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Project Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

WATG

Project Architect

Tustin, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $120K/yr

The Project Architect reports to the Project Director. RESPONSIBILITIES * Ensures the overall design intent of the project established by the Project Designer is incorporated into the detailed ...

WATG

Project Architect

Tustin, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The Project Architect reports to the Project Director. RESPONSIBILITIES * Ensures the overall design intent of the project established by the Project Designer is incorporated into the detailed ...

ATI Restoration

National Project Accountant

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$63K - $83K/yr

Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with all staff, Project Directors, and clients Technical Skills: MS Office, Google Mail, and PC. **Must be proficient in Excel**, Must be able to type ...

RimePro Inc

Director of Project Management

Murrieta, CA

$200K - $260K/yr

Summary We are representing a well-established and growing construction organization seeking a Director of Project Management to oversee and lead its Project Management, shop, and field teams. This ...

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Project Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$45.9K

$114.3K

$206K

How much do project director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for project director in Riverside, CA is $114,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,200.00 and $150,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Project Director?

A project director handles all aspects of project management for a business or organization. As a project director, your job duties may include hiring members of project teams and project managers, negotiating with contractors and vendors, overseeing budget allocations for multiple projects, making sure projects stay on schedule, and checking in with project managers regarding client and stakeholder meetings. You may also meet with management to pitch project proposals and explain how ongoing or future projects align with business goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Director, you need strong leadership, project management expertise, and a relevant degree—often in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera, or Asana, plus certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2, are typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills make candidates stand out in this role. These abilities ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

How does a Project Director typically balance strategic oversight with hands-on project involvement?

As a Project Director, you'll often need to strike a balance between providing high-level strategic direction and getting involved in the day-to-day operations of projects. While your primary focus is on aligning projects with organizational goals and ensuring resources are allocated effectively, you may also step in to resolve escalated issues, mentor project managers, and communicate with key stakeholders. This dual responsibility requires strong delegation skills and the ability to maintain clear visibility into project progress without micromanaging, ensuring teams are empowered but supported.

What is the difference between Project Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProject DirectorProject Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects or programs, sets strategic goals, manages senior stakeholdersManages individual projects, handles day-to-day operations, ensures project deliverables
Required CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree, PMP certification, and extensive experienceTypically requires a bachelor's degree, PMP or CAPM certification, and project management experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic planning, often in corporate or large organizational settingsOperational, team management, on-site or remote project execution
Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, government agencies, and consulting firmsWidely used across industries for project execution at various scales

The main difference between a Project Director and a Project Manager lies in scope and strategic involvement. The Project Director oversees multiple projects and aligns them with organizational goals, while the Project Manager focuses on managing individual projects to ensure successful delivery.

What does a Project Director do?

A Project Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of large or complex projects within an organization. They lead project teams, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure that project objectives align with company goals. Project Directors also communicate with stakeholders, resolve issues that may arise, and ensure that deliverables meet quality standards. Their role is critical in ensuring projects are completed successfully, on time, and within budget.
More about Project Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Project jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Project Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Project Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Project Director jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Project Director job openings:
Project Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,303 per year, or $55 per hour.
Director, Engineering Project Management

Director, Engineering Project Management

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$230K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Director, Engineering Project Management for our Systems Business in Irvine, CA to lead the strategy, structure, staffing, governance, and execution of cross-functional initiatives-including the Product Development Process (PDP) and Quality Improvement-within MKS' matrixed organization. This role partners closely with senior leadership, internal and external stakeholders, and customers to deliver business-critical outcomes while strengthening project management capabilities and driving continuous improvement across the organization.

You will make an impact by:

  • Lead and develop a high-performing Project Management organization by fostering a strong culture, building talent, and coaching teams to perform at their best.

  • Drive execution of complex, cross-functional initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and consistent delivery against scope, schedule, cost, and quality targets.

  • Scale and enhance the Product Development Process (PDP) through clear standards, governance, and best practices that enable efficient, repeatable execution across global teams.

  • Implement project management tools, methodologies, and operating rhythms that improve planning, visibility, and decision-making.

  • Partner with senior leadersandcross-functional teams; both in Irvine and across global MKS locations toalign onpriorities andobjectives.

  • Lead customer-facing execution by proactively managing risk and driving successful outcomes for complex initiatives.

Skills You Bring:

  • Education & Technical Foundation:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical fieldrequired; advanced technical degree preferred. Equivalentexperiencewill be considered. Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.

  • Executive Leadership & Organizational Impact: Provenhigh-level leadership delivering results through teams; ability to build and develop talent, influence across a matrixed organization, and partner effectively with senior leaders to drive alignment and decisions.

  • Experience in High-Tempo Environments: 15+ years of experience in fast-paced, technically complex environments (e.g., product development, manufacturing, or R&D), witha track recordof delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives.

  • Product Development & Technical Domain Experience: Experience with product development for complex systems or capital equipment; background in optics, lasers, photonics, or related technologies is a plus.

  • Transformation & Operational Excellence: Proven ability to improve processes,establishscalable ways of working, and implement governance that enables consistent, efficient execution.

  • Execution, Influence & Customer Engagement:Strong communicationand problem-solving skills, with the ability to align stakeholders, lead global teams, manage risk, and engage directly with customers.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally (<10%).

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $230,000 - $275,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.

MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.

#LI-EK1

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at:accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com.

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

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