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Project Controls Specialist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... Controls team * Monitor ITP progress and follow up with project teams to ensure inspections ... Mentor and provide technical guidance to QAQC Specialist I team members, as appropriate. * Review ...

Application Specialist

Grimes, IA · On-site

$90.90 - $130.06/hr

Validates project scope by reviewing transition documents, plans and specs; listing possible cost ... Familiarity with HVAC Systems and/or Temperature Controls preferred.* Flexibility to work outside ...

Showing results 21-40

Project Controls Specialist information

See Iowa salary details

$18

$41

$62

How much do project controls specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for project controls specialist in Iowa is $41.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.85 and $47.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project controls specialist?

Project Controls Specialists are professionals who monitor, analyze, and report on various aspects of project performance, such as cost, schedule, and risk. They play a key role in ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget by providing accurate data and forecasts to project managers and stakeholders. Their responsibilities typically include developing project schedules, tracking progress, managing budgets, and identifying potential issues before they impact project delivery. Project Controls Specialists often work in industries like construction, engineering, and energy, where large-scale projects require close oversight.

What does a project controls specialist do?

As a project controls specialist, you track employee performance during a project and support all managers involved with this project. In this role, you may report any problems with the project, help ensure the schedule and budget match the objectives of the project, and otherwise ensure operations conform to the plan. This is often an intermediate managerial role that works directly below the primary project manager, but above the employees who are doing most of the actual work on the project. Most project control specialists focus on large, complex projects, and may help with several different projects at the same time.

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

To thrive as a Project Controls Specialist, you need expertise in project management, cost control, scheduling, and data analysis, typically supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Primavera P6, MS Project, and Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), as well as relevant certifications such as PMP or AACE, is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure projects remain on track, within budget, and risks are proactively managed for successful project delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by project controls specialists when managing large-scale projects?

Project Controls Specialists often encounter challenges such as integrating data from multiple sources, maintaining up-to-date project schedules, and ensuring cost control across various project phases. Managing communication between different departments and adapting to frequent changes in project scope or timelines are also common hurdles. Proactively addressing these issues requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders.

What is the difference between Project Controls Specialist vs Cost Analyst?

AspectProject Controls SpecialistCost Analyst
CredentialsPM certifications, industry-specific trainingFinance or accounting certifications, such as CPA or CMA
Work EnvironmentConstruction, engineering, or infrastructure projectsCorporate finance, manufacturing, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in project-driven industries like construction and engineeringCommon in finance, manufacturing, and government sectors

While both roles involve financial and project data, a Project Controls Specialist focuses on overall project scheduling, risk management, and performance tracking, whereas a Cost Analyst primarily analyzes project costs and budgets. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus, with the Project Controls Specialist managing broader project controls and the Cost Analyst concentrating on cost specifics.

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. Professionals in this field often use tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project and may pursue certifications such as PMI-SP or AACE certifications. It offers opportunities across industries like construction, engineering, and manufacturing with a focus on analytical skills and attention to detail.

What are popular job titles related to Project Controls Specialist jobs in Iowa?

For Project Controls Specialist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Project Controls Specialist jobs in IA?

For Project Controls Specialist jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Project Controls Specialist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,641 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Design Manager/Senior Engineer - Power Generation

Stanley Consultants

Muscatine, IA

$139K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Stanley Consultants is an award-winning and industry-leading global consulting engineering firm, with an unmatched commitment to culture, values, and ethics. We are dedicated to client experience and solve the most complex challenges to create a sustainable, connected, and enriched world for all. As the world changes, Stanley strategically evolves with it, integrating the latest technology, innovation, and resiliency practices.
 
With over a century of experience serving the energy, federal government, transportation, and water sectors, we have helped improve lives and shape the infrastructure systems that connect us. As an employee-owned organization with a People First approach, we stand apart from other engineering consulting and services firms. At Stanley, your voice counts, your growth matters, and your success is our success.
 
Stanley Consultants offers flexible work options, competitive pay and great benefits, a strong sense of community, and the chance to build a meaningful, long-term career!

Job title - Design Manager / Senior Engineer
Locations - Austin, TX | Chicago, IL | Denver, CO (Centennial) | Des Moines, IA | Minneapolis, MN | Muscatine, IA
Job type - Hybrid
Requisition ID - 11259
 

Stanley Consultants is looking for a Design Manager / Senior Engineer with power generation experience to join one of our offices. This role may also be known as a Project Engineer.

This position is for a candidate with 15+ years of experience on large/complex power generation projects.  The role is to lead the design process and ensure proper coordination among various disciplines.  The Design Manager / Senior Engineer is responsible for coordination of the technical content of design projects, with a focus on ensuring that the work is well-planned and follows preemptive, preventive, and proactive approach to delivery.  The Design Manager / Senior Engineer monitors the progress and completion of discipline level tasks while providing updates to the Project Manager and Project Controls Specialist. 

Project Managers are the main point of contact with clients and other external stakeholders.  Project Managers have overall responsibility for the project, including compliance with contractual terms, scope, schedule, budget, and quality. The Design Manager / Senior Engineer is a senior project leader responsible for coordinating the proper planning and execution of the project design. 

What You Will Be Doing:
  • Managing the day-to-day activities of the design team including:
    • Oversee the technical portion of the design process
    • Ensuring cross discipline communications and coordination is occurring
    • Coordinating schedules and implementation of the quality control plan
  • Supports the Project Manager by:
    • Communicating design team and technical issues to the Project Manager
    • Assisting the Project Manager with client engagement on change management requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited four-year college 
    • Degree may be in mechanical, control systems, electrical, structural, or related disciplines
  • 15+ years of relevant power generation design experience
  • Possess PE, or able to obtain PE within 1 year
  • Natural gas power generation experience
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience designing reciprocating engine, simple cycle, combined cycle, and/or combined heat and power plants
  • Experience with Alternative Project Delivery vehicles like design-build, EPC, P3, or integrated project delivery
$139,500 - $185,550 a year
(Salary range for CO, IL, MN locations)
Stanley Consultants is committed to maintaining transparency in our hiring process, including providing information about compensation. The starting salary for the successful candidate in this position is competitive and will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications and experience, geographic location, internal equity, company policy and practices. In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are disclosed for positions and locations where required.
Work-Life Balance
We realize there's more to life than just work. We help you meet the demands of work, family and personal life through several flexible options.
 
What we offer:
Member-Owned. Member-ownership is at the heart of our culture, aligning client satisfaction, company performance, and personal reward.
Paid Time Away. Stanley Consultants offers numerous paid holidays, generous paid time off (PTO), parental leave, and professional development leave.
Health Insurance. We provide a comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, Doctor On Demand, wellness reimbursement, and mental health resources.
Financial Health. We offer life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, identity theft protection, and many other benefits.
Professional Growth. When your skills grow, so do we, which is why we offer tuition assistance, professional society membership, and more.
Financial Rewards. We share our prosperity with members through company stock ownership, a generous 401K match, incentive compensation, and profit-sharing contributions to retirement 401K plans.
Click Here: A Great Place To Work  
 
Learn more about Stanley Consultants in this short video:  Working at Stanley Consultants
 
Stanley Consultants does not welcome unsolicited resumes from staffing and recruiting agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to Stanley Consultants, including but not limited to resumes submitted directly to Stanley Consultants members, or any of our representatives, will be deemed the property of Stanley Consultants.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
 
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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