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

Job Description

Job Description

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

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.

Position Summary

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.

Key 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel between project locations.

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.

Work Environment

This position operates in a hybrid field and office setting focused on active airport infrastructure projects. Team members regularly travel between terminals, job sites, and project offices while collaborating with project executives, superintendents, project engineers, and field leaders. The role requires a hands-on, field-oriented mindset and a commitment to safety, quality, and client service in a complex, fast-paced construction environment.

If you are a driven mechanical construction professional with expertise in Central Utility Plants, large-scale HVAC systems, and complex infrastructure projects, we invite you to apply and help shape some of the region's most important facilities for years to come.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Pay and Benefits

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

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.

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment 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 the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.