Principal Project Manager

Jacobs Engineering Ireland; Garden City (ID); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm is seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead energy transition projects in the western U.S. This role involves managing multidisciplinary teams, securing new business opportunities, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of experience in environmental planning and permitting, with strong relationships with key regulatory agencies. This position offers the chance to significantly impact infrastructure modernization efforts.

Benefits

Mentorship opportunities

Competitive salary

Career development support

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in environmental planning and permitting.
• Strong relationships with regulatory agencies.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams in project execution.
• Drive business development by securing new project opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards.

Skills

Client development

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Regulatory frameworks knowledge

Job description

At Jacobs, we’re focused on advancing our clients’ environmental stewardship, energy infrastructure modernization, and sustainability initiatives. We are seeking a Principal Project Manager to provide technical and strategic support for infrastructure and energy transition projects in the western U.S. The ideal candidate would be aligned to the Jacobs Portland, OR office, though we would consider other locations in the Pacific Northwest or Mountain West geographies for the right candidate (including but not necessarily limited to Seattle or Bellevue WA, Boise ID, and Denver CO). You will lead projects and programs and advance our practice to help support our clients to adapt and thrive in the face of current and future challenges.

You will lead complex, multidisciplinary projects supporting energy transition, including initiatives in renewable energy, transmission and distribution infrastructure, and battery storage. You’ll also have the opportunity to lead the siting and permitting of advanced facilities including data centers. You will play a key role in expanding our environmental planning business by identifying and pursuing new opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and building strategic partnerships. Your ability to grow our business and position Jacobs for future work will be essential to our continued success. Mentorship is also a key part of this role, you’ll contribute to the development of junior and mid-level staff and help foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams in the successful execution of complex projects, with a focus on aligning project outcomes with client strategic goals.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent projects and teams, with a focus on quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Identify industry trends and provide strategic insights to shape Jacobs’ positioning in the evolving energy transition market at both regional and national levels.
• Drive business development efforts by identifying and securing new project and program opportunities, leveraging established relationships with clients.
• Expand service offerings by identifying opportunities to introduce new capabilities and solutions that align with client needs and market demands.
• Anticipate client needs and proactively respond to emerging challenges and opportunities in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Advance Jacobs’ capabilities by contributing to geographic expansion, technical innovation, and integrated service delivery.
• Represent Jacobs’ externally through thought leadership, including authoring white papers, presenting at industry conferences, and participating in professional seminars.
• Support the development of high-performing, cross-functional project teams.
• Ensure compliance with internal processes, regulatory requirements, and industry standards throughout project execution.
• Pursue continuous professional development, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry practices, technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Champion a culture of safety and well-being, promoting Jacobs’ values and commitment to employee health and workplace safety.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in environmental planning and permitting, with a strong track record of project leadership and delivery, ideally within a consulting environment.
• Expertise in regulatory frameworks including NEPA, SEPA, EFSC, EFSEC, and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), with demonstrated experience managing permitting strategies and compliance.
• Strong working relationships with key regulatory agencies such as USACE, USFWS, FERC, BPA, Oregon DSL, Oregon DEQ, and Washington Department of Ecology.
• Demonstrated success in client development and sales, including identifying opportunities, leading pursuits, and securing new work.
• Experience managing project portfolios, including oversight of budgets, schedules, scopes, and performance of multidisciplinary teams.
• Effective communicator with strong written and verbal skills, capable of representing Jacobs in client and regulatory settings.
• Ability to lead within a matrixed organization and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Graduate degree in a technical, business, or marketing field.
• Experience working within the environmental sector of an EPC firm, particularly in support of energy transition projects.
• Experience developing and implementing mitigation strategies for complex environmental impacts, including those affecting sensitive species and habitats.
• Experience building and leading specialized teams or practices focused on environmental planning and permitting in the Pacific Northwest.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.