Lead Project Manager

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering has a Lead Project Manager opportunity available in Jacksonville, FL. This person is responsible for leading the successful execution of protection & control (P&C) projects involving generation plants, utility substations, campus electrical systems, and data centers. These projects include design, procurement, programming, installation, testing, and commissioning of protective relaying, control systems, switchgear, and communication networks. The Lead Project Manager oversees all aspects of project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and financial tracking while coordinating closely with clients, engineers, field commissioning teams, subcontractors, and office administration.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organized, with prior experience managing electrical utility or industrial power projects from design through commissioning.

Major Responsibilities This position requires the Lead Project Manager to provide project management services across generation, substation, campus, and data center environments. Responsibilities include:

• Manage Protection & Control projects for generation facilities, utility substations, campus power systems, and data centers ensuring alignment with internal and client standards
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, from proposal through close-out, ensuring that all deliverables are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements
• Prepare and issue client invoices accurately and timely, ensuring alignment with contract terms, labor rates, and approved change orders
• Act as the liaison between project management and business leadership, contributing to long-term strategic planning, forecasting, and client relationship development
• Coordinate with office administration to execute project reporting updates, cost tracking, billing packages, and other financial documentation required for monthly reporting and invoicing
• Coordinate internal resources (engineering, design, testing, commissioning, and field services) and third-party subcontractors to ensure proper project execution
• Lead regular project progress meetings internally and with clients; prepare meeting minutes and action item trackers
• Review and interpret project scopes, drawings, and specifications; identify potential risks or scope gaps and communicate them proactively
• Manage procurement of project materials and equipment, ensuring timely delivery aligned with construction and commissioning schedules
• Oversee and document change management - including change order preparation, pricing, negotiation, and client approval
• Maintain accurate project documentation, schedules, correspondence, and close-out packages per company standards
• Support proposal efforts by developing cost estimates, work breakdown structures, and written assumptions/clarifications
• Mentor engineering staff with project management responsibilities, encouraging professional growth, ownership, and a culture of continuous improvement
• Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes, incorporating innovative solutions into project management practices
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, suppliers, and field teams, acting as the primary point of contact for all project communication
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and quality throughout the project life cycle
• Be forward-thinking and proactive in improving internal processes - identifying efficiencies, recommending better reporting tools or workflows, and collaborating with peers and leadership to continuously refine how projects are managed and delivered

Job Requirements

Education A bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related technical discipline preferred.

Experience

• 5-10 years of experience in project management is preferred, preferably within the electrical utility, industrial power, or EPC environment
• Experience managing projects involving protective relaying, high voltage apparatuses, switchgear upgrades, substation modernization, generator controls, and power distribution systems
• Strong understanding of project financial management, cost tracking, forecasting, and invoicing processes
• Familiarity with scheduling tools (MS Project, Primavera) and document control systems
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with clients, engineers, and field personnel
• PMP certification or equivalent experience is a plus

Other Requirements

• Possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver's license
• Occasional travel to project sites may be required

Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, listening, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling, warm and cold temperature conditions, sun exposure, moisture, potential exposure to hazardous materials and electrical voltages.

Working Conditions On site environment could require work in various temperature conditions; in and/or around moisture, on slippery and/or uneven surfaces, in confined spaces, and at heights; will require frequent standing, driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and occasional bending, squatting, climbing, twisting, balancing, and reaching; will have exposure to noise, vibrations and chemicals. May require irregular or extended hours and travel for project completion.

*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job.
They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical * Dental * Vision * Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D * Long Term Disability * Voluntary Short Term Disability * Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts * Health Savings Account * Paid Time Off (PTO) * Paid Holidays * Tuition Reimbursement * Referral Bonus Program * 401(k)/Profit Sharing * 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) * Employee Assistance Program * Will Preparation Resources * Worldwide Travel Assistance