Project Engineering Lead – Puerto Caldera

About the role

Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT), a subsidiary of Hapag-Lloyd, is part of the Sunset Consortium with APM Terminals developing and modernizing Puerto Caldera, the main port complex on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The project involves an investment of around 500 million dollars, including major infrastructure works and new equipment, with operations expected to begin in September 2027. The Project Engineering Lead coordinates and manages all engineering activities needed for delivery, ensuring designs are technically sound, compliant with standards and integrated across disciplines. It is a site-based role in Puerto Caldera, reporting to the Project Director.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the delivery of all design stages through internal and external consultants, from concept to IFC packages, and lead the assessment of existing infrastructure to inform the brownfield design.
• Ensure designs integrate with assets that remain in operation and meet technical requirements, regulations and the Standard Employer's Requirements (SERs).
• Oversee coordination of civil, structural, mechanical, utilities, electrical, IT and automation design, and prepare technical documentation for RFPs.
• Take part in technical bid evaluations, check that directly purchased materials comply with specifications, and liaise with Crane & Engineering Services so requirements are reflected in crane design.
• Track design interfaces and modifications, ensure designs given to the contractor contain all information needed for construction (FIDIC Red Book) or that contractor designs follow project standards (FIDIC Yellow Book), and produce an engineering close-out report.
• Implement quality control, including design reviews, value engineering and third-party verification, and define inspection test and quality control plans.
• Incorporate safety, environmental and security considerations into design, and contribute to stage-gate readiness and steering committee reviews.
• Manage design risks and changes through the project change control process, and feed them into the project risk register.
• Ensure designs comply with Costa Rican national and local regulations, providing the technical input for permits and approvals.
• Support the Integrated Master Schedule, maintain the design schedule and deliverables register, and report design progress, risk and interface status to the Project Director.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Marine Engineering or a related field.
• Desirable: Master's degree in Engineering Management, Construction Management or a related field.
• Professional certification such as PMP or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in infrastructure projects (the text is cut off before stating the full requirement).