Project Manager II - Utilities (Orange County)

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to support an active portfolio of engineering projects for a major utility client in the Orange County area. This role is embedded within an established project team and is responsible for leading projects from planning through execution — managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality across concurrent assignments. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, organized, and experienced working within a utility or large-scale infrastructure environment with direct field involvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage utility projects from initiation through closeout — including scoping and project initiation, planning and design, permit and easement acquisition, civil and electrical construction, and closeout activities.
• Provide direction for the project team and stakeholders throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring successful delivery across scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
• Ramp up quickly to lead and manage multiple concurrent projects with direct accountability for costs, methods, and outcomes.
• Maintain direct involvement in tasks necessary for successful project execution — identifying problems, developing solutions, and collaborating to establish project objectives, timelines, risk analysis, milestones, and deliverables.
• Utilize project controls to manage budgets and schedules — including forecasting, variance analysis, performance monitoring, identifying trends, and assessing performance against budget targets.
• Coordinate with internal engineering teams, field crews, subcontractors, and stakeholders to drive decisions, resolve issues, and maintain project momentum.
• Resolve issues and ensure task completion by establishing priorities and working through conflicts with team members and functional managers.
• Manage relationships with contractors and vendors, ensuring adherence to project requirements, timelines, and contract terms.
• Prepare and present project status reports, schedule updates, and cost summaries for program leadership and client stakeholders.
• Identify project risks early, develop mitigation strategies, and communicate impacts proactively to the team.
• Support change management activities including scope changes, contract modifications, and budget adjustments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, procurement, environmental, and permitting teams to keep projects on track.
• Perform other project management duties as needed in support of the broader project team.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable professional, business, or technical discipline — or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 5+ years (PM II) or 7+ years (PM III) of project management experience supporting projects in a utility, infrastructure, or engineering environment, with direct field involvement.
• Caltrans and environmental permitting experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Teams, Microsoft Project), SAP, and Primavera P6.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent projects with accountability for scope, schedule, and budget outcomes.
• Strong understanding of utility standards and compliance requirements.
• Organized, clear communicator who drives actions and resolves issues with urgency.
• Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment with onsite availability as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Environmental permitting experience — coastal permits, SWPPP, public lands approvals.
• Utility experience; underground utility experience a plus.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Experience supporting electrical engineering, distribution, transmission, or substation projects within a utility environment.
• Experience working within a PMO or program controls environment.

Perks & Benefits

• Hybrid — Enhanced work-life balance with our hybrid model combining both remote and in-office work.
• Climbing PTO — Enjoy freedom and flexibility with our annual increasing paid time off.
• Paid Holidays — We observe 9 federal holidays.
• Health & Wellness — We prioritize your physical and mental well-being with health and wellness initiatives and programs.
• Medical & Retirement Benefits — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, and retirement with company match ensures you and your family's health and future are well-protected.
• Career Growth — Track your career with our robust learning and development opportunities.
• Culture Focused — Thrive in our inclusive, vibrant culture that values diversity, teamwork, and mutual respect.