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disabled status. If you have questions, difficulty using our online system and/or you need an accommodation due to a disability then please contact us about your interest in employment at recruiting@scsengineers.com. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, SCS does not conduct criminal background checks until after a conditional job offer has been extended. All qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. You can find a list of job duties of the specific job position you have applied, which SCS reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship that could lead to the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment after background checks are completed.
