Posting Title: Manager, Prevailing Wage
Reports To: Vice President, Operations
Location: Hybrid | San Jose, CA
Salary Range: $120,000 to $158,000
*This position is eligible for the annual performance bonus plan.
Final determination of a successful candidate's starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.
WHO WE ARE
Since 1954, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who've built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. And we've done it with integrity for more than 70 years. We're problem solvers and innovation seekers. We're team players and safety fanatics. And we're proud to be part of Quanta Services (PWR:NYSE), North America's largest employer of skilled craft labor. Because what we do is important, but how we do it is everything.
THE ENERGY TEAM
Our Energy Group at CEI builds projects from the field to the grid. Whether it's a solar, battery storage, substation, EV charging, microgrid or converter station project, our skilled project managers, engineers and field employees deliver when it matters most. We work with customers on programs of all sizes-those spanning several smaller sites or spanning several thousand acres. Besides building some of the nation's largest utility-scale solar plants and installing more EV charging stations in California than any other contractor, we are dedicated to running a business that is environmentally responsible.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Manager, Prevailing Wage is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing compliance programs related to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including Prevailing Wage & Apprenticeship (PWA) requirements, labor reporting, documentation controls, and audit readiness. This role partners closely with operations, legal, payroll, HR, and project teams to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate financial and reputational risk.
Develop, implement, and manage enterprise-wide IRA compliance programs across eligible projects.
Interpret and apply IRS guidance, Treasury regulations, DOL requirements, and PWA rules to active projects
Establish standard operating procedures, guidance documents, and compliance tools for project teams and OpCos
Implement standard reporting requirements and procedures for subcontractors
Serve as subject-matter expert on prevailing wage requirements, apprenticeship participation and ratios, scope of work determinations, qualified facility boundaries and POI issues
Oversee labor documentation, wage verification, apprenticeship tracking, and record retention
Collaborate with Legal and Tax teams on eligibility, safe harbors, penalties, and remediation strategies
Conduct internal compliance reviews, risk assessments, and corrective action plans
Support audits, customer inquiries, and government reviews related to IRA compliance
Provide training and guidance to operations, estimating, HR, payroll, and field leadership
Monitor regulatory updates and proactively update internal compliance strategies
ABOUT YOU
Deep knowledge of prevailing wage laws and frameworks, including Davis-Bacon Act and IRA labor requirements
Working knowledge of federal compliance oversight from the Internal Revenue Service and US Department of Labor
Knowledge of certified payroll processes, fringe benefit calculations, and wage determinations
Skill in interpreting complex regulations and translating them into operational processes and controls
Skill in auditing payroll and compliance data, identifying discrepancies, and driving corrective actions
Skill in program and project management, including building scalable compliance frameworks
Ability to lead and develop team members
Ability to influence cross functional stakeholders (HR, finance, legal, operations) without direct authority
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and risk mitigation
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex compliance requirements clearly and practically
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Legal Studies, Business Administration or a related field preferred. High school or GED required.
Experience:
7+ years of experience in compliance, labor relations, wage & hour, construction compliance, or regulatory programs.
Strong working knowledge of prevailing wage laws (Davis-Bacon, state equivalents), apprentice utilization requirements, construction labor classifications and scope determinations.
Experience supporting audits, investigations, or regulatory inquiries.
Strong management skills across operations and corporate functions.
Experience with IRA, renewable energy, or utility infrastructure projects.
Background in compliance programs within large, decentralized organizations.
Familiarity with IRS, DOL, and Treasury regulatory frameworks.
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PLEASE NOTE: CEI will never ask for any money or financial information from applicants during the hiring process. To learn more about "job scams" how to avoid them, click here. (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)
CEI is a place where every single person can-and does-have an impact on the work we do and the communities we serve. Here, you can build your own story and grow to your full potential. You can collaborate and celebrate with amazing people. And you'll go home every day knowing you helped contribute to important work that shapes people's lives. Our commercial, data center and energy projects may be complex, but our approach is simple. We build great things and we do it with great people.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department, program or project needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Cupertino Electric Inc. aims to make cei.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact us at ceijobs@cei.com or 1-(877)-747-4CEI.
Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
