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Principal Project Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Project Manager Location: Chattanooga, TN Position Type: 12-Month Contract (Extension Potential) Pay Rate: $105.00 / hour (Weekly Pay) Target Schedule: September 17, 2026 - September 30 ...

Develop project business plan * Work with field management to generate job specific safety plan for ... the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description shall not, however, be ...

A project Manager will work as the company's principal representative for the administrative and technical management of the construction project. Supervises all activities related to Contract ...

Assistant Project Manager

Stanton, TN · On-site

$61K - $91K/yr

Your role as an Assistant Project Manager As an Assistant Project Manager, you will provide project ... Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals Why Harris? As one of the country's leading ...

Traditionally reports to project executive or principal. Your Capabilities and Credentials * Project Management experience in buildings sector (design and construction of healthcare, commercial, and ...

Traditionally reports to project executive or principal. Your Capabilities and Credentials * Project Management experience in buildings sector (design and construction of healthcare, commercial, and ...

Principal Responsibilities Job duties (Including, but not limited to): * Manages high risk, high ... Executes Project Director directions/instructions regarding project payment terms and collection of ...

As an Assistant Project Manager, you will provide project management support during all phases of ... Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals Your life at Harris As one of the country ...

As an Assistant Project Manager, you will provide project management support during all phases of ... Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals Your life at Harris As one of the country ...

Establish and manage project schedules with customers and within nVent to meet deadlines ... Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis.

Establish and manage project schedules with customers and within nVent to meet deadlines ... Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis.

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Principal Project Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$40.8K

$95.3K

$153.8K

How much do principal project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal project manager in Tennessee is $95,323.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $116,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Project Manager vs Senior Project Manager?

AspectPrincipal Project ManagerSenior Project Manager
CredentialsPMI PMP, PgMP, or equivalent; extensive experiencePMP or similar; significant project management experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-departmental projectsManaging complex projects, team oversight
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, consulting firms, tech companiesVaried industries, mid to large organizations

The Principal Project Manager typically holds higher-level certifications and leads strategic initiatives across departments, whereas the Senior Project Manager focuses on managing complex projects and teams within specific domains. Both roles require extensive project management experience, but the Principal often has broader responsibilities and influence.

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

To thrive as a Principal Project Manager, you need advanced project management expertise, strategic planning abilities, and a track record of leading large, complex projects, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree and PMP or similar certification. Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Primavera, as well as experience with budget and resource management systems, is essential. Outstanding leadership, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure effective project delivery, risk mitigation, and alignment with organizational goals on high-stakes initiatives.

Is a principal project manager a high position?

A principal project manager is a senior-level role responsible for overseeing large or complex projects, often involving strategic planning and leadership. It is considered a high position within project management, typically requiring extensive experience, certifications like PMP, and strong leadership skills.

What is a principal project manager?

Principal Project Managers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing large, complex projects or multiple project teams within an organization. They provide strategic direction, manage key stakeholders, and ensure successful project delivery within scope, time, and budget constraints. In addition to managing projects, they mentor junior project managers, establish best practices, and contribute to organizational goals through leadership and expertise.

How does a principal project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success?

A Principal Project Manager works closely with diverse teams—such as engineering, finance, marketing, and operations—to align project objectives and timelines. They facilitate regular meetings, establish clear communication channels, and proactively resolve conflicts or bottlenecks. By leveraging their leadership and organizational skills, they ensure that all stakeholders are informed, engaged, and contributing toward common goals. This collaborative approach is essential for navigating complex projects and delivering successful outcomes.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Project Manager jobs in Tennessee?

For Principal Project Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Project Manager jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Project Manager jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Principal Project Manager jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Principal Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Project Manager job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,323 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Principal Project Manager Nuclear

Johnson Service Group

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$89.50/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Principal Project Manager

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Position Type: 12-Month Contract (Extension Potential)

Pay Rate: $105.00 / hour (Weekly Pay)

Target Schedule: September 17, 2026 – September 30, 2027


Opportunity Overview

Are you a seasoned project leader with a track record of executing multi-million dollar utility initiatives? Johnson Service Group (JSG) is seeking a Principal Project Manager to drive flagship, highly complex capital projects for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in vibrant Chattanooga, TN.

As the primary point of contact and senior leader across high-visibility projects, you will sit at the intersection of technical excellence, strategic resource allocation, and stakeholder alignment. Operating with delegated authority from the Project Approval Board (PAB), you will lead large, cross-functional teams to ensure safety, quality, budget, and schedule targets are exceeded.


Why Join Us?

  • High-Impact Leadership: Direct large-scale, enterprise-level utility projects from initial planning to final closeout.
  • Competitive Compensation: Earn $105.00/hr with weekly pay and comprehensive contract benefits.
  • Prime Location: Based in scenic Chattanooga, TN—frequently ranked as one of the best mid-sized cities in the U.S. for outdoor recreation and quality of life.


Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Execution

  • Serve as the primary leader and point of contact for complex, high-visibility utility projects governed by TVA’s SPP-34 project framework and SOX control standards.
  • Direct multi-disciplinary teams of internal personnel, external contractors, and technical specialists across all project lifecycle phases (Initiation, Scoping, Execution, Monitoring, and Closeout).
  • Manage overall project performance—maintaining rigorous controls across cost, schedule, quality, risk, and safety.

Stakeholder Alignment & Risk Management

  • Proactively manage project risks, build mitigation plans, and execute contingency strategies to maintain progress.
  • Act as a diplomatic liaison between executive leadership, end-users, external customers, elected officials, and key regulatory bodies (e.g., DOE, NRC).
  • Oversee contract negotiations, post-contract settlements, and vendor performance to maximize resource efficiency.


Qualifications & Requirements

  • Experience: 15+ years of progressive project management or functional leadership experience within the utility, energy, or heavy industrial sectors.
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related technical field. (Master’s degree is preferred).
  • Certifications:
    • PMP Certification required (or obtain within 1 year of assignment).
    • Professional designations (PE, CPA, CFP, etc.) are a strong plus.
  • Core Competencies: Deep expertise in project governance (TVA SPP-34 series or equivalent), capital budgeting, cost estimating, scheduling software, and SOX compliance controls.
  • Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to lead and negotiate across cross-functional teams and external stakeholders without direct formal authority.


About Johnson Service Group

Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  


Company Description

Johnson Service Group, Inc. (JSG) is a North American leader in the staffing and consulting services industry, with over 40 years of experience investing in people and companies. We offer medical, dental, vision, life insurance options, 401(k), weekly pay, and more.

Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Johnson Service Group logo

About Johnson Service Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Johnson Service Group, Inc. (JSG) is a leader in the staffing and consulting services industry, with over 39 years of experience investing in people and companies. We can be found locally in more than 30 offices throughout the United States and Canada and make connections throughout North America. JSG continues to work diligently to offer our clients and candidates world-class service and diversified offerings to fit their evolving needs. Which is why we have recently expanded our consulting services to include information technology consulting in addition to our wide array of staffing services.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Westmont, IL, US

Year founded

1984

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