Project and Program Manager – Backup Power Solutions

Hydrogen Group; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Hydrogen Group is seeking a Project & Program Manager for Backup Power Solutions in a hybrid role based in San Diego, CA. The position oversees programs within a utility company's wildfire mitigation initiatives, including coordination with regulators, budgeting, vendor management, and risk oversight for critical facilities during PSPS events.

You will lead cross-functional teams across departments, develop project plans, manage contracts, track performance, and report progress to senior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2–5 years of project/program management experience.
• Experience managing medium to large projects in energy/utilities preferred.
• Strong communication with regulators and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct multiple medium to large-sized projects within the Backup Power Solutions program.
• Develop and maintain project requirement parameters, including tracking and issue management.
• Provide direction to contractors, consultants, and project teams.
• Coordinate input across departments to meet objectives and resolve issues.
• Analyze regulatory impacts and requirements of each project.
• Build business cases and justify projects to improve processes and efficiency.
• Set team goals and evaluate performance.
• Research and evaluate available contractors and consultants.
• Prepare, negotiate, approve contracts and changes.
• Manage budget analysis and prepare forecasts.
• Provide leadership for large-scale projects and ensure alignment with goals.
• Develop and execute project plans with budgets, timelines, risks, resources.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder consensus.
• Anticipate and mitigate project risks and maintain momentum.
• Deliver updates to senior leadership on progress and milestones.
• Lead continuous improvement with new methodologies and technologies.
• Oversee adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• May testify before government agencies regarding cost estimates.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Risk management

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Project & Program Manager – Backup Power Solutions

Location: Hybrid (onsite Monday–Thursday) - San Diego, CA
Duration: 12-months, potential to extend
Pay Range: $55-61/hr
Core Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This role manages programs within a leading utility company's Wildfire Mitigation Program (WMP), part of the General Rate Case (GRC) and regulated by the CA Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (OEIS) and the CPUC. The Project & Program Manager advances backup power solutions for sensitive critical facilities in the high fire threat district, overseeing customer engagement, installation, financial management, vendor management, and compliance/regulatory and legal/risk management. The role also maintains ongoing oversight of completed Community Resource Center (CRC) projects, which use company-provided backup power to remain energized during PSPS outages as required by CPUC mandates, and supports integration of new technologies advancing distributed energy resource management and grid utilization.

Job Responsibilities: In this role, you will manage and direct multiple medium to large-sized projects within the Backup Power Solutions program. Key responsibilities include:

• Manage and direct multiple medium to large-sized projects within the department, from scoping through completion, including timelines, cost estimates, design, vendor management, and risk management
• Develop and maintain project requirement parameters, including tracking and issue management
• Provide direction to contractors, consultants, and project teams
• Coordinate input and participation across departments to meet project objectives and resolve issues for successful outcomes
• Analyze and determine regulatory impacts and requirements of each project
• Build business cases and justifications for projects designed to improve business processes and efficiency
• Set team/project goals and evaluate performance
• Research and evaluate available contractors and consultants
• Prepare, negotiate, and approve or recommend approval of contracts and contract changes
• Manage related budget analysis and prepare budget forecasts
• Provide high-level leadership and direction for large-scale, complex projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities
• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, managing budgets, timelines, risks, and resources to achieve desired outcomes
• Drive cross-functional collaboration, building consensus among stakeholders across departments and external partners
• Anticipate and mitigate potential project risks and challenges, implementing solutions to maintain project momentum
• Deliver regular updates and presentations to senior leadership on project progress and key milestones
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, integrating innovative methodologies and technologies to enhance project delivery
• Oversee adherence to quality standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices throughout project execution
• May be called upon to testify before, or prepare supporting documentation for, government agencies concerning cost estimates

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated project management strengths — organized, planful, resourceful, and action-oriented
• Diplomatic and strategic in dealing with sensitive customers and regulators
• Detail-oriented when handling contracts, budgets, invoices, and plans
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks affecting utility infrastructure projects
• Ability to manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts effectively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to senior leadership

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Level II: 2–5 years of relevant project/program management experience