Project Manager at Overwatch Mission Critical – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

About Overwatch ConstructionOverwatch is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) certified through the national veterans business development council (NVBDC), offering construction professional services, talent acquisition, and general contractor for the mission-critical infrastructure industry.Our mission is the construction and management of state-of-the-art data centers with the precision and reliability this industry demands. From high-end engineers to seasoned professionals, we deploy the people you need to get your data center off the ground. At Overwatch, it's more than a job. It's purpose.
Position OverviewThe Project Manager will be responsible for day-to-day execution of the project, with a strong focus on MEP systems, contractor coordination, and schedule delivery. This individual will serve as the key interface between the team, the general contractor, design teams, and trade partners, ensuring all mechanical and electrical systems are delivered in accordance with project requirements and mission-critical standards.This role is best suited for someone who has data center or mission-critical experience, comes from a general contractor or MEP contractor background, and is comfortable operating in a field-driven, fast-paced construction environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Manage project execution from early construction through commissioning and turnover, with a focus on MEP systems.
• Act as the primary liaison between ownership and the general contractor to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Oversee installation and coordination of critical infrastructure, including:
  • Medium- and low-voltage electrical distribution systems.
  • Generators, UPS systems, and backup power infrastructure.
  • Mechanical cooling systems (chilled water, CRAH/CRAC units, heat rejection systems).
• Lead the review and management of RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings to ensure constructability and proper system integration.
• Drive accountability across the general contractor and subcontractors to maintain schedule milestones and quality standards.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and proactively resolve field and coordination issues.
• Track budgets, support cost control efforts, and manage change orders related to MEP scopes.
• Coordinate and support commissioning activities, including system startup, functional testing, and turnover documentation.
• Ensure all systems meet required standards for reliability, redundancy, and uptime typical of data center environments.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in construction or project management.
• Strong background in MEP systems, with emphasis on electrical infrastructure preferred.
• Prior experience on data center, mission-critical, or large-scale industrial projects.
• Experience working for or closely with a general contractor (GC).
• Proven ability to manage subcontractors and drive field execution.
• Experience working on large-scale projects (500,000+ square feet preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hyperscale or powered shell data center developments.
• Background with top-tier general contractors (e.g., Turner Construction, DPR Construction, Holder Construction).
• Experience with adaptive reuse or industrial-to-data center conversions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.

Driver’s License Requirement:For roles that require on-site presence or travel between work locations as an essential function of the position, candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license appropriate for the role and be eligible to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable laws.
Communication Skills:Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a professional work environment, including preparing written reports and documentation, conveying information clearly to team members, clients, and stakeholders, and responding appropriately to verbal and written communications related to job duties.
Physical Requirements and Work EnvironmentThis position operates primarily in an active data center construction environment, encompassing both indoor and outdoor work settings. The role requires the physical ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively in a dynamic environment that includes ongoing construction activity and evolving site conditions.
The work environment includes areas and temporary structures owned, leased, or controlled by third parties over which Overwatch may have limited or no control. Because the project remains under construction, certain areas of the site — including access routes, staging zones, and temporary structures — may not yet be fully ADA-compliant until construction is complete or those third-party areas are finalized.
Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, twist, bend, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods while navigating uneven, unpaved, or obstructed terrain.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to drive between job sites and access all areas of an active construction zone, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to outdoor weather conditions, dust, and construction-related noise, vibrations, and odors.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with contractors, engineers, and site personnel, and maintain situational awareness in high-activity environments.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety vests, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots, is required.
• Must have sufficient visual acuity to read drawings, specifications, and safety signage, and to observe site activity.

Work Environment:Work is performed primarily in and around active construction areas, which may include unfinished buildings, temporary field offices, staging areas, and partially completed infrastructure. These locations may contain uneven surfaces, limited accessibility, and other conditions typical of construction projects prior to final completion. Overwatch does not control and cannot modify accessibility conditions within areas, facilities, or temporary structures owned or managed by third parties.
Reasonable Accommodation:Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, provided such accommodations do not create safety hazards, impede essential mobility within active work zones, or require modification of facilities not owned or controlled by Overwatch.
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Benefits:We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off. OVERWATCH is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. OVERWATCH considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.