Project Manager

Job Title: Project Manager - Mechanical Construction

Job Description

This Project Manager role oversees pre-construction, planning, and execution of mechanical construction projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget. The position manages project finances, contracts, scheduling, and coordination across multiple trades, while maintaining strong client relationships and supporting future business opportunities. The ideal candidate brings deep mechanical construction experience, strong project management skills, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full pre-construction and construction scheduling process, including preplanning activities and detailed project timelines.
• Review and approve project budgets for labor, materials, and subcontractors, and determine optimal allocation of manpower, equipment, and materials from project start to completion within budgetary limitations.
• Negotiate and develop subcontractor contracts with external vendors to secure agreements that are beneficial to project objectives.
• Oversee project finances, including profitability, cash flow, and cost control, with accountability for overall job profitability.
• Monitor and manage cost to complete in relation to the initial job bid proposal, ensuring alignment with financial targets.
• Collaborate with engineers, architects, and other stakeholders to resolve design conflicts for all trades and determine project specifications.
• Lead strategic planning efforts and manage the submittal, request for information (RFI), and change order processes.
• Implement monthly cost reports and maintain accurate cost projections throughout the project lifecycle.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend construction means, methods, and timelines to optimize project delivery.
• Recognize, document, and implement change orders as needed, ensuring proper approval and integration into project plans.
• Review and approve payment applications, supplier invoices, and subcontractor invoices in accordance with contract terms and project budgets.
• Ensure adherence to all health and safety standards on project sites and promptly report and address any safety issues.
• Apply in-depth understanding of construction procedures, materials, and project management principles to guide project decisions.
• Provide strong leadership to project teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Coordinate scheduling, logistics, and procurement of equipment and materials to support uninterrupted project progress.
• Maintain and develop positive client relationships, serving as a primary point of contact throughout the project.
• Identify and actively pursue upcoming work opportunities, supporting business development efforts.
• Project, identify, and manage CAD, fabrication, and field labor resources required for successful project execution.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by enforcing procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Exercise direct responsibility for subcontractors and project engineers/assistant project managers, and indirect responsibility for subcontractor field personnel and internal support services.
• Organize and curate documents related to work orders, personnel, and project records to ensure accurate and accessible documentation.
• Train estimating staff on the technical aspects of project management to improve project planning and bid accuracy.
• Coordinate daily with the Superintendent to align company resource production capabilities with construction activities.
• Professionally solicit vendors and suppliers during the procurement process to secure competitive pricing and reliable service.
• Prepare SWOT analyses for current and future projects to support strategic planning and risk management.

Essential Skills

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Consistent dependability and availability to support project needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced construction office environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to curate and manage documents related to work orders and personnel.
• Aptitude to learn and adapt to new systems and tools.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word.
• Mechanical knowledge relevant to mechanical construction projects.
• Demonstrated project management experience in construction settings.
• Ability to lead and manage subcontractors, project engineers, assistant project managers, and internal support services.
• Capability to coordinate CAD, fabrication, and field labor resources.
• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in a relevant field, or 10+ years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in the mechanical construction field leading projects up to $15 million in scope.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical construction, MEP, mission-critical, data center, and commercial construction environments.
• Experience in construction management and mechanical systems.
• Experience with data center and commercial construction projects.
• Estimation experience, including supporting and training estimating staff on project management aspects.
• Experience with AutoBid, P6 Scheduler, and Bluebeam (preferred).
• Ability to prepare comprehensive SWOT analyses for projects and future opportunities.
• Knowledge of health and safety standards and ability to enforce safety procedures.
• Experience managing project finances, including profitability, cash flow, and cost projections.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and manage subcontractor contracts and vendor relationships.
• Experience in scheduling, logistics, and procurement of equipment and materials.

Work Environment

The role operates primarily in a fast-paced construction office environment with regular interaction with field personnel, subcontractors, and project stakeholders. Work involves extensive use of project management and productivity software, including Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, and preferred tools such as AutoBid, P6 Scheduler, and Bluebeam. The Project Manager coordinates closely with superintendents, CAD and fabrication teams, and field labor to support mechanical, MEP, mission-critical, data center, and commercial construction projects. The position emphasizes maintaining a safe, clean working environment by enforcing established procedures, rules, and regulations, and requires a professional presence suitable for both office and jobsite settings.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.