Freelance Electrical Project Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

About Mendoza Companies

Mendoza Companies is a multi-entity ecosystem of construction, services, and investment businesses operating under The Mendoza Way. The platform includes High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE) — a California-based union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996 delivering public works and complex electrical construction across California — along with Mendoza Trust and an international independent contractor workforce.

We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California, with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets. In 2025, HLE was recognized on the Inc. Regionals Pacific list — #116.

Mendoza Companies is guided by Mission 2040: to build a $1 billion business ecosystem connecting 1,000 families and communities through business by 2040.

The Role

The Project Manager leads the full execution of assigned projects from preconstruction through closeout, managing a portfolio of concurrent projects across varying sizes and disciplines.

This role carries full ownership of project execution, financial performance, operational coordination, team accountability, and client relationships. The PM receives a structured preconstruction handoff from the Area Operations Manager and from that point owns all planning and execution in partnership with the Project Accountant and Finance Director.

This role requires a leader who can operate effectively in public works and union environments while maintaining strong communication, disciplined execution, and proactive problem-solving across all phases of construction.

What You'll Do

• Lead assigned projects from preconstruction through closeout while owning overall project direction, execution, performance, and outcomes across multiple active projects.
• Receive the formal handoff from the Area Operations Manager and establish the project’s financial foundation, schedule framework, subcontractor coordination, procurement strategy, and operational readiness before mobilization begins.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, purchase orders, billing review, and financial recovery actions in partnership with the Project Accountant and Finance Director to maintain financially predictable and transparent projects.
• Maintain master schedules and three-week lookaheads in partnership with Superintendents, ensuring field conditions, operational risks, and production impacts are proactively identified and addressed.
• Lead safety, quality assurance, prevailing wage compliance, DIR requirements, certified payroll coordination, and public contract obligations across all phases of work.
• Manage union labor coordination under applicable collective bargaining agreements while maintaining professional relationships with union representatives, subcontractors, vendors, clients, and public agencies.
• Coach and develop Superintendents, Project Engineers, and Field Engineers while reinforcing accountability, alignment, and continuous performance improvement across the project team.
• Lead project communication and coordination across field operations, owner meetings, internal stakeholders, subcontractors, and public agencies to ensure issues are resolved before escalation.
• Maintain accurate and complete project documentation, billing support, closeout deliverables, and compliance records throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead post-project debriefs, capture lessons learned, and apply operational improvements forward to continuously raise project performance standards.

What We're Looking For

Required

• 5–8 years of progressive project management experience in civil, infrastructure construction, or public works strongly preferred.
• Experience managing public agency projects including prevailing wage, certified payroll oversight, and DIR requirements.
• Working knowledge of electrical construction operations sufficient to coordinate scope, schedule, and cost alongside field leadership.
• Experience working within union labor environments and coordinating under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Proven ability to deliver projects safely, profitably, and on schedule.
• Strong communication, coordination, and organizational skills across field and office operations.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification (Cal/OSHA preferred)
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• Equivalent combinations of education and progressive field experience will be considered.
• PMP — Project Management Professional (PMI)
• CCM — Certified Construction Manager (CMAA)
• Lean Construction Certification (LCI-CPC or equivalent)
• NFPA 70E — Electrical Safety in the Workplace
• Experience developing project teams and improving operational performance across multiple projects.

What to Expect in This Role

• Regular travel across Central and Southern California based on project assignments.
• Work that combines office coordination, field leadership, client communication, and operational problem-solving.
• Active construction and roadway environments that may include nighttime operations and live traffic conditions.
• A fast-paced public works environment where responsiveness, planning, and execution matter.
• High levels of ownership, accountability, and cross-functional coordination across operations, finance, field leadership, and clients.
• Opportunities to contribute within a growing organization expanding into additional U.S. markets.

Applicants must be able to walk, stand, climb, and move through active construction and roadway environments, with or without reasonable accommodation.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health benefits package — medical, dental, and vision.
• 401(k) or equivalent retirement plan.
• Multi-entity ecosystem with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets.
• A mission-driven organization building for the long term — Mission 2040.

Hiring Process

Our process includes:

• Application and screening questionnaire
• AI-assisted resume and structured interview review
• Recruiter screen
• Leadership panel interview
• Final interview with the CEO

AI tools are used to support consistency and efficiency and are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness and compliance.

Qualified candidates can expect a timely and structured process.

Pre-employment screening, reference checks, and verification of credentials are required prior to offer.

Equal Employment Opportunity

High-Light Electric, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice, consistent with the needs of High-Light Electric, Inc. and the Mendoza Companies ecosystem.

Learn More About Us

High Light Electric