Ralph McKinnie, PhD.
Del Mar, CA 619-***-**** *********@*********.*** LinkedIn
Director of Project Management and Construction with extensive experience leading high-impact projects across engineering, military, and public infrastructure sectors. Directed multimillion-dollar initiatives, including the $31M F-35 Simulator Facility and the $2.5B HALO Theme Park and Resort, by developing tailored solutions, streamlining project execution, and managing quality assurance processes. Delivered complex projects on time and within budget by overseeing all aspects of project execution, from initial planning to final delivery. Streamlined construction processes, managed quality control, ensured compliance with regulatory standards, and fostered stakeholder relationships to achieve operational excellence.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Project/Program Lifecycle Management
Proposal Development
Construction Planning & Execution
Budget & Cost Management
Data-Driven Decision Making
Team Leadership & Development
Quality Assurance & Control
Financial Forecasting & Problem Solving
Contract & Risk Management
Revenue Growth & Resource Allocation
Earned-value Management (EVM)
Operational Excellence
Agile, Waterfall & Scrum Methodologies
Procurement Management
Vendor & Client Relationship Building
Stakeholder Engagement & Briefings
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Change Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
RALPH MCKINNIE CONSULTING San Diego, CA
CEO Project Management (SME) Consultant Sep 2016 – Present
Directed multiple engineering projects and offered operational leadership across ongoing initiatives, serving clients, such as Keysoft Software Systems, Inc., Chigosi Engineering, Inc., Murtech Inc., and Integris Management Group, Inc. Led quality assurance initiatives by managing project processes, conducting inspections, and reporting test results to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Developed tailored solutions by recognizing stakeholder needs, assessing operational objectives, and analyzing resources to determine the most effective course of action.
Streamlined project execution by coordinating proposal development, estimating, and scheduling while managing documentation, submittals, and field office operations.
Drove organizational success by reducing costs, improving system functionality, and diversifying suppliers while leading material acquisition initiatives, strengthening supplier relationships, and implementing key operational improvements.
Marine Corps Camp Pendleton, CA Haskell Company, Inc.t San Diego, CA
Quality Control Manager Nov 2020 – Apr 2021
Coordinated contractor preparatory meetings by preparing agendas, directing discussions, and managing project documentation in Procore and MS Teams for effective tracking and communication. Compiled daily quality control and bi-weekly program status reports to keep stakeholders informed of project progress and quality metrics.
Led quality control for the Marine Mart Renovation/Addition at Area 52, ensuring strict compliance with construction standards and project specifications through detailed reviews and approvals of submittals.
Marine Corps Station, MCAS Miramar, Harper Construction Company, Inc. San Diego, CA
Quality Control Manager Jun 2019 – Apr 2020
Managed quality control for a $31M F-35 Simulator Facility project at Marine Corps Station in compliance with construction standards. Collaborated with project engineer on submittal management and led quality control meetings to address project issues. Documented project progress and corrective measures, maintaining records in the ProCore database for compliance.
Monitored implementation of corrective actions and engaged in government status planning meetings for project alignment.
Maintained a high level of government customer satisfaction level through extensive inspection processes.
Acted as Project Safety Officer, preparing and delivering reports to the government project manager.
Naval Operational Supply System (NOSS), C3 NetworX San Diego, CA
Project Management (SME) Consultant Jun 2017 – Present
Oversaw the project life cycle, from initial planning through to final delivery while collaborating with stakeholders and supporting the Project Manager in monitoring resource progress and forecasting task completion times. Assisted Program Lead Engineer in performing team assessments, coordinating schedules, reviewing and editing acquisition documents, and preparing them for the RFP release.
Orchestrated the planning and tracking of CSF and C2C24 projects by leveraging Agile software development and cloud-based DevOps technology for successful project outcomes.
Facilitated informed decision-making for the client by preparing and presenting PowerPoint briefs on project status.
Harlan County Dam Irrigation Repair and Replacement Project, Road Builders, Inc. Miami, FL
Project Quality Control Manager/QA/QC Manager Jun 2016 – Sep 2017
Ensured the successful repair and replacement of a critical irrigation system at the Harlan County Dam by leading quality control efforts for the US Army Corps of Engineers project. Oversaw all project activities through challenging winter conditions, including preparing the QA/QC manual, developing management plans, and supervising QC meetings.
Preserved the water supply for area farmers by managing the repair of extensively corroded 36” pipes and valves, a project designated as critical "Life Safety" by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Delivered the construction project on time, within budget, and with no change orders by reviewing/approving daily updates, submittals, QC soils, and concrete test results, and preparing a detailed 680-page Project Closeout Report.
Hill International Inc. Irvine, CA
Senior Project/Program Management Consultant Jun 2011 – Jul 2015
Guided five team members in crafting technical and management sections for multi-million-dollar proposals, achieving a 100% approval and funding rate. Secured contracts for major CIPs by facilitating processes for RFPs as a Sr. Project/Program Management Consultant. Liaised with local government officials and contractors to secure project support and collaboration. Delivered written reports and presented findings to the Board of Trustees, highlighting key challenges and actionable recommendations.
Key Projects: HALO Theme Park and Resort, Costa Rica
Oversaw key aspects of a $2.5B theme park and resort construction project in Costa Rica as Deputy Program Manager:
Created a program management plan to improve the overall visitor experience, incorporating LEED design principles and integrating accommodations for tourists with disabilities.
Los Angeles Community College District: Developed and presented a detailed assessment of project management practices for the first half of a $7B bond program to the School Board at Los Angeles Community College District.
San Francisco Metropolitan Transit Agency, (SFMTA): Streamlined administrative operations for the $10M San Francisco Data Center project, enabling the team to swiftly adapt to a major redesign and expedited construction timeline:
Awarded by CMMA and CCCC for outstanding project excellence and innovation.
Enhanced coding dictionaries and optimized P6 software for smooth data export to third-party applications.
Collaborated with contractors on the Tunneling section of the Central Railway Project, developing an integrated schedule.
Earned accolades for outstanding performance on project assignments and driving team excellence and client satisfaction.
PMTEC, Inc. Phoenix, AZ
Project Controls Consultant Apr 2011 – Sep 2012
Acquired full funding for the LSST Program execution phase by leading a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and system developers. Provided high-quality, full-spectrum engineering services and elevated operational team capabilities through targeted training and professional development support.
Offered operational support for the $545M Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Program for successful project execution:
Supported the integration and reconfiguration of the project controls database, prepared cost and schedule reports, and facilitated presentation training for the NSF Program Design and Funding Review.
Strengthened internal controls by evaluating risk exposure, identifying improvement areas, and implementing new processes.
G2 Software Systems, Inc. San Diego, CA
Senior Project Management Consultant/Program Analyst Apr 2004 – Sep 2011
Led project for the Department of Defense by identifying stakeholder needs, managing the project through all phases, and demonstrating ownership and commitment to successful outcomes. Spearheaded the integration and synchronization of enterprise systems, optimizing software application development and systems engineering solutions for a leading software provider. Acted as a key resource expert throughout the project, providing expert support during planning, execution, and closure.
Enhanced software development and project management efficiency by leveraging knowledge of system design and agile methodologies.
Spearheaded a $2.7B project for SPAWAR Systems Command, transitioning Department of Defense radios from analog to digital tech.
Delivered innovative solutions and drove transitions for a six-year, $1.46B program, leveraging technical engineering knowledge:
Enhanced test event planning and execution by implementing a scheduling system and designing custom reports.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Project Manager Program Analyst – ComGlobal Systems, Inc. Senior Project Controls Engineer – Predicate Logic, Inc. Project Manager – Dawes Corporation Senior Project Controls Engineer – R.M. Parsons Company, Inc. Senior Project Controls Engineer – KJM & Associates Director of Operations – Construction Monitoring Systems, Inc.
HONORS & PRESENTATIONS
Delivered the presentation “A Strategy for Adopting Project Management” at the PMI Seminar Symposium, in April 2011.
Presented “Enterprise Project Management in a Multi-Level Environment: A Proposed Approach” at PMI Seminar Symposium in Dec 2010.
Published “The Application of Complexity Theory to the Field of Project Management” at Walden University in November 2007
Received a Letter of Commendation from Ralph M. Parsons Corporation.
Awarded Construction Manager of the Year for leading major construction projects at Foodmaker Corporation.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Engineering Management – Walden University, Minneapolis Master of Science (MS) in Logistics Engineering Management – National University, La Jolla, CA Bachelor of Arts (BA) Business Administration – National University
Certified Quality Control Manager – United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Certified Project Manager Level III – Defense Acquisition University Satellite Communications Course, Dr. Aurther Einhorn – Organizational Development Institute, RODP PMP Certification (Inactive) – Project Management Institute (PMI) Certified Environmental Compliance Assessment, Training, and Tracking System – NAVFAC State of California, State Contractor’s License B-528631 (Inactive) U.S. Department of Defense, Secret, (Active)
Technical Skills: MS Office Primavera P6.8 MS Project Milestone Pro MC2 Adobe Illustrator Bluebeam Procore