Graduate Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

A Program Manager at HBK Engineering leads, supports, and directs teams consisting of senior/project managers, engineers, designers, and field personnel involved in the design, modification, analysis, and constructability of new and existing utility systems. This leadership role requires direct California utility experience including working with or supporting organizations such as SCE, PG&E, SDG&E, the CPUC, or local CA municipal utility districts.

This role is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations and strategic direction of a program or sector. Key responsibilities include managing program financial health and project budgets, identifying and mitigating project risks, leading safety initiatives, building and maintaining executive-level client relationships, and managing, developing, and evaluating direct reports and project managers across multiple initiatives.

This position is based out of our Ontario, CA office location.

• Lead, support, and direct teams consisting of project managers, engineers, designers, and field personnel across all phases of utility system design and constructability.

• Manage, supervise, and schedule the execution of programs, monitoring overall productivity, quality, financial health, and project metrics.

• Lead cross-functional teams to identify program risks and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.

• Prepare, review, and approve proposals, contracts, and cost estimates. Negotiate contract revisions, changes, and additions with clients and sub-consultants.

• Build and maintain long-term strategic relationships with key client executives. Report program updates and provide expert engineering recommendations.

• Manage, mentor, and evaluate direct reports and project managers, providing performance feedback and identifying efficiency gaps across team operations.

• Lead organizational safety initiatives and ensure complete program safety compliance.

• Coordinate with area agencies, municipalities, and governing jurisdictions for program approvals and alignment.

• Travel as needed for client engagements, site visits, and program requirements.

• 10+ years of relevant experience in engineering, utility design, or construction fields with a demonstrated track record of managing engineering or design projects.
• Direct experience working with or supporting California electric/gas utilities (e.g., CPUC regulations, SCE, PG&E, SDG&E, or local CA municipal utility districts) and familiarity with regional agency permitting and governing jurisdictions.
• Proven experience managing, mentoring, and supervising project managers, technical staff, and direct reports.
• Hands-on experience leading an engineering design team through all phases of utility design, infrastructure modifications, and field coordination.
• Demonstrated capability in budget tracking, invoicing, contract negotiation, and program-level financial management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead effectively in team and hybrid work environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and time/expense program tracking software.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited engineering or technical program. (Applicable graduate/doctoral degrees or equivalent professional experience may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis).
• Certifications: PMP or CAPM licensure highly preferred.

• Executive-level program management role leading comprehensive teams including senior/project managers, engineers, designers, and field personnel
• Leadership responsibility for multiple program execution with executive-level productivity and quality oversight
• Strategic client relationship building and maintenance responsibilities at the highest organizational level
• Authority in preparing, reviewing, and approving proposals, contracts, and cost estimates with executive decision-making power
• Professional development in contract negotiation and client relationship management at executive levels
• Leadership opportunities in managing, developing, mentoring, and evaluating organizational resources and direct reports
• Advanced responsibility for program financial management and metrics oversight across multiple initiatives
• Safety leadership responsibilities with organizational impact and executive authority
• Client interface responsibilities at executive level for program updates and strategic recommendations
• Advanced training in time and expense software for comprehensive program management
• Executive oversight of project managers and their teams with comprehensive leadership responsibility
• Clear executive career progression pathway within the HBK Organization's senior leadership
• Professional certification support for CAPM/PMP credentials
• Executive-level career advancement opportunities within HBK Organization senior leadership
• Pay range: $135,000.00 to $150,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience.The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and the potential to participate in our discretionary annual incentive bonus program.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Available to Full-Time Employees:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life and AD&D
  • Optional Ancillary benefits including but not limited to: Legal, Pet, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident and Voluntary Life
  • Short Term and Long Term Disability
  • 401(k)/Roth retirement plans with company match
  • Paid Sick, Holiday and Vacation time

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.