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At Kelso Industries, 4,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.
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Senior Project Manager – Modular & Pipe Fabrication
Job Title: Senior Project Manager – Modular & Pipe Fabrication
Location: On Site – Duncan, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Project Manager to lead complex modular assembly and industrial pipe fabrication projects from kickoff through final delivery. The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge of prefabricated mechanical systems, a strong command of schedule-driven production environments, and proven experience serving mission-critical markets such as data centers and life sciences/pharmaceutical construction. This role requires a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader capable of managing multi-disciplinary project teams, coordinating with clients and general contractors, and driving continuous improvement across fabrication workflows.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Planning & Execution:
- Lead end-to-end project management for modular skid assemblies, prefabricated pipe spools, and structural steel scopes serving data center and life sciences clients.
- Manage consulting engineers from owner provided performance spec. criteria to detailed design with a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) approach.
- Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, and resource plans to ensure on-time, on-budget, and on-spec delivery.
- Manage multi-discipline buy-out to ensure critical path for fabrication of modular skids.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Procurement, and QA/QC teams to sequence and optimize fabrication workflows aligned with field installation milestones.
- Proactively identify schedule risks, change order impacts, and resource constraints; develop and execute mitigation strategies.
- Manage RFI/submittal logs, drawing revision control, and material tracking throughout the project lifecycle.
- Conduct regular project status meetings and provide clear, data-driven updates to internal leadership, clients, and general contractors.
Client & Stakeholder Management:
- Serve as the primary client-facing project lead, managing expectations, communicating progress, and resolving issues with professionalism and urgency.
- Coordinate closely with mechanical contractors, general contractors, and owner representatives to align fabrication release schedules with field pull plans.
- Support the development of change orders, schedule impact analyses, and contract documentation as required.
- Participate in pre-construction meetings, design reviews, and constructability assessments to provide fabrication input early in project development.
Quality, Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure all projects are executed in accordance with applicable industry standards including ASME B31.3/B31.9, AWS D1.1/D18.1, ASME BPE (for life sciences scopes), and client-specific quality requirements.
- Enforce safety protocols and regulatory compliance requirements throughout the fabrication and delivery process.
- Partner with QA/QC personnel to manage weld documentation, inspection records, hydrostatic test packages, and material certifications.
- Support audit readiness for hyperscaler and pharmaceutical clients with documentation-driven quality systems.
Continuous Improvement & Operations Support:
- Champion lean fabrication principles and work with the Production Manager to optimize spool release sequencing, labor utilization, and throughput.
- Contribute to the development of project management standards, templates, and ERP-integrated workflows to support scalable growth.
- Provide mentorship and project oversight support to junior project coordinators and field liaisons.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 7+ years of experience in industrial pipe fabrication, modular construction, or mechanical construction project management.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with overlapping schedules and competing priorities.
- Strong working knowledge of piping systems, welding processes, modular assembly, and prefabrication methods.
- Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Procore, MS Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent) and ERP-based production tracking tools.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and client relationship skills.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, isometrics, P&IDs, and fabrication specifications.
- Knowledge of safety regulations and quality compliance standards relevant to industrial fabrication environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PMP Certification or equivalent project management credential.
- Experience managing projects for hyperscaler data center clients (AWS, Google, Meta, Microsoft) or CDMO/pharmaceutical construction scopes.
- Familiarity with ASME BPE, FDA/USP hygienic piping requirements, or cleanroom-compliant fabrication standards.
- Experience with BIM coordination (LOD 400) and model-based fabrication workflows.
- Established relationships within the mission-critical construction, life sciences, or industrial construction markets.
- Experience supporting pre-construction estimating, proposal development, or design-assist engagements.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
This role is well-suited for a technically grounded project leader who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented fabrication environment. If you bring a track record of delivering complex prefabrication scopes and want to grow with a team at the forefront of mission-critical and life sciences construction, we want to hear from you.
Why Join Kelso Industries?
Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
Here you will experience:
Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.
Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business
