1

Contract Project Controls Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Project Controls Manager (Cost)

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support contract, purchase order, compliance documentation, and financial closeout activities. Role ... Support project controls leadership with reliable execution, quality control, and reporting.

Program Controls Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understand contract terms and assist Project Managers with maintaining the life cycle of projects ... Experience in areas of budget and cost controls including budgeting, forecasting, and earned value ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Project Controls information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20

$45

$68

How much do contract project controls jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract project controls in Chicago, IL is $45.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.16 and $52.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract project controls?

Contract Project Controls refer to the processes, tools, and professionals responsible for planning, monitoring, and managing project costs, schedules, and performance within the scope of a contract. These controls ensure that a project stays within budget, meets deadlines, and complies with contractual obligations. Professionals in this field analyze project progress, forecast potential issues, and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks. They play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability between contractors and clients.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract project controls, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Contract Project Controls often face challenges such as managing changes in project scope, ensuring accurate cost tracking, and maintaining timely communication between stakeholders. These challenges can be addressed by implementing robust change management processes, utilizing advanced project management software to monitor costs and schedules, and holding regular meetings with project teams and contractors. Staying proactive and detail-oriented helps ensure that projects remain on track and contractual obligations are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract project controls specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Project Controls specialist, you need expertise in project management, cost control, scheduling, and a relevant degree such as engineering, construction management, or finance. Proficiency with project management software like Primavera P6, MS Project, and cost management tools, along with knowledge of contract administration, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with diverse teams and manage complex project data. These skills ensure accurate project tracking, risk mitigation, and successful delivery within contractual and budgetary constraints.

What is the difference between Contract Project Controls vs Project Scheduler?

AspectContract Project ControlsProject Scheduler
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like PMP, CCP, or similarOften requires scheduling certifications like PMI-SP or Primavera certifications
Work EnvironmentInvolves overseeing cost, scope, and schedule control across projectsFocuses primarily on developing and maintaining project schedules
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, engineering, and large infrastructure projectsUsed across various industries including construction, IT, and manufacturing

Contract Project Controls and Project Scheduler roles often overlap but differ in scope. Contract Project Controls manages overall project performance, including cost and schedule control, while Project Schedulers focus specifically on creating and maintaining project timelines. Both roles require related certifications and are vital in project management teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Controls jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Project Controls jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Contract Project Controls job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,927 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Project Controls Lead - Transmission and Distribution Projects

Sargent & Lundy

Warrenville, IL • Hybrid

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering


Job 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

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • 10 or more years of total Capital Project experience, preferably in the energy transmission and distribution industry
  • Bachelor of science degree with emphasis in Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent; preferably from an ABET Accredited program
  • Experience 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

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

$118,023 - $180,313
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.

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.


What Sargent & Lundy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media