Project Development Manager Jobs in California
Project Development Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in clean energy, infrastructure, technology, and commercial real estate development across a seniority range from entry-level project coordinators through senior and executive-level managers. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where employers like Jacobs Engineering, Swinerton, and Pacific Gas and Electric maintain deep and ongoing demand. The most in-demand specialties in California are renewable energy development, public infrastructure, and mixed-use real estate. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 89+ Project Development Manager jobs
DESCRIPTION
Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.
We are seeking an experienced Development Lab Infrastructure Manager to lead the design, coordination, and delivery of R&D building infrastructure projects within the Development Lab Operations (DLO) organization. In this role, you will be responsible for planning and executing lab infrastructure buildouts, upgrades, and modifications that enable advanced satellite testing and development programs—ensuring that facilities, utilities, and supporting systems are delivered on time, within budget, and to the standards required by mission-critical R&D operations.
As the Development Lab Infrastructure Manager, you will bring strong project management expertise and technical knowledge of building systems and lab infrastructure to drive seamless project delivery in a fast-paced, engineering-driven environment. You will lead infrastructure design efforts, coordinate construction and commissioning activities, and work hand-in-hand with the R&D Maintenance team to ensure smooth transitions from project delivery to ongoing operations and sustainment.
This role requires a proactive leader who can translate R&D requirements into actionable infrastructure designs, manage complex cross-functional projects from concept through commissioning, and build strong partnerships across engineering, maintenance, facilities, and vendor teams. You will serve as the primary point of coordination between project delivery and maintenance operations, ensuring that all new infrastructure is designed for reliability, maintainability, and operational readiness from day one.
Export Control Requirement: Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Key job responsibilities
Lead end-to-end design, planning, and delivery of R&D lab infrastructure projects—new lab buildouts, facility modifications, equipment installations, and utility expansions—managing multiple concurrent projects from concept through commissioning and turnover.
Drive infrastructure design for lab utility systems (electrical, chilled water, compressed air, vacuum, LN2, specialty gas), ensuring designs meet Basis of Design standards and R&D operational requirements.
Develop standardized project delivery playbooks, design templates, and commissioning protocols to enable repeatable execution at scale.
Work closely alongside the Maintenance Manager and Maintenance Lead to ensure projects are designed for maintainability and reliability; coordinate project-to-operations handoffs including as-built documentation, O&M manuals, and critical spares recommendations.
Work closely alongside the Facilities Manager to align projects with facility strategies and campus planning.
Partner with R&D engineering teams to define infrastructure requirements; serve as primary project liaison between program stakeholders, design engineers, maintenance, and vendors.
Track and manage project-level OpEx/CapEx budgets; develop business cases for infrastructure investments supporting R&D growth.
Manage vendor and contractor activities including scope development, bid evaluation, contract administration, and performance oversight ensuring quality, compliance, and minimal disruption.
Maintain comprehensive project documentation and drive continuous improvement through post-project reviews and lessons learned.
About the team
Development Lab Operations (DLO)
Development Lab Operations owns the design, delivery, maintenance, and operational readiness of R&D laboratory infrastructure supporting satellite development programs. The team ensures mission-critical test environments—thermal vacuum, environmental, RF, and specialized aerospace platforms—remain operational and scalable to meet rapid hardware development demands. DLO's scope spans infrastructure project delivery, preventative and predictive maintenance, utility systems, equipment commissioning, and critical spares sustainment across a multi-site portfolio, partnering directly with R&D engineering to translate development requirements into reliable lab environments.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 4+ years of engineering work managing large-scale services experience
- Experience in reading and understanding schematics and building drawings
- Experience in people management and team development
- Experience in engineering work, managing large-scale services
- Experience maintaining SLAs through the implementation of proactive issue detection and reporting
- Experience operating a mission-critical team or product
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of work in a management position with 5 or more direct reports experience
- 5+ years of work in data centers with an emphasis on building and equipment operation experience
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Knowledge of the electrical and mechanical systems involved in critical data center operations including systems such as feeders, transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, ATS units, PDU units, chillers, pumps, air handling units, and CRAC units
- Experience in a management position with 5 or more direct reports
- Experience working in data centers with an emphasis on building and equipment operation
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, NORTHRIDGE - 129,200.00 - 193,000.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.
We are seeking an experienced Development Lab Infrastructure Manager to lead the design, coordination, and delivery of R&D building infrastructure projects within the Development Lab Operations (DLO) organization. In this role, you will be responsible for planning and executing lab infrastructure buildouts, upgrades, and modifications that enable advanced satellite testing and development programs—ensuring that facilities, utilities, and supporting systems are delivered on time, within budget, and to the standards required by mission-critical R&D operations.
As the Development Lab Infrastructure Manager, you will bring strong project management expertise and technical knowledge of building systems and lab infrastructure to drive seamless project delivery in a fast-paced, engineering-driven environment. You will lead infrastructure design efforts, coordinate construction and commissioning activities, and work hand-in-hand with the R&D Maintenance team to ensure smooth transitions from project delivery to ongoing operations and sustainment.
This role requires a proactive leader who can translate R&D requirements into actionable infrastructure designs, manage complex cross-functional projects from concept through commissioning, and build strong partnerships across engineering, maintenance, facilities, and vendor teams. You will serve as the primary point of coordination between project delivery and maintenance operations, ensuring that all new infrastructure is designed for reliability, maintainability, and operational readiness from day one.
Export Control Requirement: Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Key job responsibilities
Lead end-to-end design, planning, and delivery of R&D lab infrastructure projects—new lab buildouts, facility modifications, equipment installations, and utility expansions—managing multiple concurrent projects from concept through commissioning and turnover.
Drive infrastructure design for lab utility systems (electrical, chilled water, compressed air, vacuum, LN2, specialty gas), ensuring designs meet Basis of Design standards and R&D operational requirements.
Develop standardized project delivery playbooks, design templates, and commissioning protocols to enable repeatable execution at scale.
Work closely alongside the Maintenance Manager and Maintenance Lead to ensure projects are designed for maintainability and reliability; coordinate project-to-operations handoffs including as-built documentation, O&M manuals, and critical spares recommendations.
Work closely alongside the Facilities Manager to align projects with facility strategies and campus planning.
Partner with R&D engineering teams to define infrastructure requirements; serve as primary project liaison between program stakeholders, design engineers, maintenance, and vendors.
Track and manage project-level OpEx/CapEx budgets; develop business cases for infrastructure investments supporting R&D growth.
Manage vendor and contractor activities including scope development, bid evaluation, contract administration, and performance oversight ensuring quality, compliance, and minimal disruption.
Maintain comprehensive project documentation and drive continuous improvement through post-project reviews and lessons learned.
About the team
Development Lab Operations (DLO)
Development Lab Operations owns the design, delivery, maintenance, and operational readiness of R&D laboratory infrastructure supporting satellite development programs. The team ensures mission-critical test environments—thermal vacuum, environmental, RF, and specialized aerospace platforms—remain operational and scalable to meet rapid hardware development demands. DLO's scope spans infrastructure project delivery, preventative and predictive maintenance, utility systems, equipment commissioning, and critical spares sustainment across a multi-site portfolio, partnering directly with R&D engineering to translate development requirements into reliable lab environments.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 4+ years of engineering work managing large-scale services experience
- Experience in reading and understanding schematics and building drawings
- Experience in people management and team development
- Experience in engineering work, managing large-scale services
- Experience maintaining SLAs through the implementation of proactive issue detection and reporting
- Experience operating a mission-critical team or product
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of work in a management position with 5 or more direct reports experience
- 5+ years of work in data centers with an emphasis on building and equipment operation experience
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Knowledge of the electrical and mechanical systems involved in critical data center operations including systems such as feeders, transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, ATS units, PDU units, chillers, pumps, air handling units, and CRAC units
- Experience in a management position with 5 or more direct reports
- Experience working in data centers with an emphasis on building and equipment operation
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, NORTHRIDGE - 129,200.00 - 193,000.00 USD annually
See All 89 Project Development Manager Jobs in California
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Find JobsProject Development Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Development Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Electronics & Hardware
- Construction & Real Estate
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Automotive
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project development manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in project management, construction management, engineering, or a related field
- PMP certification from the Project Management Institute is strongly preferred or required
- Five or more years of experience managing project development lifecycles from conception through delivery
- Demonstrated experience coordinating with California public agencies, permitting bodies, or utilities
- Proficiency with project management software such as Procore, Primavera P6, or Microsoft Project
- Strong stakeholder communication skills for cross-functional teams and executive-level reporting
Project Development Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project development manager in California?
Most project development managers in California enter through a bachelor's degree in project management, engineering, construction management, or business, followed by progressively responsible project coordinator or analyst roles. A PMP certification strengthens candidacy significantly and is required by many California employers, particularly in infrastructure and energy. California-specific permitting knowledge and familiarity with CEQA environmental review processes are practical assets that hiring managers consistently look for.
How much do project development managers make in California?
Project development managers in California earn a median of about $120,910 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,180 for the lowest 10% to over $188,560 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire project development managers in California?
Employers hiring project development managers in California right now include Stantec, Kier & Wright, and Cushman & Wakefield, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's scale in clean energy, defense contracting, and large-scale commercial development means hiring is spread across both major corporations and regional development firms concentrated in the Los Angeles Basin, the Bay Area, and San Diego County.
Which California cities have the most project development manager jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and Irvine have the most project development manager openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its concentration of infrastructure, real estate, and energy development activity, while the San Francisco Bay Area draws heavily from technology-adjacent construction and clean energy projects, and San Diego's defense sector and biotech campus expansions sustain consistent demand in that corridor.
Are there remote project development manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they are limited. About 43% of project development manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that most roles require on-site presence during planning, permitting, and construction phases. The parts of the role most suited to remote work are early-stage feasibility analysis, financial modeling, and stakeholder reporting rather than active site coordination.
How can I get hired as a project development manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a project coordinator or project analyst role at a California-based developer, engineering firm, or public agency such as a regional water district, transit authority, or county public works department. Large California employers including Jacobs, Swinerton, and major investor-owned utilities run structured associate or rotational development programs for candidates with relevant degrees but limited direct experience. Building early proficiency in Procore or Primavera P6 and pursuing a CAPM credential from the Project Management Institute strengthens applications meaningfully before a PMP is achievable.
Where can I find and apply to project development manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to project development manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated in real time. Search the listings to see roles that match your experience level and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 89 Project Development Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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