Contract Electrical Project Manager Jobs in California

Axia Electric is seeking an experienced and results-driven Electrical Project Manager in Northern California/Bay Area/East Bay region to lead the successful execution of electrical construction projects from contract award through closeout. This role carries full responsibility for the overall performance of assigned projects, including safety, financial outcomes, schedule adherence, client satisfaction, and team leadership.

The Project Manager acts as the primary representative of Axia Electric to the client and is accountable for delivering projects that meet or exceed contractual obligations while aligning with company goals and standards.

At Axia Electric, we are problem solvers. Creative thinkers. Innovators. We approach each project with fresh ideas and big thinking in pursuit of better answers, better outcomes, and better experiences for our clients. We are resourceful, nimble and resilient. We work hard together-and with our clients-to deliver high-quality projects that are on time, on budget and beyond expectations.

Electrical Division

Since the early 1990s, Shimmick has been self-performing electrical scopes for infrastructure projects. In 2025 the Electrical Division rebranded to Axia Electric, a subsidiary to Shimmick Construction. Axia offers electrical, instrumentation, and process controls expertise for water and wastewater treatment; dams and locks; mass transit and rail; alternative energy; power generation and transmission; and commercial building projects. Our ability to self-perform this specialty offers additional value and enables us to better control cost and schedule for projects with major electrical and process mechanical scopes. Our clients include municipalities, water districts, sanitation districts, transit agencies, private developers, DOTs, and USACE

Axia Electric, headquartered in Riverside, California, focuses on large public owners in several states, across water resources, water treatment, transportation and transit markets. Over the past decade, the division has grown tremendously, securing major projects, including the $350 million North City Pure Water Facility in San Diego and  the $235 million EVMWD Regional Water Reclamation Facility Expansion Project in Lake Elsinore, CA.

Why Axia Electric

At Axia Electric, Project Managers play a critical role in driving our reputation for excellence. This position offers the opportunity to lead impactful projects, build meaningful client relationships, and contribute directly to the company's growth and success.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead all aspects of project operations, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contract requirements
• Oversee project setup, procurement, subcontracting, and resource allocation
• Identify and proactively manage risks, including cost exposure, schedule delays, and scope changes

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to all company and regulatory safety standards
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all employees, subcontractors, and partners on assigned projects

Financial Management

• Maintain full accountability for project financial performance, including forecasting, cost control, and profitability
• Safeguard company funds, assets, and resources
• Manage project budgets, change orders, billing, and cash flow
• Evaluate and mitigate financial risks associated with project execution

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships
• Ensure client satisfaction through consistent communication, responsiveness, and delivery excellence
• Represent Axia Electric professionally in all client interactions
• Support business development by identifying opportunities for repeat and future work

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead cross-functional project teams including field personnel, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors
• Provide clear direction, mentorship, and performance oversight to project team members
• Coordinate effectively with internal departments such as estimating, procurement, and operations

Project Complexity & Risk Management

• Successfully manage projects across varying levels of financial risk and operational complexity
• Assess and adapt management approach based on factors such as:
  • Contract value and project duration
  • Scope and technical complexity
  • Availability of proven methods or technologies
  • Environmental, safety, and working conditions
  • Labor, subcontractor, or joint venture requirements
  • Contractual risks including liquidated damages, guarantees, and liabilities
• Ensure appropriate planning and execution strategies are applied based on project profile

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field + 6 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience managing or supporting complex heavy civil or industrial electrical construction projects
• Experience working in underground, confined, or highly regulated environments (e.g., transit systems or similar infrastructure)
• Background in water/wastewater, transportation, or power-related infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of electrical power distribution and control systems, including switchgear, transformers, generators, and backup power systems
• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings and schematics (single-line diagrams, P&IDs, control systems, and coordination plans)
• Experience with installation, testing, and commissioning of electrical and instrumentation/control (I&C) systems, including grounding and high-voltage systems
• Familiarity with ventilation, life safety, or other critical infrastructure systems is a plus
• Working knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, and applicable industry codes and standards
• Proven ability to operate in logistically challenging environments with constrained access, sequencing complexity, or active operations
• Strong commitment to safety, with experience supporting high-risk work environments and compliance programs
• Exposure to estimating, takeoffs, or tools such as Accubid is a plus
• Proficiency with standard project and engineering tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, CAD, and project management software)

Additional Information:

• This position is based in Northern California.
• Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
• This position does not include sponsorship for United States work authorization.

The salary range for this position is between $150,000 to $180,000 depending on experience and/or education.

Shimmick offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Employees can choose from multiple medical plans, including a $0 premium option, with dental, vision, and HSA options available. We provide 100% employer-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Our paid time off program includes paid holidays, and Volunteer Time Off in addition to PTO days.

These benefits are available to all employees working more than 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 20 hours per week are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage as well as EAP services.