SoftBank Robotics America, a rapidly growing SoftBank Group company headquartered in San Francisco, is accelerating our presence at the intersection of advanced technology, AI, automation, and robotics.
At the forefront of innovation, we are launching ground-breaking programs focused on deploying integrated software and hardware automation systems designed to transform workflows, safety, and commercial efficiencies at scale.
As the global leader in workforce automation, we are seeking a Pre-Construction Project Manager to join a fast-growing team shaping the future through robotics and large-scale automated construction deployments. This role will play a critical part in enabling informed executive decision-making by driving cost modeling, process analytics, and pre-construction planning rigor across complex, technical build environments.
With automation, any pre-construction planning becomes the key success factor.
Job Summary
Reporting to senior leadership, the Pre-Construction Project Manager will own process and cost analysis, operations planning and orchestration for complex technical construction and deployment projects. This role operates at the intersection of engineering, finance, operations, and executive leadership, translating ambiguity into structured plans that support rapid, high-impact decisions.
The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in an unstructured, fast-changing environment, thrives under tight timelines, and brings a strong civil engineering foundation paired with analytical and project leadership capabilities. This role requires flexibility, strong judgment, and the ability to operate across time zones, including Japan Standard Time (JST), to support global stakeholders.
Lead pre-construction planning activities, including scope definition, constructability reviews, sequencing strategies, and feasibility assessments
Develop and maintain cost estimates, budgets, and financial models, including scenario and sensitivity analyses to support executive decisions
Build and refine process analytics related to construction workflows, timelines, cost drivers, and risk exposure
Partner with engineering, operations, procurement, and finance teams to ensure alignment between technical requirements and cost realities
Create structure where none exists—establishing frameworks, templates, and repeatable processes appropriate for a rapidly scaling environment
Identify risks and opportunities early and clearly communicate tradeoffs to senior leadership
Support leadership decision-making by delivering concise, data-backed insights under compressed timelines
Adapt plans quickly in response to changing project scope, priorities, or executive direction
Coordinate with global stakeholders, including supporting collaboration across U.S. and Japan time zones
Go beyond job description to ensure project success
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (required)
10-year experience supporting complex, technical building or infrastructure construction projects
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in high-ambiguity, fast-paced environments
Strong analytical skills with experience in cost modeling, budgeting, and process analysis
Proven ability to create structure, clarity, and momentum in evolving project contexts
Comfort working under tight timelines aligned with executive decision cycles
High degree of flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and project conditions
Willingness and ability to collaborate across Japan Standard Time (JST) as needed
Travel requirements: 25% - 50%, as required by specific project phases
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in technology-enabled, industrial, robotics, or automation-related construction environments. Some industrial engineering and/or manufacturing experience is a plus.
Exposure to executive-level reporting and decision support
Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical detail into leadership-ready insights
Background working in global or matrixed organizations
Experience in complex technical building construction
Ability to navigate unstructured environments and create structure
Extreme flexibility in response to changing project requirements
Ability to work under tight, executive-driven timelines
Flexibility to support JST collaboration
Civil engineering foundation
SoftBank Robotics America prides itself on being an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. In accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and other similar state laws and local ordinances, and its internal policy, SoftBank Robotics America will also consider qualified candidates for employment with arrest and conviction histories.
