AVP, Dams Engineering Practice Leader (Southern California)

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There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

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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.  

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• 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.

Minimum Requirements:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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. 

• Relocation is available for this role.
• Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this position.
• Occasional project/client related travel may be required.  

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, 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. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.