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Principal Project Controls Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HGA is seeking an experienced Project Controls Specialist to support our Integrated Services Team and client operations. This role serves as a key business partner to Project Managers and Department ...

The Project Controls Specialist will be responsible for leading the project controls processes with the internal project management team to execute project deliverables within budget and schedule.

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Principal Project Controls Specialist information

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How much do principal project controls specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal project controls specialist in the United States is $43.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.06 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Principal Project Controls Specialist typically collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders during the project lifecycle?

A Principal Project Controls Specialist works closely with project managers, engineers, and finance teams to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget. They facilitate regular progress meetings, provide detailed reports on cost and schedule performance, and proactively identify potential risks or deviations. Their role often involves integrating input from multiple departments, ensuring clear communication, and supporting decision-making with accurate data and forecasts. This collaborative approach helps maintain project alignment with organizational goals and client expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Project Controls Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Project Controls Specialist, you need deep expertise in project management, cost control, scheduling, and risk analysis, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Proficiency with project management tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, and cost management software, as well as certifications like PMP or AACE, is highly valued. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you lead teams and effectively manage complex projects. These capabilities are crucial for delivering projects on time and within budget while minimizing risks for organizational success.

What is a Principal Project Controls Specialist?

A Principal Project Controls Specialist is a senior professional responsible for overseeing and managing project controls processes, such as scheduling, cost management, risk assessment, and progress tracking, on large or complex projects. They ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards by implementing best practices and utilizing specialized software. This role often involves mentoring junior staff, coordinating with project managers and stakeholders, and providing detailed reports and forecasts to support decision-making. Their expertise is critical in minimizing risks and maximizing project efficiency.

What is the difference between Principal Project Controls Specialist vs Project Controls Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Project Controls SpecialistProject Controls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires PMP, AACE certifications, or equivalentOften requires PMP or related certifications, with engineering degrees
Work EnvironmentSenior-level, strategic planning, overseeing controls across projectsTechnical, focused on implementing controls and data analysis
Industry UsageUsed in large, complex projects across industries like construction and oil & gasCommon in project execution teams for technical control tasks

The Principal Project Controls Specialist generally holds a senior, strategic role overseeing project controls, while the Project Controls Engineer focuses on technical implementation and data analysis. Both roles require relevant certifications and are vital in large projects, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Principal Project Controls Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Project Controls Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Principal Project Controls Specialist job openings:
What job categories do people searching Principal Project Controls Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Project Controls Specialist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Principal Project Controls Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,179 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Principal Project Controls Specialist

Principal Project Controls Specialist

MasTec Utility Services

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview

Company Summary

 MasTec Utility Services delivers critical infrastructure construction and engineering services for power delivery, gas, and water customers, specializing in overhead and underground electric distribution for power delivery systems, gas distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and civil infrastructure projects. Backed by the strength of decades of experience, unrivaled industry skills, and a deep commitment to core values, MUS delivers safe, innovative, and environmentally responsible services that provide extraordinary value to clients.

MasTec Utility Services is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.

MasTec Utility Services is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Energy News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. MUS is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization.

Job Summary

The Principal Project Controls Specialist supports fixed-bid construction projects related to transmission, substations, and data centers. This role is responsible for delivering project controls functions, including cost control and analysis, schedule development and monitoring, impact identification, earned value management, and oversight of project controls analysts.


Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Weighted towards Project Controls functions on large electrical infrastructure projects
  • Develop, interpret, and execute policy objectives and standards applicable to cost and schedule controls coupled with analysis activities
  • Direct all cost engineering functions, including cost forecasting, cost control, change management and cost analysis
  • Lead all planning, and scheduling functions, including schedule development, control, analysis, and ongoing recommendations for improvement
  • Interface with other project team members, including Engineering, Construction, Procurement, Office planning, IT, Accounting, Treasury, Tax, Contracts and Legal, to facilitate compliance with execution strategy and objectives
  • Provide status reports and related project reporting analyses to company and client management
  • Identify problems and coordinate with the project team to correct and ensure work is being coordinated between the other departments and offices to meet project requirements
  • Prepare various project controls plans and reports, financial summaries, and related activities for project management on assigned projects
  • Serve as a liaison with business unit functional management to coordinate workload and staffing plans, work processes, and procedures
  • Evaluate projects at each stage of development to ensure cost and financial activities of the project team inclusive of ensuring client/contractual obligations have been met
  • Plan and assist with anticipated staffing requirements for assigned projects
  • Prepare, coordinate, and deliver project controls presentations to internal management and to client, as required
  • Participate in developing and training assigned personnel and implementing training programs

Skills & Abilities:

  • Flexible and able to adapt to changing needs and time pressures
  • Ability to build strong relationships with peers and/or other senior executives
  • Ability to be assertive while maintaining a professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude and to work enthusiastically across the organization and with diverse personalities.
  • Experience working on projects in multiple jurisdictions and geographies to include coordinating and executing project issues with multiple offices and clients.
  • Specific experience and demonstrated skill in directing cost engineering functions, including cost estimating, cost control, change management and cost analysis.
  • Experience with directing, planning, and scheduling functions, including schedule development, control, and analysis.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to successfully build, direct and motivate a team inclusive of interacting with client personnel.
  • Demonstrated skill with identifying, analyzing, and solving problems.
  • Advanced knowledge of engineering, procurement, contracts, and construction projects in the Utility and industrial construction sectors.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex project controls issues.
  • Capability and flexibility to handle multiple tasks in restricted timeframes to support project goals.
  • Significant experience in project controls, commercial operations, and/or prime contract experience with emphasis on project controls and financial issues.
  • Broad knowledge of Project Control Systems and processes including leading schedule processing software, databases, and spreadsheet applications (i.e.: Primavera P6, Procore, Excel).
  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to develop and present management reports in oral, written, and graphic format.
  • Working knowledge of Finance and Accounting principles.
  • Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, employees and senior management including board of directors
  • Weekly/Monthly expense reports
  • Responsible and accountable for forecasting and adhering to budgets for travel, training etc. necessary.

Qualifications

Education and/or Work Experience:

  • Bachelors in Engineer, Engineering Technology, Construction Management or finance preferred.
  • Minimum of 8 years in Project Controls, Project Management, Engineering
  • Knowledge of Project Control and Project Management Systems and processes including leading schedule processing software, databases, and spreadsheet applications

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position may require significant time standing or walking on uneven ground, possible climbing of ladders or being in high places, working in tight spaces, lifting up to 50 pounds, and, in general, being overall physically demanding. It may also require work in an all-weather environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Work Experience:

  • Bachelors in Engineer, Engineering Technology, Construction Management or finance preferred.
  • Minimum of 8 years in Project Controls, Project Management, Engineering
  • Knowledge of Project Control and Project Management Systems and processes including leading schedule processing software, databases, and spreadsheet applications

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position may require significant time standing or walking on uneven ground, possible climbing of ladders or being in high places, working in tight spaces, lifting up to 50 pounds, and, in general, being overall physically demanding. It may also require work in an all-weather environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME