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Project Controls Lead Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Quaise Energy, Inc

Project Controls Lead

Houston, TX · On-site +1

The Project Controls Lead is a senior individual contributor role responsible for owning the financial, administrative, and compliance backbone of Quaise's geothermal development and construction ...

Quaise Energy, Inc

Project Controls Lead

Houston, TX · On-site +1

The Project Controls Lead is a senior individual contributor role responsible for owning the financial, administrative, and compliance backbone of Quaise's geothermal development and construction ...

Quaise Energy, Inc

Project Controls Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

The Project Controls Lead is a senior individual contributor role responsible for owning the financial, administrative, and compliance backbone of Quaise's geothermal development and construction ...

Eli Lilly and Company

Project Controls Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$500/wk

Serve as an independent lead for project controls to ensure compliance with standard processes, driving consistency. * Help manage and direct all aspects of project control on major capital projects ...

Eli Lilly and Company

Project Controls Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$500/wk

Serve as an independent lead for project controls to ensure compliance with standard processes, driving consistency. * Help manage and direct all aspects of project control on major capital projects ...

Linde

Project Controls Engineer

Deer Park, TX · On-site

* You will lead project controls for multiple small capital projects, including cost control, forecasting, scheduling, risk management, and purchase-to-pay from proposal through close-out * Develop and ...

Linde Group

Project Controls Engineer

Deer Park, TX · On-site

* You will lead project controls for multiple small capital projects, including cost control, forecasting, scheduling, risk management, and purchase-to-pay from proposal through close-out * Develop and ...

Linde

Project Controls Engineer

The Woodlands, TX

* You will lead project controls for multiple small capital projects, including cost control, forecasting, scheduling, risk management, and purchase-to-pay from proposal through close-out * Develop and ...

Linde Group

Project Controls Engineer

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

* You will lead project controls for multiple small capital projects, including cost control, forecasting, scheduling, risk management, and purchase-to-pay from proposal through close-out * Develop and ...

Linde

Project Controls Engineer

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

You will lead project controls for multiple small capital projects, including cost control, forecasting, scheduling, risk management, and purchase-to-pay from proposal through close-out * Develop and ...

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Project Controls Lead information

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How much do project controls lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for project controls lead in Houston, TX is $41.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $48.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project controls lead?

A Project Controls Lead is responsible for managing project planning, scheduling, cost control, and risk management to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. They oversee data analysis, forecasting, and reporting to support decision-making and project performance tracking. Their role involves collaborating with project managers, stakeholders, and teams to identify potential risks and implement corrective actions. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project controls lead?

To thrive as a Project Controls Lead, you need expertise in project management, cost control, scheduling, and risk analysis, often supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Experience with project management software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and advanced Excel, along with certifications like PMP or CCP, is commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project complexities. These competencies enable effective monitoring and delivery of projects within scope, time, and budget constraints.

What are some common challenges faced by a project controls lead and how can they be overcome?

Project Controls Leads often face challenges such as managing shifting project timelines, controlling costs amid scope changes, and integrating input from multiple stakeholders. Success in this role requires proactive communication, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly when schedules or budgets need adjustment. Collaborating closely with project managers, engineers, and finance teams is essential to anticipate risks and maintain accurate reporting. By leveraging industry tools and fostering a culture of transparency, Project Controls Leads can help ensure projects stay on track and stakeholders remain informed.

Is project controls a good career?

Project controls is a valuable career path that involves planning, scheduling, cost management, and risk analysis to ensure project success. It requires skills in tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project and often benefits from certifications such as PMP or CCP. The role offers opportunities across industries like construction, engineering, and infrastructure, with steady demand for qualified professionals.

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Project Controls Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Controls Lead job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,073 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Project Controls Lead

Harper Brothers Construction LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Application Instructions
Please complete all required fields and upload your most recent resume.
After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email. Our team will review your application and contact you if you're selected for next steps.
For questions or technical issues, please reach out to our HR team at humanresources@harperbro.com
Position Description
Harper Brothers Construction - Project Controls Lead
Houston, TX
Onsite: Mon-Fri
Company Summary: Built to Deliver
Harper Brothers Construction isn't just building infrastructure, we're building what matters most: people, partnerships, and lasting impact. Founded in 2014 by second-generation builders, we bring grit, innovation, and proven expertise to every project we take on.
With operations across Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, our mobile crews and powerful fleet allow us to go where the work is and deliver safely, efficiently, and without compromise. At HBC, safety isn't a priority, it's our culture, driving everything we do from the ground up
About the Role
We're seeking a strategic and data-driven Project Controls Lead to join our growing team. In this role, you will lead the analysis, reporting, and interpretation of project performance across the organization, transforming complex operational and financial data into meaningful insights that drive better decisions.
This position goes beyond traditional project controls. You will be responsible for identifying cost trends, uncovering performance anomalies, auditing data integrity, building executive dashboards, and helping operational leaders understand the stories behind project outcomes. You will analyze both wins and losses, highlighting what drove success, where projects underperformed, and how lessons learned can be leveraged across the business.
As a trusted advisor to operations and leadership, you will help ensure Harper Brothers Construction continues to execute projects safely, efficiently, and profitably.
What You'll Do
Lead Project Performance Analysis
    • Own project cost analysis across all active and completed projects.
    • Monitor budgets, actual costs, labor productivity, production quantities, and earned performance metrics.
    • Analyze project financial performance and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.
    • Identify emerging trends and potential risks before they impact project outcomes.
    • Support strategic decision-making through data-driven analysis.

Investigate Trends, Anomalies & Root Causes
    • Monitor project data to identify unusual cost, labor, production, or schedule trends.
    • Investigate variances and anomalies to determine root causes.
    • Evaluate both positive and negative project performance drivers.
    • Highlight opportunities for operational improvement, cost reduction, and increased profitability.
    • Deliver clear recommendations based on findings.

Own Project Audits & Data Integrity
    • Lead project controls audits to ensure accuracy and consistency across systems.
    • Review labor coding, equipment allocations, quantities installed, subcontractor costs, and purchase order activity.
    • Validate financial and operational data used for reporting and forecasting.
    • Partner with project teams to correct discrepancies and improve reporting processes.
    • Establish best practices for data governance and project controls accuracy.

Build Executive Dashboards & Performance Reporting
    • Develop and maintain dashboards that provide visibility into project health and company performance.
    • Design reporting tools using Power BI, Excel, Viewpoint, and other business systems.
    • Create meaningful KPIs focused on cost, productivity, forecasting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
    • Deliver weekly and monthly performance reports to project teams and executive leadership.
    • Ensure reporting is clear, accurate, and focused on driving action.

Tell the Story Behind the Numbers
    • Analyze project wins and losses to identify patterns and lessons learned.
    • Evaluate successful projects to understand key drivers of profitability and execution excellence.
    • Assess underperforming projects to determine where assumptions, planning, execution, or controls broke down.
    • Translate financial and operational data into clear business narratives.
    • Present insights in a way that helps leaders make informed decisions and improve future performance.

Support Forecasting & Strategic Planning
    • Lead cost forecasting and trend analysis efforts.
    • Support annual budgeting and project planning activities.
    • Develop forward-looking metrics and predictive reporting tools.
    • Prepare data and insights for monthly operational and financial reviews.
    • Partner with leadership on business improvement initiatives and strategic decisions.

Be a Trusted Partner to Operations
    • Collaborate with Project Managers, Division Managers, Estimators, Finance, and Field Operations teams.
    • Challenge assumptions and provide objective analysis of project performance.
    • Promote accountability through transparency and consistent reporting.
    • Help build a culture where data drives decisions and continuous improvement is expected.

Position Requirements
What You Bring
    • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Finance, Engineering, Business, Accounting, or related field preferred.
    • 5+ years of experience in Project Controls, Cost Engineering, Construction Finance, Project Analytics, or a related discipline.
    • Strong experience in heavy civil, infrastructure, utility, or large-scale construction environments.
    • Advanced understanding of job costing, forecasting, earned value principles, productivity analysis, and project financial management.
    • Experience analyzing project performance and identifying trends, risks, and root causes.
    • Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Viewpoint, HCSS, and reporting platforms.
    • Experience building dashboards and executive-level reporting tools.
    • Strong analytical, auditing, and investigative skills.
    • Ability to transform data into actionable business insights and compelling stories.
    • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
    • Proven ability to balance detail-oriented analysis with strategic thinking.

Success in This Role
The successful Project Controls Lead doesn't simply report numbers. They:
    • Know where every project stands financially.
    • Identify issues before they become problems.
    • Challenge data that doesn't make sense.
    • Build reporting that leaders actually use.
    • Explain why projects win or lose.
    • Turn trends into action plans.
    • Help operational leaders make smarter decisions.
    • Create visibility that improves profitability across the organization.

This role serves as the bridge between project execution, financial performance, and strategic decision-making, helping Harper Brothers Construction continuously improve how we build, perform, and grow.
Why Join Harper Brothers Construction?
    • Be part of a company that puts people and safety first.
    • Work on impactful infrastructure projects across multiple states.
    • Join a high-performance, team-first culture.
    • Gain direct visibility into project strategy, performance, and execution.
    • Opportunities for growth and career advancement.
    • Play a meaningful role in building critical infrastructure that makes a lasting impact.
    • Great benefits including PTO, paid holidays, 401(k), medical, vision, dental, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Harper Brothers Construction is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, domestic partner status, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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