Project Assistant Jobs in San Diego, CA
Project Assistant jobs in San Diego are concentrated in defense and aerospace, biotech and life sciences, and technology, with roles clustered in Sorrento Valley, Kearny Mesa, and downtown's emerging innovation corridor. Employers actively hiring right now include UC San Diego, Jobot, and Airgain. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Project Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 18+ Project Assistant jobs









POSITION SUMMARY
Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Assistant Manager leads the effort in coordinating those trades with the rest of the project team. This position works with Project Manager to ensure successful completion and turnover to the owner.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist Estimating with Bidding and Preconstruction, defining/developing scope of work for MEP and evaluating subsequent bids
- Review Contract Documents, making suggestions/modifications as they relate to the MEP trades
- Manage and lead MEP subcontractors throughout duration of the project (from Groundbreaking through Commissioning and Turnover to Owner)
- Assist Scheduling department with developing detailed CPM schedules for all MEP installation activities, including cost and resource loading
- Develop an MEP Schedule of Values and assist in billing process
- Work with Superintendent on project logistics and temporary facility plans
- Review and approve material and equipment for MEP systems prior to installation
- Monitor the installation and start-up of MEP systems and commissioning of project with Engineer & Owner
- Coordinate activities, materials procurement and other related activities with Project Manager and Field Staff
- Communicate progress and prepare appropriate reports as needed by Project Manager, Project Director, Owner’s Rep, Architect, etc.
- Represent McCarthy in regards to the MEP process at weekly Owner’s meetings
- Supervise, develop and mentor MEP Project Engineers, if applicable
- Oversee the BIM Coordination process, from initial planning to execution
QUALIFICATIONS
5+ years of experience in Construction/MEP Coordination
- Thorough knowledge of all mechanical, electrical plumbing and low-voltage systems
- General understanding of Building Codes, Mechanical Codes, Electrical Codes and Plumbing Codes as they relate to construction of project
- Bachelors degree in Construction Management or Engineering a plus
- General knowledge of construction principles/practices required
- Proficient in the use of BIM software such as AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Revit is preferred
- Experienced dealing with MEP subcontracts and subcontractors
McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy’s Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.
McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.
If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.
For California locations only, the salary range for this position is: $110,000-130,000 depending on location. This does not include a possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.
See All 18 Project Assistant Jobs in San Diego
Find roles in San Diego that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Assistant JobsProject Assistant Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Education
- Energy
- Staffing & Recruiting
Project Assistant Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a project assistant job in San Diego?
Target San Diego's dominant sectors first: defense contractors along the I-15 corridor, biotech firms in Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley, and technology companies in Kearny Mesa. Employers in these clusters hire project assistants to support program managers and cross-functional teams on complex, deadline-driven work. Candidates who demonstrate experience with scheduling tools, documentation, and coordinating across departments stand out in San Diego's technical and highly regulated industries.
Which companies hire project assistants in San Diego?
San Diego project assistant roles are posted by UC San Diego, Jobot, and Airgain and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. San Diego's hiring mix leans toward large defense primes, life sciences companies, and government contractors, many of which maintain ongoing project assistant pipelines for multi-year programs.
Are there remote project assistant jobs in San Diego?
Yes, though it depends heavily on the role type. Project assistants supporting on-site operations, laboratory environments, or defense facilities are typically required in person. About 20% of project assistant openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, concentrated in technology, consulting, and administrative support functions where coordination can happen without a physical presence.
How can I get a project assistant job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is through administrative or coordinator roles inside defense contractors, research hospitals like UC San Diego Health, or biotech companies that regularly onboard early-career candidates. Internship programs at institutions such as Scripps Research or local government agencies also feed into project assistant roles. Familiarity with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or Asana and exposure to project documentation practices give entry-level candidates a concrete edge.
Which industries hire the most project assistants in San Diego?
Most project assistant openings in San Diego sit in Consulting & Professional Services, Construction & Real Estate, and Education, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. San Diego's concentration of defense contractors, federally funded research institutions, and venture-backed biotech companies creates sustained, year-round demand for project support roles across both private and government-adjacent employers.
Related Jobs in California
See All 18 Project Assistant Jobs in San Diego
Find roles in San Diego that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Assistant Jobs