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Program Controls Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

AECOM is seeking a Program Controls Manager to support our Water Business Line and five-year, $3.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to improve Chicago's water services efforts in Chicago ...

AECOM is seeking a Program Controls Manager to support our Water Business Line and five-year, $3.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to improve Chicago's water services efforts in Chicago ...

AECOM is seeking a Program Controls Manager to support our Water Business Line and five-year, $3.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to improve Chicago's water services efforts in Chicago ...

Program Controls Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98K - $145K/yr

Arcadis is seeking a Project Controls Specialist to join our dynamic and rapidly expanding project ... program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition ...

Arcadis is seeking a Project Controls Specialist to join our dynamic and rapidly expanding project ... program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition ...

Cost Controls Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$78.70K - $114.10K/yr

We partner with clients to provide both program management and construction management to ... The position partners with program controls, project managers, finance, and executive stakeholders ...

We partner with clients to provide both program management and construction management to ... The position partners with program controls, project managers, finance, and executive stakeholders ...

Senior Program Manager- Midwest

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$119.50K - $120K/yr

Skilled in program controls, commercial acumen, and performance monitoring and reporting. * Well-versed in program planning and initiation, change management, risk management, and quality management.

Project Controls Analyst

Monee, IL · On-site

$65.60K - $95.10K/yr

The Project Controls Analyst is a key point of contact for numerous internal and external ... Support Project Managers with project/program enterprise structures (i.e.: Work Breakdown ...

Controls Engineer

Roscoe, IL · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

We are currently seeking experienced Controls Engineers to support projects across the United ... Edit, support, and integrate into existing PLC & HMI programs. Specify and maintain I/O lists used ...

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Showing results 1-20

Program Controls information

See Illinois salary details

$52.3K

$95.4K

$129.4K

How much do program controls jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for program controls in Illinois is $95,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $112,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Controls professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Controls professional, you need strong analytical skills, project management knowledge, and a background in engineering, construction, or business, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with project management software such as Primavera P6, MS Project, and tools for cost control and scheduling, as well as certifications like PMP or CCP, is commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for managing project risks and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies are essential to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with organizational objectives.

How does a Program Controls professional typically collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders?

Program Controls professionals work closely with project managers, finance teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that projects stay on schedule and within budget. They provide critical data analysis, reporting, and forecasting to inform decision-making, and often facilitate meetings to discuss project status, risks, and resource allocation. Effective communication and collaboration are key, as Program Controls professionals must translate complex data into actionable insights for non-technical team members. This cross-functional interaction helps align project objectives with organizational goals and ensures transparency across all levels of the project.

What are program controls?

Program controls refer to the processes, tools, and techniques used to plan, monitor, and manage the performance of large projects or programs. This includes overseeing scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and reporting to ensure that the project stays on track and meets its objectives. Program controls professionals play a critical role in identifying potential issues early and providing actionable insights to project managers and stakeholders.

What is the difference between Program Controls vs Cost Analyst?

AspectProgram ControlsCost Analyst
Required CredentialsProject management certifications, PMP often preferredFinance or accounting degrees, certifications like CPC or CMA
Work EnvironmentProject offices, construction sites, engineering firmsFinance departments, consulting firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, aerospace, defense, engineering projectsCorporate finance, government contracting, consulting
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on project schedule, scope, and risk managementFocuses on budgeting, cost analysis, and financial reporting

Program Controls and Cost Analysts both play vital roles in project management but focus on different aspects. Program Controls oversees project schedules, scope, and risk, ensuring projects stay on track. Cost Analysts concentrate on budgeting, cost tracking, and financial analysis to control project expenses. While they collaborate closely, their core responsibilities and skill sets differ, making each role essential for successful project delivery.

What are popular job titles related to Program Controls jobs in Illinois? For Program Controls jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Program Controls job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $95,387 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Program Controls Manager

AECOM

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


AECOM rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 77 rated construction


Job description

Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a Program Controls Manager to support our Water Business Line and five-year, $3.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to improve Chicago's water services efforts in Chicago, Illinois.
In this role you will provide leadership to a Program Controls team within a large, complex water program with multi-billion dollars capital improvements. You will lead the team developing the budget and schedule of the Capital Improvement Plan as well as the cost management of the Program Management Office (PMO). You will be directing the team developing and maintaining the master schedule and acquiring, disbursing, tracking and reporting on the usage of funds. You will be preparing various program reports for the client delivery.
You will be responsible for managing, controlling, forecasting and reporting cost and schedule performance for projects throughout the organization. Services include setting up and managing project controls systems (including setup of work breakdown structure), capturing to-date progress and expenditure data, analyzing to-date performance data, forecasting at-completion performance data (EAC costs, hours), analyzing project risks (contingency management), managing change and incorporating scope variations into schedule and cost deliverables, and preparing associated reports.
Responsibilities and Competencies may include but are not limited to:
  • Assist Program Manager (PgM) in developing and managing program control delivery responsibilities; active collaboration with other program task leadership; and establishes and maintains client relationships.
  • Responsible to lead and manage sub-task managers in delivering program services including capital cost; program services cost; loan and grant funding; scheduling; and program progress/performance reporting.
  • Continually identify strategic program improvements in resources (staff capacity and skills); change management; standardized work processes; and technical tools and innovations.
  • Continuously monitor program performance metrics achievements including client satisfaction with fulfillment of agreed scope of services, and overall financial performance of contract to budgets and plans.
  • Establish task-level key performance indicators, monitor performance against those indicators, and advise operational management on proposed corrective actions where issues within the task execution occur.
  • Develop a delegation strategy by maintaining functional task teams to deliver the respective program services.
  • Lead appropriate technology adoption, innovation and quality of task deliverables.
  • Overseeing and coordinating the resolution of issues and actions.
  • Review task-level functions at set stage gates, conduct root cause analyses; and providing approval or corrective action.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively lead the project controls function on a large/complex project.
  • Possesses proven knowledge of scope control and change management.
  • Oversees the production and maintenance of accurate project schedules. Expert understanding of schedule resource loading and leveling.
  • Expertise in scheduling, critical path analysis, resource loading and leveling.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in using Project Management Information Systems and other applied technologies; ability in reviewing and assessing raw data that comes from project automated systems; and maximizing the resources to deliver Program Controls Manager responsibilities.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications
  • 15 years or more of relevant large program controls experience
  • 5 years of more of experience in managing other project controls professionals

Additional Information
  • All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
  • Relocation is offered for this opportunity.
  • Sponsorship is not offered for this position now or in the future.

About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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