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Principal Project Controls Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

One Tech

Project Controls Specialist

Denver, CO · On-site

$78K - $83K/yr

One Tech Engineering is searching for a Project Controls Specialist for a position located in Denver, Colorado, or Amarillo, Texas. The Project Controls Specialist will support the Wildfire ...

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

As of Sep 8, 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.

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.

How does a principal project controls specialist 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?

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 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.

What does a principal project controls specialist do?

A principal project controls specialist oversees and manages project scheduling, cost control, risk management, and reporting to ensure projects stay on track and within budget. They develop and implement control systems, analyze project data, and coordinate with project teams to optimize performance using tools like Primavera or MS Project. This role often requires strong analytical skills, industry certifications, and experience in large-scale project environments.
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Principal Project Controls Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Project Controls Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,179 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Principal Project Controls Specialist - Quantity Surveyor

The Premier Resources Group

Cayuga, IN • On-site

Contractor

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Principal Project Controls Specialist - Quantity Surveyor
Location: Cayuga, IN
Employment Type: Contract (12 month contract)
Work Arrangement: Full-Time, Onsite
Position Overview
We are seeking a Principal Project Controls Specialist - Quantity Surveyor to support a major combined cycle power generation construction project. This field-based role is responsible for validating construction progress, verifying installed quantities, supporting project forecasting, and ensuring project controls reporting accurately reflects actual field conditions.
The ideal candidate will have extensive EPC construction and project controls experience with a strong background in quantity tracking, progress measurement, field verification, forecasting, and contractor performance analysis.
Key Responsibilities
Quantity Surveying & Progress Measurement
  • Develop and maintain quantity tracking and progress measurement systems
  • Validate contractor-reported quantities, earned progress, and installation status
  • Perform field walkdowns to verify installed quantities and actual construction progress
  • Track installation rates, productivity metrics, and earned progress
  • Reconcile discrepancies between contractor reporting and actual field conditions
  • Coordinate with contractors and construction teams to resolve quantity and progress issues

Project Controls & Forecasting
  • Support project forecasting through analysis of quantities, productivity trends, and contractor performance
  • Maintain alignment between field progress, cost reporting, and schedule performance
  • Evaluate impacts of scope changes on project progress and forecast completion
  • Support change management and overall project performance reporting
  • Identify risks, constraints, and opportunities that may impact project execution

Reporting & Analysis
  • Prepare weekly and monthly project controls reports
  • Analyze productivity trends, installation rates, and forecast completion metrics
  • Participate in construction meetings, progress reviews, and field walkdowns
  • Develop dashboards, performance summaries, and management reporting
  • Provide accurate project performance information to project leadership

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of related experience
  • Extensive project controls experience supporting large EPC power generation, industrial, heavy civil, or similar construction projects
  • Significant field construction experience involving quantity tracking, progress measurement, forecasting, or performance reporting
  • Experience developing and maintaining quantity-based progress measurement systems
  • Experience performing field walkdowns and validating installed work
  • Strong knowledge of project controls principles, including cost, schedule, forecasting, change management, and reporting
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and project reporting skills
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to work full-time onsite in Cayuga, Indiana

Preferred Qualifications
  • Combined Cycle, power generation, industrial, or heavy construction experience
  • Experience with quantity-based earned progress methodologies
  • Primavera P6 knowledge and ability to interpret construction schedules
  • Experience supporting project forecasting and change management
  • AACE or PMI certifications such as CCP, PSP, EVP, PMP, or equivalent

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