Project Manager / Assistant PM / Senior Project Engineer - Mechanical HVAC

Job Description

Job Description

Project Manager / Project Manager - Mechanical HVAC Central Utility Plant (CUP) About the Company

Join a premier employee-owned mechanical construction and engineering organization with a long-standing reputation for delivering some of the most complex and technically demanding projects across the Western United States. The company specializes in HVAC, piping, plumbing, building automation, fabrication, and energy infrastructure solutions for aviation, healthcare, commercial, industrial, life sciences, and mission-critical facilities.

Known for its expertise in large-scale design-build and design-assist projects, the organization partners with leading private and public-sector clients to execute high-profile infrastructure programs that require precision, innovation, and operational excellence. With a strong commitment to safety, quality, and technical leadership, the company has earned the trust of clients through decades of successful project delivery.

As a 100% employee-owned organization (ESOP), every team member shares in the company's success. The culture is built on collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and long-term career development, providing employees with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building lasting financial and professional rewards.

Seeking an experienced Project Manager / Project Manager - Mechanical HVAC (Central Utility Plant) to lead large-scale mechanical construction projects within a major airport environment. This role is ideal for a proven construction leader with extensive experience managing HVAC systems, Central Utility Plants (CUP), chilled water infrastructure, and complex mechanical installations. The successful candidate will oversee projects valued at $25 million and above , assuming full responsibility for project execution, financial performance, client relationships, contract administration, change management, and field operations. This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role on long-term airport infrastructure programs while working alongside one of the industry's most respected mechanical construction teams.

• Lead the successful execution of large-scale HVAC and mechanical construction projects from preconstruction through project closeout.
• Manage Central Utility Plant (CUP) systems, including chilled water plants, chillers, distribution networks, and related mechanical infrastructure.
• Own overall project financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, profitability, and reporting.
• Prepare, negotiate, and manage change orders while maintaining accurate and timely project documentation.
• Direct and coordinate union mechanical labor, including sheet metal and related trades.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects across airport terminals, utility facilities, and infrastructure programs.
• Collaborate with owners, consultants, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Review drawings, specifications, RFIs, submittals, and contract documents to verify constructability and scope alignment.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestone tracking, and critical-path execution plans.
• Lead project meetings and deliver regular progress updates to clients and executive leadership.
• Champion project safety, quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction throughout all phases of construction.
• Identify project risks proactively and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Utilize industry-standard project management and coordination tools, including Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC Build), Autodesk Build, Navisworks, Revit, and Bluebeam.
• Support design-build and collaborative project delivery efforts alongside engineering and design teams.
• Mentor Project Engineers, Assistant Project Managers, and field personnel to support professional growth and overall team success.
• Maintain a strong field presence by regularly visiting jobsites, providing support to field teams, and ensuring effective project execution.

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

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

• Lead high-profile, long-term infrastructure projects within one of the nation's busiest airport environments.
• Join a financially strong, highly respected organization with a robust backlog and longstanding client partnerships.
• Participate in a 100% employee-owned ESOP , providing a direct stake in the company's continued success and long-term wealth creation.
• Work within a collaborative, low-ego culture that values field expertise, innovation, and teamwork.
• Enjoy significant autonomy and influence over project strategy and execution.
• Competitive compensation package with performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Vehicle allowance and fuel card provided.
• Access to meaningful career advancement opportunities within a nationally recognized mechanical construction organization.
• Be part of a team that delivers critical infrastructure projects that keep communities, businesses, and transportation systems running.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on mechanical construction leader with deep experience in HVAC and Central Utility Plant infrastructure. They are financially astute, highly collaborative, comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments, and capable of leading large teams through challenging projects from inception to completion. They thrive in the field, build strong client relationships, and take pride in delivering exceptional project outcomes while developing the next generation of construction professionals

This is a Permanent position based out of Cypress, CA.

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $180000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Murray Company offers a comprehensive benefits package anchored by a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and profit-sharing. Key perks for Southern California employees include 100% company-paid medical coverage for the employee, subsidized family health plans, dental, vision, life insurance, and a matched 401(k).A more detailed breakdown of their offerings includes: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.

This is a fully onsite position in Cypress,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.