Project Manager – Electrical
Type: Staff Augmentation (W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, placed on assignment, with conversion to utility employee)
Location: San Jose, CA — hybrid schedule (1–2 remote days per week); occasional travel required across Northern and Central California and the greater Los Angeles area (10–20%)
Salary: $120K–$170K (DOE)
About the Role
We are partnered with California's largest water utility to recruit a Project Manager to lead electrical capital projects, including 10–12 motor control center (MCC) replacements and 15 standby generator installations with a clear, well-supported path to a permanent role tied to the client's upcoming rate case cycle.
This is a project management role at its core, and the client wants onboard quickly given current program workload. The ideal candidate will run each project individually while managing the group as a cohesive program, owning scope, cost, and schedule across the portfolio. Candidates with a background in electrical, civil, or structural engineering are encouraged to apply; what matters most is demonstrated project management experience delivering capital infrastructure projects within a utility, municipal, or industrial setting.
The role works closely with engineering managers, contractors, and field teams across the client's service territory. While the position is based in San Jose with a hybrid work schedule, placement in one of the client's other California offices may be considered for candidates with an exceptional fit (Los Angeles, Bakersfield, or Chico).
Key Responsibilities
Program & Project Management
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 10–12 motor control center (MCC) replacement projects, bundled and delivered as a coordinated program
• Oversee delivery of 15 standby generator installation projects currently being executed via a Design-Build delivery model
• Own project-level scope, cost, and schedule management across all assigned projects
• Track and report project financials using company financial systems to monitor costs during and at project close
• Manage project schedules using scheduling software (currently MS Project Online; may transition to Smartsheet, Primavera P6, or similar)
Stakeholder & Contract Management
• Manage and communicate with contractors, consultants, agencies, and internal staff on project-specific matters
• Prepare and manage construction contracts, bid packages, and contract awards
• Prepare requests for proposals (RFPs) and support evaluation and selection of consultants or vendors
Technical Coordination
• Apply working knowledge of electrical systems, motor control centers, and power distribution to inform project planning and execution
• Interpret engineering construction reports and drawings and provide input or guidance to project teams
• Coordinate with civil and structural engineering resources as needed across the project portfolio
• Support field construction management and inspection at project sites as required
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Civil, or Structural Engineering
• 5+ years of professional experience in engineering, construction, or capital project delivery
• 3–5 years of direct project management experience, including cost management and schedule management
• Working knowledge of electrical systems and equipment
• Prior experience managing projects within the water or wastewater utility industry
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively
• Valid California Driver's License
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule based in San Jose, CA, with periodic travel (10–20%) across the client's service territory
Preferred
• Engineer in Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Design-Build project delivery experience
• Experience with MS Project Online, Smartsheet, or Primavera P6
Compensation & Employment
Employment Type: As a W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, you will be placed on assignment with our client for an initial twelve-month term.
Conversion: This role is structured as a 12-month assignment tied to current workload, with conversion to a direct, long-term role depentant on the outcome of the client's next rate case cycle; if approved as anticipated, the client expects to reassess resourcing and bring this position on permanently to lead follow-on capital programs.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid schedule based in San Jose, CA, with 1–2 remote days per week; periodic travel required across the client's service territory; placement in another California office may be considered for an exceptional candidate (Los Angeles, Bakersfield, or Chico).
Salary: $120K–$170K (DOE)
Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401K plan with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6%, paid holidays, sick time, and vacation — with no waiting period; benefits and accruals begin immediately.
Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.