Project Manager​/Senior Project Manager - Mechanical HVAC; Utility Plant

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…