Staff Project Controls Specialist
Build the Plans That Keep Major Infrastructure Projects on Track
Are you a project controls professional who enjoys turning complex project data into actionable insights? We're looking for a Staff Project Controls Specialist to partner with project managers, engineers, and construction teams to help deliver large-scale infrastructure and utility projects safely, on schedule, and within budget.
In this role, you'll take ownership of project scheduling, cost control, forecasting, reporting, and earned value analysis while supporting multiple projects from planning through execution. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to project teams, helping identify risks, optimize resources, and drive successful project outcomes.
Why Join Us?
You'll be part of an employee-owned company where your contributions directly impact the success of the business. Our team offers:
- Employee ownership (ESOP) share in the company's success
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
- Hybrid work flexibility with office, client-site, and remote work options
- Career growth opportunities, including pathways into Project Management
- Exposure to high-profile infrastructure and utility projects
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture that values mentorship and professional development
- Strong project backlog and long-term stability
- Opportunities to work with industry-leading tools including Primavera P6, Power BI, and enterprise project controls systems
If you're looking for an organization that invests in its people, supports career advancement, and gives employees a voice in the future of the company, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
Project Controls & Planning
- Lead project controls activities to help deliver projects on time and within budget.
- Develop and maintain project schedules, cost forecasts, cash flow projections, and performance reports.
- Create and manage Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) that support effective planning and cost tracking.
- Support project execution planning and ensure alignment between scope, schedule, and budget.
Scheduling & Analysis
- Build and maintain project schedules using Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling techniques.
- Analyze schedule performance, identify risks, and recommend recovery strategies.
- Perform schedule impact assessments and "what-if" scenario analyses.
- Support Interactive Project Planning Meetings (IPPM) and stakeholder schedule reviews.
- Monitor resource loading to ensure staffing plans align with project needs.
Cost Control & Forecasting
- Track project costs, budgets, contingencies, and forecasts.
- Develop and maintain earned value metrics, progress curves, and project KPIs.
- Review change orders for schedule and cost impacts.
- Partner with project management and accounting teams on financial reporting and forecasting.
- Support audits through accurate cost tracking and documentation.
Reporting & Data Management
- Analyze project data and generate meaningful reports and dashboards.
- Utilize project controls software, Primavera P6, Power BI, and other reporting tools.
- Maintain accurate records, document control processes, and project controls databases.
- Present project performance data clearly to project teams and stakeholders.
Field & Quality Support
- Conduct quality reviews of project controls deliverables.
- Participate in field audits to validate progress and reporting accuracy.
- Support project reviews and forensic analysis efforts when needed.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of project controls experience with a strong focus on project scheduling.
- Experience supporting engineering, construction, utility, or infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge of CPM scheduling principles and schedule development.
- Experience with cost control, forecasting, budgeting, and project performance reporting.
- Ability to build and maintain Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working with project controls software and reporting tools.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to obtain OSHA-10 certification.
- Ability to work in the Lexington, KY area and travel locally to client sites as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Utility industry experience, particularly transmission, distribution, or substation projects.
- Primavera P6 experience.
- Power BI reporting and dashboard development experience.
- Familiarity with monday.com or similar project management platforms.
- Consulting or professional services experience.
- Experience with earned value management (EVM) and project performance metrics.
Work Environment
This position is based in Lexington, Kentucky, with a flexible hybrid schedule that typically includes:
- Approximately 3 days per week in the office
- Approximately 2 days per week at client sites
- Limited travel, primarily local day trips with mileage reimbursement
You'll join a collaborative and close-knit team that values innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. We believe great careers are built through mentorship, challenging projects, and opportunities to expand beyond traditional role boundaries.
Ideal Candidate
You may be a great fit if you:
- Enjoy solving complex project challenges through data and analysis.
- Have a passion for planning, scheduling, and forecasting.
- Want visibility into how large projects are managed and executed.
- Are looking for a long-term career path with opportunities to advance into project management.
- Thrive in a collaborative environment where your expertise influences project success.
Apply today to help deliver critical infrastructure projects while growing your career in a supportive, employee-owned organization.