Project Manager - Electrical in San Jose
Job DescriptionJob Description
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
• 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 , , , , , , , veteran status, , , or any other protected characteristic.