Sr. Mechanical Project Manager

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead high‑scope, complex programs and serve as the primary client contact.

You will plan, execute, and mentor, coordinating with design, operations, and finance to deliver projects on time and within budget. Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in technical project delivery, strong leadership, and documented experience in managing financials and contracts.

Qualifications

• Technical or Bachelor's degree in a major technical discipline with 10 years of related project experience OR 15 years of practical experience on similar projects.
• Professional Engineer licensure preferred (required by those with ABET‑accredited engineering degrees).

Responsibilities

• Lead high‑scope, high‑complexity projects or multiple programs, acting as the primary client contact and trusted advisor.
• Plan and execute projects, manage financials, and mentor PM I and II to meet SSR quality standards and client expectations.
• Coordinate proposals and assist senior staff with technical documentation and interviews.
• Develop budgets, fees, and man‑hour plans; ensure contracts are executed and team aligned with obligations.
• Lead project kickoffs, set schedules, monitor resources, and drive timely, well‑informed decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Financial management

Mentoring

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Engineering degree

Professional Engineer license (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

Scheduling software

CRM platforms

Job description

At SSR, we're more than a leading engineering design, consulting, and planning firm‑we're a team of owners committed to solving complex projects and delivering innovative solutions for facility and infrastructure challenges. With locations across the U.S. and expertise spanning diverse markets and services, our collaborative approach empowers us to build lasting partnerships with each other, our clients, and our communities.

We believe high performance and a people‑first culture go hand in hand. As an owner from day one, our colleagues thrive in an environment that values accountability, celebrates achievement, and supports personal and professional growth. As owners, we take pride in our work and in each other‑driving results while fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.

What You'll Do

• As a Senior Project Manager, you will lead high‑scope, high‑complexity projects or multiple programs at once—serving as the primary client contact, trusted advisor, and integrator of people, product, and profit.
• Plan and execute projects, proactively manage financials, and mentor Project Managers I and II, ensuring projects are delivered to SSR's quality standards and client expectations.
• Confirm project scope and requirements with clients and stakeholders; capture assumptions and decisions.
• Coordinate the proposal phase; assist senior design staff with technical documentation and interview presentations.
• Develop financial plans by negotiating fees, preparing proposal letters, and preliminary man‑hour budgets with CRM/Department Head/Operations Director.
• Ensure contracts are fully executed by the appropriate Principal and align the team to contractual obligations.
• Develop project staffing plans and preliminary man‑hour budgets; work with discipline leaders to finalize task‑hour plans.
• Lead project kickoffs to convey scope, standards, budgets, roles, risks, and expectations; foster ownership and trust.
• Set schedules with team input; propose interim milestones and adjust as conditions change.
• Schedule and sequence work; communicate action items; monitor manpower plans across disciplines and maintain profit variance targets.
• Ensure project documentation is complete and appropriately stored; keep RFI, submittal, decision, and risk logs current.
• Implement proactive QA/QC plans; coordinate timely reviews and submittals to meet standards and contract requirements.
• Issue accurate invoices promptly; monitor AR and projected monthly revenue; address collection issues proactively.
• Attend client, owner, and architect meetings; facilitate clear communication and document outcomes.
• Anticipate and address issues affecting client or SSR expectations; serve as a trusted advisor.
• Manage scope changes; identify potential crises; develop contingency plans and mitigation strategies.
• Monitor budgets and fee burn; understand how hours charged impact revenue and forecasts; process additional services as needed.
• Build, develop, and grow client relationships; engage in business development to expand services and share of wallet.
• Respond to contractor and client requests for information quickly and efficiently.
• Perform risk assessments and manage risks throughout the project life cycle.
• Manage Construction Administration to help ensure systems are installed consistent with design intent and quality standards.
• Supervise job closeout, ensuring documentation, filings, lessons learned, and archive are complete.
• Provide oversight, leadership, and mentoring for Project Managers I and II; represent SSR in multidiscipline discussions.
• Demonstrate thought leadership through professional organizations or industry speaking and writing engagements.

Who We're Looking For

Minimum Requirements

• Technical or Bachelor's degree in one of the major technical disciplines practiced by the firm with ten years of related project experience OR
• Fifteen years of practical experience on similar projects
• Proven leadership as a trusted advisor to clients
• Demonstrated, consistent ability to manage projects of various size and complexity
• Expertise in proactively managing project financials with minimal oversight
• Professional Engineer Licensure preferred (required by those who have a ABET accredited degree in engineering)

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success leading complex, multidiscipline design programs and mentoring Project Managers.
• Executivelevel communication, presentation, and negotiation skills; concise technical writing.
• Advanced business acumen with command of pricing strategies, fee burn, earned value, forecasting, and AR.
• Experience directing proposals and interviews with Marketing and technical leaders.
• Ability to analyze tradeoffs, mitigate risk, and drive timely, well‑informed decisions across stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with scheduling, resource planning, and project/CRM platforms.

What We Offer

• 100% Employee‑Owned – Ownership from day one with immediate ESOP vesting.
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) with immediate vesting and a generous company match.
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company‑funded HSA contributions for HDHP plans.
• Company‑Paid Protection – Life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability at no cost to you.
• Work‑Life Balance – Flexible schedules, paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid company holidays.
• Career Growth – Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development support.

SSR is an Equal Opportunity / Aff…Emphasis on inclusive hiring practices.

EEO Disabled/Veterans

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.