Technical Project Analyst

Full-Time | On-site

Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
Compensation: Depending on qualifications and relevant experience
Classification: Hourly, Nonexempt

About Optima Energy, Inc.

Optima Energy, Inc. is a California-based company specializing in energy-efficient building improvements, electrical services, lighting upgrades, plumbing and domestic hot water systems, HVAC solutions, and comprehensive building infrastructure improvements.

Our projects involve working with property owners, management companies, utility providers, engineers, equipment manufacturers, and installation contractors to develop practical solutions that improve building performance, operational efficiency, and long-term reliability.

Position Overview

Optima Energy, Inc. is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and technically inclined Whole Building Project Analyst to support the evaluation, development, estimating, and coordination of construction and energy-efficiency projects.

This position plays a critical role in connecting the technical, financial, and operational components of our projects. The Analyst will review construction plans and specifications, assist with developing scopes of work, obtain pricing from equipment suppliers and subcontractors, coordinate with utility companies, and help manage projects from initial evaluation through installation and completion.

Projects may involve electrical infrastructure, lighting systems, plumbing, domestic hot water systems, HVAC equipment, heat pump technologies, building envelope improvements, and other energy-efficiency measures.

The ideal candidate does not need to be an expert in every building trade. However, they must possess a foundational understanding of construction, strong analytical abilities, and a demonstrated willingness to research and learn unfamiliar technical concepts.

We are looking for an individual who takes ownership of assignments, communicates effectively, identifies potential problems before they escalate, and can successfully manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Plan Review & Project Analysis

Review and interpret electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and architectural drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
Identify project requirements, installation considerations, equipment needs, and potential conflicts between different building systems and trades.
Assist in developing comprehensive and accurate scopes of work for construction, equipment replacement, retrofits, and building improvement projects.
Perform material quantity takeoffs and prepare preliminary equipment and material lists.
Evaluate existing building infrastructure to identify potential electrical, plumbing, and mechanical requirements associated with proposed improvements.
Research applicable building codes, technical specifications, permitting requirements, and utility standards.
Assist project managers and technical personnel with evaluating installation feasibility and identifying potential challenges.
Document technical findings, outstanding questions, and project requirements for internal review.

Estimating, Pricing & Cost Analysis

Request quotations and pricing from equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, subcontractors, and other third-party service providers.
Obtain and compare installation bids from electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other specialized trade contractors.
Review vendor and subcontractor quotations to identify pricing discrepancies, missing materials, exclusions, and potential scope gaps.
Prepare preliminary project budgets, cost comparisons, quantity takeoffs, and estimating worksheets.
Communicate with vendors and subcontractors to clarify specifications, negotiate pricing where appropriate, and confirm equipment availability.
Research alternative products, installation methods, and equipment options when requested.
Track purchasing requirements, equipment lead times, procurement activities, and material deliveries.
Maintain organized documentation supporting project estimates and purchasing decisions.

Utility Company & Third-Party Coordination

Communicate with electric utility companies, including LADWP, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E, regarding service requirements, infrastructure improvements, and project coordination.
Assist with requesting preliminary pricing, service upgrade information, engineering reviews, and utility-related approvals.
Prepare and organize documentation required for utility applications, project evaluations, service requests, and associated correspondence.
Coordinate utility site visits, engineering discussions, application follow-ups, and installation scheduling requirements.
Work with engineering firms, design professionals, equipment manufacturers, and specialized contractors to obtain information necessary for project planning.
Research potential utility incentive programs, rebates, and energy-efficiency program opportunities.
Assist with gathering and submitting documentation required by participating utility and program administrators.
Maintain accurate records of third-party communication, outstanding requests, and approval statuses.

Project Planning & Installation Coordination

Assist in planning and coordinating construction and building improvement projects from preliminary evaluation through completion.
Develop and maintain project schedules, milestone trackers, action lists, and coordination documents.
Coordinate the sequencing of work between electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other installation trades.
Schedule contractor site surveys, field assessments, engineering visits, and installation activities.
Communicate with internal operations personnel, project managers, subcontractors, and field technicians to coordinate project requirements.
Identify potential scheduling conflicts, material delays, installation challenges, and incomplete project prerequisites.
Monitor project budgets, timelines, approvals, and outstanding deliverables.
Track permits, engineering documents, equipment submittals, utility approvals, and other necessary project documentation.
Proactively follow up with responsible parties to prevent avoidable project delays.
Support project closeout activities, including collecting completion documentation, equipment information, warranties, and other required records.

Customer & Stakeholder Communication

Communicate professionally and regularly with property owners, property management representatives, vendors, engineers, subcontractors, and internal employees.
Provide accurate project updates, communicate scheduling requirements, and follow up on outstanding information.
Coordinate customer requests and ensure relevant information is communicated to the appropriate internal departments.
Assist in resolving project questions, documentation discrepancies, and coordination challenges.
Prepare written project summaries, status reports, meeting notes, and professional correspondence.
Maintain clear records of decisions, requested changes, commitments, and outstanding action items.
Demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, and accountability in all customer and third-party communications.

Administrative & Documentation Management

Maintain organized electronic project files, spreadsheets, estimates, schedules, and supporting documentation.
Develop and update project trackers to monitor multiple assignments simultaneously.
Ensure technical, estimating, vendor, and project-related documentation is accurate and accessible.
Prepare reports and summaries for internal project reviews and management meetings.
Monitor approaching deadlines and proactively communicate outstanding requirements.
Help identify opportunities to improve internal estimating, coordination, and documentation processes.

Required Qualifications

3–5 years of relevant professional experience in construction, project coordination, estimating, building systems, engineering support, facilities management, or a related technical field.
Basic understanding of construction processes, building systems, and the relationship between multiple installation trades.
Familiarity with construction drawings, technical specifications, or blueprints; ability to develop stronger plan-reading skills with training.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrated ability to research technical information, interpret instructions, and learn unfamiliar equipment or building systems.
Experience communicating with vendors, subcontractors, customers, or other outside service providers.
Ability to obtain and compare quotations, maintain accurate records, and review pricing information.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word, Google Sheets, Docs, and Drive.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to independently prioritize assignments and follow through on commitments.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential project conflicts.
Ability to manage several projects and deadlines without sacrificing accuracy or communication.
Willingness to learn company-specific systems, procedures, construction practices, and utility coordination processes.
Ability to work full-time on-site in Artesia, California, and occasionally visit project locations as required.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Building Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
Prior experience supporting electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, or energy-efficiency construction projects.
Experience reviewing electrical and plumbing plans or working with design and engineering documentation.
Familiarity with utility service upgrades, application processes, utility engineering coordination, or infrastructure improvement projects.
Experience with equipment procurement, material takeoffs, subcontractor bidding, and construction cost estimating.
Familiarity with construction permitting, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and project closeout procedures.
Experience coordinating multiple subcontractors or specialized installation trades.
Knowledge of multifamily residential, commercial, or existing-building retrofit projects.
Experience supporting energy-efficiency incentive or rebate programs.
Familiarity with PDF plan review or construction project management software.

What We're Looking For

We value practical problem-solving, initiative, dependability, and the ability to learn just as much as prior technical experience.

A successful candidate will:

Take initiative: Recognize what needs to be done, ask appropriate questions, and move assignments forward without requiring constant reminders.
Think critically: Analyze technical and project-related information rather than relying solely on instructions.
Learn quickly: Be willing to research unfamiliar equipment, systems, regulations, and construction methods.
Stay organized: Maintain accurate records while managing competing responsibilities and deadlines.
Communicate effectively: Follow up consistently and ensure customers, contractors, and internal personnel have the information they need.
Pay attention to details: Identify missing information, inconsistencies, and potential problems before they affect budgets or schedules.
Take accountability: Accept responsibility for assigned tasks, communicate challenges promptly, and follow through until matters are resolved.
Work collaboratively: Build productive working relationships with field technicians, project managers, subcontractors, suppliers, and utility representatives.

Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be evaluated based on the employee's ability to:

Complete assigned project analysis, pricing requests, and documentation within established deadlines.
Produce accurate, organized, and sufficiently detailed material lists, cost comparisons, and project documentation.
Maintain updated project schedules and trackers that clearly communicate the status of assigned projects.
Follow up consistently on outstanding vendor quotations, utility requests, permits, and third-party approvals.
Identify missing scope items, potential installation conflicts, and scheduling challenges early in the planning process.
Coordinate effectively across trades while minimizing preventable delays caused by incomplete information or communication.
Provide timely and professional responses to internal personnel, customers, subcontractors, and utility representatives.
Demonstrate progressive technical knowledge and increasing independence as experience with Optima's building systems and processes develops.

Work Environment & Expectations

This is a full-time, primarily office-based position located at our Artesia, California office.

The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a designated meal period. Occasional visits to customer properties, construction sites, or other project locations may be required.

The position involves frequent computer work, reviewing technical documents, communicating by telephone and email, maintaining spreadsheets, and coordinating with personnel across multiple departments and outside organizations.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated hourly compensation for this position is 28.00–38.00 per hour, depending on relevant experience, technical knowledge, education, and qualifications.

The position is classified as nonexempt and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Optima Energy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs, without unlawful discrimination or harassment.

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