Project Manager – Preconstruction

Location: Costa Mesa, CA

Work Arrangement: Full-time, On-site

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager – Preconstruction to support commercial solar and energy infrastructure projects from approximately 30% design through construction-ready design and handoff to Operations.

This role will lead the preconstruction process, coordinating engineering, design, permitting, procurement, budgeting, scheduling, constructability, and project readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple commercial solar projects through the preconstruction lifecycle.
• Advance projects from approximately 30% design to construction-ready.
• Coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, utilities, AHJs, fire departments, and clients.
• Lead preconstruction meetings and track schedules, action items, decisions, and project issues.
• Coordinate project due diligence, including site surveys, utilities, geotechnical, civil, environmental, structural, electrical, access, and constructability requirements.
• Manage external engineering consultants and track design deliverables, RFIs, revisions, and schedules.
• Review designs for constructability, conflicts, gaps, risks, and cost/schedule impacts.
• Coordinate permitting submissions, plan reviews, comments, revisions, and approvals.
• Monitor project budgets, consultant costs, pricing, scope changes, and schedule impacts.
• Coordinate procurement and identify long-lead equipment and material requirements.
• Manage scope and design changes and communicate impacts on cost, schedule, and construction.
• Maintain project drawings, specifications, permits, due-diligence information, and decision logs.
• Prepare projects for successful turnover to Operations/construction.

Qualifications

• Commercial solar experience — REQUIRED
• 5+ years of experience in project management, preconstruction, engineering coordination, construction management, or a related field.
• Experience taking projects through design → engineering → permitting → construction turnover.
• Experience coordinating architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, utilities, and permitting authorities.
• Background in renewable energy, energy services, design-build, MEP, infrastructure, or similar construction environments.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of construction and field execution.
• Experience with budgeting, scheduling, procurement, change management, and risk management.
• Strong design-review and constructability skills.
• Ability to manage external consultants and drive accountability.
• Valid driver's license.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred Software Experience

• MS Project
• Viewpoint
• RS Means
• Trimble Estimating
• Or similar project management/estimating software

Ideal Background

The strongest candidates will have a combination of:

Commercial Solar + Preconstruction + Engineering Coordination + Permitting + Budget/Schedule Management + Construction Knowledge