Project Manager

Job description

About Critical Loop

Critical Loop is shaping the next generation of energy systems by building the integrated edge grid of the future. Specializing in advanced energy management and battery control systems, Critical Loop empowers businesses and communities to seamlessly unite distributed energy resources for faster, more reliable, and affordable grid access. With deep expertise in grid modernization and a passion for creating resilient, responsive energy solutions, Critical Loop drives innovation at the intersection of technology and energy.

Critical Loop | Full-Time | Torrance, CA | In-person or Hybrid

About Critical Loop

Critical Loop is shaping the next generation of energy systems by building the integrated edge grid of the future. Specializing in advanced energy management and battery control systems, Critical Loop empowers businesses and communities to seamlessly unite distributed energy resources for faster, more reliable, and affordable grid access. With deep expertise in grid modernization and a passion for creating resilient, responsive energy solutions, Critical Loop drives innovation at the intersection of technology and energy.

The Role

We are hiring a Project Manager. This role owns both administrative and coordination duties, as well as the schedule, budget, and outcome of multiple concurrent project deployments throughout the project implementation lifecycle from sales to commercial operation. You’ll also work closely with the Technical Program Manager to build the repeatable processes the team needs as the portfolio grows and the company scales.

The successful candidate will be well-versed in the technical and construction aspects of an energy project deployment and able to lead productive conversations with engineers and subcontractors in the office and in the field. You are highly organized and comfortable creating and maintaining real-world schedules and budgets. You will work directly with internal and external engineers, customers, subcontractors, and utilities, and must be able to successfully manage communications with a wide variety of stakeholders and audiences.

What You'll Do - Own the schedule, budget, and overall success of multiple concurrent energy project deployments at varying lifecycle stages - Manage the interconnection process across California investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, and out-of-state utilities - Read electrical single-line diagrams and translate them into real constructability discussions with engineers, contractors, AHJs and inspectors. - Coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineers, technicians, subcontractors, and third-party contractors - Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, maintaining communication and managing expectations throughout project execution - Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues while developing contingency plans - Monitor project progress, track KPIs, and provide regular updates to management - Manage project budgets, approve expenditures, and support cost-effective project delivery - Ensure compliance with all applicable external and internal regulations, safety standards, procedures, and guidelines. - Create and maintain a Gantt-style schedule with real dependency logic, and adapt the plan in real time when field conditions change - Track budget and schedule variance and translate it into clear, accurate updates for customers and Critical Loop management - Partner with the Technical Program Manager to build, document, and continuously improve the repeatable processes and tools (tracking systems, reporting, milestone cadences) that let the project portfolio and team scale, including running post-project reviews to feed lessons learned back in - Spot opportunities to automate reporting, tracking, and other repetitive PM work, and prototype lightweight scripts or tools to do it

Must-Haves - Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, to a wide variety of audiences - Experience delivering complex projects on time and within budget - Background in commercial energy, infrastructure, or construction - Comfortable working with numbers day to day, tracking budget/schedule variance in a spreadsheet or PM tool and translating it into a clear customer or leadership update - Has owned technical and/or construction related scopes in electrical construction, general construction, EV charging infrastructure, energy generation, data centers, or similarly regulated, physical work - Ability to read electrical single-line diagrams and translate them into actual constructability discussions in the field - Experience creating and managing a Gantt-style schedule with dependency logic, paired with the judgment to adapt the plan in real time when field conditions change - Demonstrated ability to operate independently and drive projects' successful outcomes in a dynamic environment - Has worked inside, and thrived in, a lean team (startup, small company, sole proprietorship) and is passionate about building and maintaining processes to increase efficiency and quality

Nice-to-Haves - Prior use of construction or PM tracking software (e.g., Procore, Smartsheet, Sitetracker, Buildertrend) - Direct experience with C&I solar, BESS, EV charging, or utility interconnection specifically - PMP, CAPM, or equivalent - Has worked in a startup environment without an implemented PM software or procedures and understands what it means to own outcomes in a highly dynamic environment

#LI-Inperson #LI-Hybrid

Critical Loop is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.