Position Description

Project Manager
Job Category Fulltime Regular
ExemptOvertimeEligible Exempt
Benefits Eligible Benefit Based
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Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.


Job Summary

As a member of the project management team in the Facilities Planning, Design and Construction Department (PDC), the Project Manager reports to a Director.

The Project Manager’s primary responsibility is for the management of capital improvement projects and annual laboratory and office renovation projects within the Caltech complex. The role involves working on complex projects for various Divisions and Departments that requires thorough knowledge of project management best practices from project inception through project close-out.

Essential Job Duties

  • Duties include, but are not limited to, conducting comprehensive research on project needs, integrating project functions within the framework of ongoing activities within the Institute, advising customers on complex project plans, overseeing design and construction of multiple projects, preparing budgets, schedules, scopes of work and status reports. In addition, this position is responsible for assisting in developing and negotiating construction contracts; managing the bidding process, contract award, documentation, invoices, change orders, commissioning, and close-out of the projects. The Project Manager must maintain close working relationships with management, stakeholders across the Institute, Institute clients and external design and construction professionals.
  • Work collaboratively with the Divisions and Departments in developing project scope, prioritizing items, identifying value engineering opportunities, collaborating with operations and internal architects and engineers to fully inform project scope early in the design process.
  • Build and present budgets, and ensure projects are delivered within budget constraints.
  • Develop complete project schedules and ensure that projects are delivered on time.
  • Be the connector and facilitator between departments such as Facilities Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, Security and Parking, Finance, Information Management Systems and Services, and more to lead successful projects through completion.
  • Support Senior Project Managers on larger construction projects in project meetings, submittal and RFI management, AiM processes, and more.
  • Provide guidance for associate and assistant project managers on the PDC team.
  • Oversee/direct all necessary documentation in preparation for bidding to architects and engineers, contractors, and other consultants. Manage the QA/QC process with contractors, engineers, architects, PDC technical team, and Facilities Operations. Manage the bidding process in collaboration with the Procurement Officer.
  • Project manage projects in multiple delivery methods including design-bid-build (DBB), design-build (DB), and DBB with design-assist.
  • Establish and manage construction progress through in-person and virtual meetings, consultations and field observations.
  • Review and approve the design and construction for adherence to Caltech design standards, project specifications, and local and government standards and requirements.
  • Manage scope of project, attain additional approval for scope creep with various leaders, and monitor throughout project.
  • Provide design and construction administration support, coordinating with engineering consultants and in-house staff to review construction documents, submittals, RFIs, and field observation reports.
  • Prepare progress and financial reports for all ongoing projects.
  • Advise customers on complex project plans; effectively manage customer expectations during the planning, execution, and closure of projects by anticipating challenges and developing contingency plans accordingly.
  • Ensure maintenance of complete and accurate files suitable for audit purposes on all projects.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned including Emergency Operation Center Support when required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • BA/BS degree, preferably in architecture, engineering, interior design, construction management, city planning, or other related discipline.
  • Minimum 6 years’ work experience in project management or construction management of new building and/or renovation projects.
  • LEED AP or LEED GA certification or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of employment.
  • Complete OSHA 10-hour Construction Training within six months of employment and refresher training every four years.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills are required, as is the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and other professionals.
  • Proficient in the use of MS Outlook, Word, Excel, Project, Adobe PDF, Zoom, and project management software.
  • Must be able to travel to buildings on campus for the purpose of observing and planning work.

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs., walk half a mile unaided, climb ladders and stairs, and enter and leave excavations for the purpose of observing and planning work.
  • Must be able to walk and/or stand for long periods of time, push, pull, and stoop and bend to accomplish job duties throughout the day on a regular basis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Institutional and Higher Education project experience.
  • Educational and research laboratory project experience.
  • Project Management Professional certification or Certified Construction Manager.
  • Recent construction or construction management experience.
  • Large and small project experience.
  • Owner’s representative experience.
  • State of California licensed professional.
  • Project management systems expertise, Project Management Professional Certification.
  • AutoCAD, Adobe suite, Bluebeam experience.

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Strongly Preferred: Cover Letter

Hiring Range

$123.7K - $137.7K per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu

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