Project Manager / Senior Project Manager — Mechanical HVAC (Central Utility Plant)

Join one of the West Coast's most respected employee-owned mechanical construction firms, recognized for delivering complex HVAC, piping, plumbing, and building automation projects across aviation, healthcare, commercial, industrial, and mission-critical environments. With decades of experience executing large-scale infrastructure projects, the company has built a reputation for technical excellence, long-standing client partnerships, and a field-first approach to project delivery. As a 100% employee-owned organization (ESOP), every employee has a direct stake in the company's success. The culture emphasizes collaboration, accountability, innovation, and long-term career growth, offering team members the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while sharing in the organization's achievements.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager / Senior Project Manager - Mechanical HVAC (Central Utility Plant) to lead large, high-profile mechanical construction projects within a major airport environment. This role is ideal for a proven construction leader with deep expertise in HVAC systems, Central Utility Plants (CUP), chilled water infrastructure, and mechanical project execution. The successful candidate will oversee projects valued at $25M+, taking ownership of financial performance, project delivery, client relationships, change management, and field execution. This position offers the opportunity to manage long-term airport infrastructure projects while working alongside a highly collaborative team in a dynamic, employee-owned environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of large-scale HVAC and mechanical construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Manage Central Utility Plant (CUP) systems, including chilled water plants, chillers, distribution infrastructure, and related mechanical systems.
• Own project financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, profit and loss management, and financial reporting.
• Prepare, negotiate, and manage change orders while maintaining accurate project documentation.
• Direct and coordinate union mechanical labor, including sheet metal and related trades.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects across airport terminals and infrastructure facilities.
• Collaborate with owners, consultants, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to achieve project goals.
• Review drawings, specifications, RFIs, submittals, and contract documents to ensure scope alignment and constructability.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestone tracking, and critical path execution plans.
• Lead project meetings and provide regular status updates to stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Drive safety, quality, productivity, and client satisfaction throughout all phases of construction.
• Proactively identify project risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Utilize project management and coordination tools including Autodesk Build/ACC Build, Navisworks, Revit, and Bluebeam.
• Support design-build delivery efforts through collaboration with engineering and design teams.
• Mentor project engineers, assistant project managers, and field personnel to support team development and project success.
• Maintain a strong field presence, regularly visiting jobsites to monitor progress, support field teams, and ensure successful execution.

Requirements

• 5+ years of project management experience in mechanical construction, HVAC construction, or related industrial/commercial environments.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale HVAC or mechanical construction projects valued at $25M or greater.
• Proven experience with Central Utility Plants (CUP), chilled water systems, chiller plants, and related infrastructure.
• Experience working for a mechanical contractor or mechanical subcontractor.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, piping systems, mechanical engineering principles, and construction methodologies.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasting, cost controls, and change order processes.
• Background coordinating union labor and managing field operations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction management software platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering airport, healthcare, industrial, mission-critical, or large infrastructure projects.
• Prior experience working within active airport facilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in design-build project delivery.
• Sheet metal union experience.
• Familiarity with Autodesk Build, ACC Build, Navisworks, Revit, and Bluebeam.
• Demonstrated history of stable career progression and long-term project ownership.
• Leadership style rooted in collaboration, humility, accountability, and field engagement.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• Lead long-term, high-visibility infrastructure projects within a major airport environment.
• Join a financially strong organization with a substantial backlog of work and decades-long client relationships.
• Be part of a 100% employee-owned ESOP, creating direct ownership and long-term wealth-building opportunities.
• Work within a collaborative, low-ego culture where field expertise is highly valued.
• Enjoy significant autonomy and influence over project outcomes.
• Competitive compensation package with strong bonus potential.
• Vehicle allowance and gas card provided.
• Long-term career growth opportunities within a highly respected mechanical construction organization.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $130,000 - $180,000/yr.

Benefits

• Retirement & Ownership: The company is fully employee-owned through its ESOP. All active employees participate in this stock retirement plan, supplemented by a 401(k) with employer matching.
• Healthcare: Robust health, dental, and vision insurance. The employer covers 100% of the employee's medical premiums, while family members are covered at up to two-thirds paid by the company.
• Insurance: Company-provided life insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability options.
• Career Development: Ongoing leadership development programs, technical certifications, and a commitment to promoting from within.

Schedule

This is a permanent, fully onsite position based in Los Angeles, CA.