Project Manager - Mechanical

Kelso Industries; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelso Southwest (KSW) in Phoenix seeks an experienced Process Piping Project Manager to lead technically demanding projects in semiconductor manufacturing, advanced fabrication, and mission-critical environments.

You will direct preconstruction through closeout, manage budgets, schedules, and coordination with field teams to ensure safe, on-time, and within-budget project delivery.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management in mechanical/industrial construction.
• Direct experience with process piping installations and high-purity systems.
• Knowledge of stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, and related installation methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead process piping construction projects from preconstruction to closeout.
• Oversee budgets, schedules, procurement, and client communications.
• Coordinate with BIM/VDC, estimators, procurement, and field teams.
• Ensure safety, quality, and compliance with codes and specs.
• Manage subcontracts, vendors, and long-lead procurement.

Skills

Project management

Industrial construction

Process piping

Budgeting & scheduling

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Construction management software

Job description

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Project Manager – Process Piping

Kelso Southwest (KSW) | Phoenix, AZ

Build the Future of Advanced Manufacturing & Mission Critical Construction

Kelso Southwest (KSW), a subsidiary of Kelso Industries, is a growing mechanical contractor specializing in complex mechanical and process piping construction throughout the Southwest.

As KSW continues expanding its presence in the Phoenix market, we're looking for an experienced Process Piping Project Manager to lead technically demanding projects supporting semiconductor facilities, advanced manufacturing, industrial processing, and mission critical environments.

This is an opportunity to join a growing organization where your leadership will directly impact project success while helping shape the future of one of the industry's fastest-growing mechanical contractors.

Position Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for managing process piping construction projects from preconstruction through project completion. This role oversees planning, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, client communication, and execution of complex industrial and high-purity piping installations.

The ideal candidate brings direct experience managing process piping projects involving stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, and specialty piping systems, along with an understanding of specialized installation methods, fabrication, welding, testing, and quality requirements.

The Project Manager works closely with field leadership, estimating, BIM/VDC, procurement, and executive leadership to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage process piping construction projects from preconstruction through system testing, commissioning support, owner turnover, and project closeout.
• Oversee project execution involving industrial process piping, high-purity piping, specialty gas and fluid distribution systems, and associated mechanical installations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, general contractors, engineers, and project stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, schedules, forecasts, manpower plans, and execution strategies.
• Monitor project costs, labor productivity, cash flow, and financial performance to achieve profitability goals.
• Coordinate procurement, fabrication, and installation of stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, and specialty piping materials.
• Work closely with Superintendents, General Foremen, and field crews to coordinate installation activities, manpower, materials, and project milestones.
• Coordinate specialized piping installation requirements, including orbital welding, TIG welding, fusion welding, and associated quality control procedures.
• Review piping isometrics, P&IDs, construction drawings, specifications, submittals, RFIs, and change orders.
• Manage project documentation, including weld tracking, inspection records, pressure testing, quality documentation, and system turnover packages.
• Coordinate with BIM/VDC teams to resolve piping conflicts, support prefabrication, and improve installation efficiency.
• Manage subcontractors, vendors, material deliveries, and long-lead procurement requirements.
• Identify project risks and proactively develop solutions to minimize schedule, cost, and quality impacts.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, applicable codes, safety standards, and project-specific quality expectations.
• Lead project meetings and maintain clear communication with internal teams and external partners.
• Foster strong customer relationships that generate repeat business opportunities.
• Promote KSW's culture of safety, collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Project Management experience in mechanical or industrial construction, including direct responsibility for process piping projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing industrial process piping installations, high-purity piping systems, or technically complex piping projects.
• Strong understanding of stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, and specialty piping materials and installation methods.
• Working knowledge of orbital welding, TIG welding, fusion welding, piping fabrication, and associated quality requirements.
• Experience interpreting piping isometrics, P&IDs, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
• Strong understanding of project financial management, scheduling, contracts, procurement, change management, and project controls.
• Experience coordinating piping fabrication, installation, inspections, pressure testing, and project turnover activities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong communication with clients and project teams.
• Experience working collaboratively with Superintendents, General Foremen, Estimators, BIM/VDC, and field operations.
• Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, and construction management software.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing process piping projects within semiconductor fabrication facilities, advanced manufacturing plants, pharmaceutical facilities, or other high-purity industrial environments.
• Experience with cleanroom construction and contamination-control requirements.
• Familiarity with specialty gas distribution, high-purity water, chemical delivery, and industrial utility piping systems.
• Experience managing self-performing process piping crews and prefabrication operations.
• Knowledge of process piping quality assurance, weld documentation, testing, and system turnover requirements.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a Project Manager with a strong technical foundation in process piping construction, not someone whose experience is limited primarily to commercial HVAC, plumbing, or general mechanical projects.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience managing complex piping installations, coordinating specialized field crews, controlling project financial performance, and delivering technically demanding industrial projects safely and efficiently.

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Here You Will Experience

• Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
• Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
• Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business.