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Federal Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

At Burns & McDonnell, our Project Managers are seller-doers who develop and maintain client relationships. They will have the responsibility for coordinating and leading our design teams, sometimes ...

Federal Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$155K - $245K/yr

Description At Burns & McDonnell, our Project Managers are seller-doers who develop and maintain client relationships. They will have the responsibility for coordinating and leading our design teams ...

Project Manager I

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$106K - $135K/yr

DJ&A's Civil Engineering & Design (CE&D) Group is seeking a Project Manager /Senior Project Manager - with NPS and federal experience to join our growing team. This position plays a key role in ...

Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care * North Chicago, IL 60064 We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee federal projects with a focus on effective project management, cost ...

Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care * North Chicago, IL 60064 We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee federal projects with a focus on effective project management, cost ...

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The Project Engineer supports the Project Manager in the day-to-day administration of federal construction projects and supports the Estimating team in the preparation of competitive proposals ...

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Federal Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$45.8K

$99.5K

$159.2K

How much do federal project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal project manager in Chicago, IL is $99,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $116,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal project manager?

A Federal Project Manager is a professional responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing government projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with federal regulations. They coordinate resources, manage project teams, and communicate with stakeholders across various government agencies. Federal Project Managers are also tasked with risk management, contract administration, and ensuring that the project's objectives align with agency goals. Their work is critical in delivering public services and infrastructure efficiently and effectively.

What is the difference between Federal Project Manager vs Contract Project Manager?

AspectFederal Project ManagerContract Project Manager
CertificationsPMP, PMI-ACP often preferredPMP, PMI-ACP often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, federal projectsPrivate sector, client-specific projects
Employer & IndustryFederal government, defense, public sectorPrivate companies, consulting firms
Project FocusFederal regulations, compliance, public accountabilityClient requirements, contractual deliverables

Both roles require similar certifications like PMP and PMI-ACP and involve managing projects, but Federal Project Managers focus on government regulations and public sector projects, while Contract Project Managers work primarily in the private sector with client-specific goals.

What are some common challenges faced by federal project managers when coordinating across multiple government agencies?

Federal Project Managers often encounter challenges related to navigating differing priorities, regulations, and communication styles among various government agencies. Balancing compliance with federal regulations, maintaining transparency, and ensuring timely deliverables requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Successful project managers build collaborative relationships, stay up-to-date with changing policies, and use robust project management tools to keep everyone aligned. Regular status meetings and clear documentation also help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure smooth project execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal project manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Project Manager, you need expertise in project management principles, budgeting, compliance, and a strong understanding of federal regulations and contracting, often supported by a bachelor's degree and PMP or FAC-P/PM certification. Familiarity with project management software like MS Project, government procurement systems, and federal reporting tools is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing diverse teams and stakeholder expectations. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in accordance with complex federal requirements.
What job categories do people searching Federal Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Federal Project Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Federal Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Federal Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,471 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Federal Project Manager

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

At Burns & McDonnell, our Project Managers are seller-doers who develop and maintain client relationships. They will have the responsibility for coordinating and leading our design teams, sometimes across several locations, to deliver quality projects that make our clients successful. The ideal candidate for this position will have experience working on DOE facility and infrastructure projects. They will manage all design, cost, schedule, construction phase services and general administration activities associated with their projects. This Project Manager will be responsible for the successful completion of large and smaller value projects as part of an annual portfolio of projects. Additionally, this Project Manager will:

  • Plan, coordinate, communicate and facilitate activities of several disciplines on projects of all sizes from concept through completion.

  • Make critical decisions and recommendations that have an important effect on projects and programs.

  • Manage project delivery, including scoping, budgeting, maintaining schedules, meeting budget objectives, communicating and meeting deadlines.

  • Manage multiple projects at one time, including a wide range of project scopes from small to complex with varying schedules.

  • Provide direction to a multi-discipline project design team.

  • Monitor project execution for conformance to established processes.

  • Promote safe work environments.

  • Lead or assist with the development of technical and cost proposals and qualification statements.

  • Interact with the client and design team to develop project scope and communicate regular project status updates with the client.

  • This person will serve as one of the primary interfaces with local clients.

  • Assist in maintaining client relationships and network within the client organization in supporting business development activities.

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related field from an accredited institution.

  • Minimum 7 to 20 years related experience, including delivery of facilities and infrastructure projects.

  • Ability to represent Burns & McDonnell in a professional, competent manner.

  • Excellent written & verbal communication skills.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Security Clearance.

  • Support field work throughout design and construction.

  • Capable of devising new approaches to problems encountered.

  • Be part of an energy filled workplace that pays for performance, where you can invest in a career that you will grow into and work for a company where employees own 100% of the company.


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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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