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Independent Project Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

GT Independence

Project Manager

Silver Spring, MD

$120K - $160K/hr

GT Independence has earned multiple awards for being an exceptional workplace, including being ... The Project Manager leads strategic and operational projects that drive efficiency, support ...

GT Independence

Project Manager

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

GT Independence has earned multiple awards for being an exceptional workplace, including being ... The Project Manager leads strategic and operational projects that drive efficiency, support ...

Perkins Coie LLP

Project Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

What You'll Do Project Management and Leadership Independently manage complex technical and strategic projects across firm departments and practice groups, translating roadmaps into measurable ...

Leidos

Project Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

The Project Manager will need to adeptly handle a wide range of assignments, projects, and stakeholders with a high degree of success and independence. They must demonstrate leadership skills ...

Leidos

Project Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

The Project Manager will need to adeptly handle a wide range of assignments, projects, and stakeholders with a high degree of success and independence. They must demonstrate leadership skills ...

Obsidian Solutions Group

Project Manager

Rosslyn, VA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

The manager oversees project scope, schedules, and budget, manages resources, works independently to identify and manage project risks, coordinates procurement, and tracks project material. The ...

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All JobsIndependent Project JobsIndependent Project Manager JobsIndependent Project Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

Independent Project Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$43.6K

$116.3K

$183.4K

How much do independent project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent project manager in Washington, DC is $116,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $139,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent project manager?

Independent Project Managers are professionals who oversee and coordinate projects on a contract or freelance basis, rather than being employed by a single organization. They manage timelines, budgets, resources, and communication among stakeholders to ensure successful project completion. Their independence allows them to take on projects across different industries and clients, providing flexibility and a broad range of experience. Independent Project Managers must be skilled in project management methodologies, problem-solving, and client relations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent project manager?

To thrive as an Independent Project Manager, you need strong project management skills, experience leading cross-functional teams, and typically a bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello, and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2, are often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and self-motivation help you effectively manage stakeholders and adapt to changing project demands. These skills and qualities ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

What are some common challenges faced by independent project managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Independent Project Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder expectations, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and ensuring clear communication without the support of a larger in-house team. To address these issues, it's important to establish robust communication channels early, set clear project goals and deliverables, and use reliable project management tools to stay organized. Building strong relationships with clients and project teams can also help anticipate potential roadblocks and foster collaborative problem-solving.

What is the difference between Independent Project Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectIndependent Project ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsPM certifications (PMP, CAPM), relevant experienceEntry-level certifications, organizational skills
Work EnvironmentFreelance or contract basis, client sites, remoteOffice or project site, supporting project teams
Employer & IndustryConsulting firms, corporations, clients across industriesOrganizations, project teams, internal departments

While both roles involve project work, an Independent Project Manager manages projects independently, often on a contract basis, with a focus on planning, execution, and delivery. A Project Coordinator supports project managers by handling administrative tasks, scheduling, and communication. The Independent Project Manager typically has more experience and certifications, working in diverse environments, whereas the Project Coordinator plays a supportive role within organizations.

Can independent project managers work independently?

Yes, independent project managers typically work independently, managing projects without direct supervision. They often operate as freelancers or consultants, utilizing skills in planning, communication, and tools like project management software to deliver results autonomously.
Independent Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Project Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,254 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Project Services Consultant or Senior Consultant

MPR Associates, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$125 - $220/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview

MPR is seeking an experienced Project Services Consultant (or Project Services Senior Consultant) to play a lead role in our risk-informed approach to development, planning, and execution of complex commercial and government capital projects in nuclear, fossil, and renewable power generation, nuclear materials processing, power transmission, energy storage and distribution, and radioactive waste processing and storage/disposition. The ideal candidate will possess broad consulting competencies, engineering and regulatory experience, and deep domain knowledge of project controls to lead our multi-disciplinary project teams in delivery of high-value integrated technical and project solutions tailored to the unique needs of our client’s strategic, complex, and technically challenging projects.

MPR's Project Services Consultants deliver comprehensive project management, project controls and cost engineering capabilities across the full project lifecycle. Our services include program planning and strategy development, organizational planning, critical path methodology (CPM) scheduling, cost estimating and control, earned value management (EVM), risk management program development, qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, project performance measurement and reporting, project controls procedure development, and constructability assessments.

What sets MPR apart is our deep technical understanding of our clients' industries and challenges, enabling high-value solutions that proactively identify and mitigate project risks. We work flexibly across diverse roles, including, but not limited to: serving in EPC project controls leadership positions, providing construction management and oversight for nuclear, fossil, and renewable power projects, implementing PMO startup services for utilities and technology providers, and performing independent cost/schedule/risk reviews for project owners. Our broad experience with all major industry players, from architect/engineers and nuclear technology vendors to OEMs, fabricators, and constructors, enables us to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of all stakeholders, from work package managers to C-suite executives.

Duties/Responsibilities

The Project Services Consultant (or Project Services Senior Consultant) will:

  • Deliver PMO support, program development, and independent project reviews for clients across MPR’s federal, power, and energy business sectors (including DOE, DoD, DHS programs, new nuclear reactor vendors and project developers, power utilities, and energy storage developers).
  • Lead multi-disciplinary project teams in early-stage program development, including program justification and approval support, alternatives analysis, technology readiness assessments, preliminary cost/schedule/risk evaluations, regulatory guidance, and baseline development.
  • Implement project controls systems, optimize delivery schedules and critical path recovery, develop EVM systems and performance metrics, and perform cost/benefit evaluations to improve client project execution.
  • Plan, lead, and provide subject matter expertise for independent project reviews of large-scale capital projects, including independent cost estimating, schedule assessments, quantitative risk analysis, EVM assessments, technology maturity reviews, and constructability evaluations.
  • Engage directly with clients, contractors, and stakeholders to communicate findings and recommendations, ensuring solutions address project challenges and decision-maker needs while serving as a steward of client resources with transparent, independent feedback.
  • Plan, lead, and enable multi-disciplinary project teams to support our Project Services work, including coaching and mentoring other professionals through execution of the work.
  • Review work and analyses performed by other MPR professionals.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business Administration or other technical disciplines is a strong plus. Candidates without a bachelor's degree will be considered based on commensurate experience.
  • Certifications from AACE International (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) are a plus but not required: Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), Earned Value Professional (EVP), Decision and Risk Management Professional (DRMP).

Technical Experience

  • 5+ years work experience (10+ years for the Senior Consultant position) as a project management/project controls professional working in the power/energy industry and/or for large government programs/capital acquisition projects.
  • Experience in multiple disciplines of project management/project controls consulting and cost engineering. NOTE: Candidates will be evaluated on breadth (exposure to multiple disciplines) and depth (expertise in selected disciplines).
    • Project Planning and CPM Scheduling- Experience developing and maintaining GAO compliant Work Breakdown Structures and Integrated Master Schedules (baseline and forecast) in Oracle Primavera P6, implementing resource dictionaries, conducting schedule-based resource analysis and resource leveling, and developing summary level schedules with vertical traceability to detailed working schedules
    • Cost Estimating- Experience developing cost estimates across all phases of project maturity, from conceptual parametric estimates to detailed bottom-up estimates, including uncertainty analysis, and the application of AACE Recommended Practices and GAO best practices
    • Cost Control and EVM- Experience implementing, maintaining, and applying Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) on large capital projects in accordance with industry standards (e.g., ANSI/EIA-748 or equivalent client governance requirements) to support integrated planning, budgeting, performance measurement, variance analysis, forecasting, and management reporting
    • Risk Management and Quantitative Risk Analysis- Experience developing and implementing risk management programs consistent with DOE O 413.3B or DoD Risk Management Guide for Defense Acquisition Programs DoDI 5000.90 to include RMPs, risk registers, qualitative analysis guidelines, heat mapping action tracking- Experience with quantitative cost and schedule risk analysis using Monte Carlo simulation techniques, including integrated cost/schedule risk analysis, to develop program/project contingency budgets and to identify key risk drivers and risk-informed critical paths
    • Enterprise Resource Planning- Experience implementing, integrating, and administering ERP systems that support WBS-based budgeting, project accounting, procurement, inventory management, workflow automation, financial reporting, and seamless integration with project controls and earned value management systems
    • Project Lifecycle Management- Experience planning and managing capital projects through all phases of the project lifecycle under DOE O 413.3B, DoD acquisition, utility stage-gate, and other capital project governance frameworks, including project execution planning, estimate maturation, contingency and management reserve planning, baseline evolution, and project phase transitions
    • Construction Management- Experience supporting the planning, execution, and commissioning of complex capital projects, including construction planning, constructability reviews, contractor and contract management, knowledge of construction means and methods, and evaluation of labor productivity, quantities, unit rates, and schedule reasonableness
  • Able to work closely with engineers of all disciplines to evaluate all facets of a technical problem. Experience successfully working in a collaborative integrated design team is essential.
  • Ability to teach and enforce best practices to less experienced engineers to provide accurate, optimal and efficient solutions.
  • Construction, testing, operational and/or maintenance experience at a nuclear facility is a plus.

Leadership & Communication Skills

  • Persistent, questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in others.
  • Ability to multi-task across teams of engineers and managers on various projects.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across functional teams.
  • Ability to accept and grow from constructive feedback.
  • Motivated to expand skills and knowledge, as well as tackle new problems and take on new responsibilities.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Solution oriented with a goal of enabling our clients’ success.
  • Ability to build client relationships, identify their needs in both project and technical disciplines, and convert opportunities on behalf of MPR as a whole.

Required

  • This position involves Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R § 120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain DOD and DOE security clearance.

Logistics

Locations: Alexandria VA (HQ) or Salt Lake City UT

Position Type: Full-time, exempt

Travel: Likely 20-40%, but this will vary based on project assignments. This includes travel to client sites and visits between MPR offices.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $220,000 annually. Actual compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, internal parity, education, and skills. We offer comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision), flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts, a 401(k) and profit sharing, as well as paid time off.

About MPRMPR Associates is a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm founded in 1964. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, with additional offices in East Lyme, Connecticut; Burlington, Massachusetts; and Salt Lake City, Utah, MPR serves a wide and continually growing client base across the power and energy industries, federal services (DOE, DOD, and DHS), and the health and life sciences sector throughout the United States and internationally. For more than 60 years, MPR has built a reputation as the organization to which clients turn for specialty engineering solutions developed with integrity and technical excellence.

We make challenging projects successful by delivering reliable technical solutions throughout our client’s entire project or product life-cycle to benefit both our clients and society as a whole. We are an adaptive technical organization that identifies and responds to client needs, helping frame complex problems into workable technical and managerial solutions. We provide top-tier engineering services by focusing on first principles and relying on our multi-disciplined teams to bring energy, passion, and natural curiosity to solve unique and challenging first of a kind problems.

Our value lies in our people -- highly skilled and motivated professionals who value interesting, challenging technical work and have a desire for continuous learning. We hire the best and brightest, fostering a high-performance culture built on trust and respect that makes MPR an exceptional place to work. The combination of our talented people working together as a team with clients and our dedication to technical rigor enables us to develop innovative solutions that create lasting value for clients and society.

MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable laws. MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.

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