Senior Mechanical Project Manager 1

Mott MacDonald; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 151,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Mott MacDonald in California seeks an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead major Buildings PMCM projects across Southern and Northern California from Los Angeles or San Jose. You will direct project delivery, mentor staff, and manage budgets and schedules to ensure safety, quality, and client satisfaction.

As a client-facing leader, you will build relationships, drive project controls, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and help position the group for repeat work and long-term

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading building design and construction projects in California.
• Experience managing PMCM services for capital projects.
• Proven ability to lead and develop project teams (3–12 staff).
• Strong communication, client management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of building systems (civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection).
• PE or Architect license in CA or TX, or ability to obtain within 24 months.
• PMI PMP, LEED AP, or DBIA credentials preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams across California projects.
• Oversee project planning, budget performance, and schedule.
• Manage client relationships and business development.
• Mentor PMCM staff and manage performance.
• Coordinate staffing and resource planning.
• Ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and quality.
• Collaborate with Buildings teams across NA and SA.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client management

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Regulatory knowledge

Education

PE license (CA/TX)

Architect license (CA/TX)

PMP

LEED AP

DBIA

Job description

Discipline: Project programme and commercial management

Job Ref: 17681

At Mott MacDonald, we are driven by purpose and powered by brilliant people. As a trusted engineering, management, and development consultancy, we work with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes that make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.

When you join us as an experienced professional, you will bring your expertise to work that matters while continuing to grow your career. You will collaborate with talented colleagues across disciplines and geographies, contribute your perspective, and help shape better outcomes through technical excellence, innovation, and integrity.

The Senior Project Manager (SPM) is a leadership role within the Buildings Project and Construction Management (PMCM) practice in the Southwest Division, based in either Los Angeles or San Jose. Reporting to the Vice President of Building Structures, the SPM leads major building projects across Southern or Northern California, overseeing all phases of project and construction management delivery.

Working closely with Southwest Division leadership, the SPM is responsible for directing PMCM project execution, leading multidisciplinary teams, mentoring staff, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The role includes oversight of project engineers, assistant project managers, construction managers, inspectors, and administrative personnel. Responsibilities include managing project controls, schedule and budget performance, contractor and contract compliance, stakeholder coordination, design and construction collaboration, change management, risk mitigation, and adherence to regulatory and safety requirements.

In addition to project delivery, the SPM serves as a key client-facing leader, building strong relationships, supporting business development efforts, identifying new opportunities, and positioning the team for repeat work and long-term partnerships.

The SPM is also responsible for mentoring, developing, and managing PMCM staff, including performance goal setting, training, and career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the growth of the Buildings PMCM practice across California, Arizona, and Texas.
• Partner with the VP of Building Structures to identify and secure new project opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships while supporting project pursuits and successful project delivery.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and drive collaboration among clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Oversee project planning, execution, budget performance, schedule adherence, quality, and risk management.
• Develop and implement project management plans and reporting processes, including KPI tracking.
• Participate in proposals, presentations, and client interviews.
• Coordinate staffing needs and resource planning for PMCM projects.
• Mentor, train, and manage junior PMCM team members.
• Collaborate with Buildings teams across the North America and South America (NASA) region.
• Maintain a valid Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Candidate Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading building design and construction projects in California, including project and construction management services.
• Experience in one or more of the following markets:
• Major venues and events
• Public buildings
• Port infrastructure
• Strong understanding of building design, construction processes, and project delivery.
• Experience working on large capital improvement programs and coordinating with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
• Proven ability to manage multiple PMCM projects simultaneously.
• Experience leading and developing project teams ranging from 3 to 12 staff members.
• Significant experience serving as an owner's representative and leading PMCM teams during construction.
• Comprehensive knowledge of building systems and construction disciplines, including civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection.
• Experience overseeing planning, design, and construction phases of complex building projects.
• Excellent communication, client management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and business development acumen.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Division of the State Architect (DSA) processes or similar regulatory environments.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect license in California or Texas, or ability to obtain licensure within 24 months.
• Professional certifications such as:
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
• Designated Design-Build Professional (DBIA)

Build on your experience while helping shape what comes next. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside talented people on complex and rewarding projects that make a real difference. We value fresh perspectives, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and grow your career. Whether you're deepening your technical expertise, broadening your leadership experience, or exploring new opportunities across our business, you'll be supported by a team that is committed to helping you succeed.

Bring your expertise, curiosity, and drive to make a difference. If you are ready to join a collaborative consultancy where your perspective is valued, your growth is supported, and you are empowered to lead with integrity, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits & Rewards

The expected salary for this position is $151K-$185K .

Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

In addition to base salary, Mott MacDonald offers performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, giving employees a direct connection to our success.

Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support the health, wellbeing, financial security, and professional growth of our employees. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, FSA and HSA accounts, company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a competitive 401(k) plan with company matching. We also provide paid time off, paid holidays, caregiver leave, employee referral bonuses, professional registration and membership reimbursements, and tuition assistance to support continued learning and career development.

Collaboration at Our Core

At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we're together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet clients, team, and personal commitments.

Equal opportunity is the law.

We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or disability status.