Risevoic
Project Controls Lead - Transmission and Distribution Projects
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, allowing you to work remotely two days.
This role will lead all project controls functions within a Project Management Office (PMO) supporting transmission and distribution Capital Projects. The role will guide project controls personnel, including cost engineers, scheduling staff, and financial administrative staff. The work will include collaboration with PMO team members, such as Project Managers and Program Managers, and direct interface with client management and site personnel.
The Project Controls Lead will:
- Be responsible for the development, implementation, oversight, and management of capital projects processes, procedures, and administrative services to ensure the Project Controls functions are delivered with consistency and quality
- Collaborate with the PMO team to achieve the client’s business objectives
- Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Project Controls best practices and deliverables, including but not limited to:
- Cost management, forecasting, cost analysis, and reporting
- Progress tracking, construction readiness tracking, risk identification and mitigation
- Schedule development, maintenance, analysis, and reporting
- Contract requisition and purchase order tracking, invoice and payment application management, and accrual allocation
- Report and present project financials, schedule status, risks and mitigation plans, contract backlogs, project status, and staffing plans
- Communicate variances against monthly work plan projections, monitor performances against the plan, and develop recovery plans when applicable
- Ensure appropriate metrics are defined and communicated to PMO and client leadership
- Ensure the success of the Project Controls staff through mentoring and training
- There is the potential for you to travel to client offices or site locations, as required
Qualifications
Essential skills and experience:
- 10+ years of total Capital Project experience, preferably in the energy transmission and distribution industry
- Five or more years of direct Project Controls experience
- Bachelor of science degree with emphasis in Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent; preferably from an ABET Accredited program
- Expert in Earned Value Management and the application of Project Controls methodologies
- Comfortable in a project leadership role and making decisions concerning project budget and schedule
- Experience in managing multiple complex projects with full responsibility for the project controls functions
- Prioritize work and work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Eager to cultivate program and project knowledge to make a valuable impact on the PMO team operation. Willing to engage with others to understand PMO team and client needs.
- Committed to delivering high-quality, accurate deliverables with attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to interact and multitask with project team members, clients, and vendors of varying position levels
- Working knowledge of MS Office tools, with emphasis on the advanced use of MS Excel and PowerBI
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Familiarity with scheduling software, preferably Primavera P6
- Familiarity with finance and accounting systems, preferably SAP and Powerplan
- PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$116,620.00 - $179,890.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
Warrenville, IL
Frequently asked questions
Chicago's energy transmission and distribution sector is experiencing steady growth, leading to increased demand for skilled Project Controls Leads. Candidates with strong experience in cost management and scheduling, especially within capital projects, tend to face moderate competition but benefit from numerous opportunities in this metropolitan market.
Hybrid roles in Chicago often require balancing in-office days with remote work, and traffic congestion or public transit delays can impact commute times. For Project Controls Leads commuting to Sargent & Lundy's office, proximity to major transit lines or flexible start times can mitigate daily travel stress.
Certifications like PMI's PMP and AACE's CCP are highly regarded for Project Controls Leads working on transmission and distribution projects in Illinois. These credentials demonstrate expertise in project management and cost control, aligning well with local industry standards and increasing job market competitiveness.
Proficiency in earned value management, advanced Excel and PowerBI for reporting, and familiarity with Primavera P6 scheduling software set apart Project Controls Leads in this niche. The role demands leadership in cost forecasting, risk mitigation, and contract tracking tailored to capital-intensive energy projects.
Daily tasks include overseeing cost engineers and schedulers, analyzing project financials, updating progress tracking, and coordinating with PMO and client teams. The Project Controls Lead ensures adherence to processes, prepares recovery plans for variances, and mentors staff for consistent, quality deliverables.
Sargent & Lundy offers a salary range of $116,620 to $179,890 for this role, which aligns competitively with Chicago's cost of living and industry standards. Compared to other major cities, Chicago provides a balanced compensation package reflecting its mature energy infrastructure and regional market conditions.
Sargent & Lundy promotes a hybrid work model, award-winning benefits, and a collaborative environment that fosters professional growth. Their recognition for compensation and benefits excellence ensures Project Controls Leads receive comprehensive healthcare, paid leave, and support programs tailored to sustain work-life balance.
The role demands direct engagement with clients and on-site teams to communicate project status, address schedule or budget variances, and implement mitigation strategies. This interaction ensures alignment of project controls deliverables with client expectations and site realities, enhancing project execution fidelity.
Professionals in this field can advance to senior PMO leadership, program management, or specialized roles in cost strategy and risk analysis. Developing expertise in project controls methodologies and leadership at firms like Sargent & Lundy can open pathways to influential positions within the energy infrastructure domain.
Employees typically spend three days onsite at the Chicago office and two days working remotely. This setup balances collaboration with flexibility, enabling Project Controls Leads to maintain strong team connections while accommodating focused, independent work crucial for managing complex transmission and distribution projects.