ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Project Controls Specialist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

ADB

Project Controls Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Project Controls Specialist CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt POSITION OVERVIEW: ADB is a Nationwide full turnkey provider of technology infrastructure solutions including Wireline, Wireless, Technology ...

HNTB

Sr Project Controls Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

The Sr Project Controls Specialist applies advanced techniques and serves in a technical advisor capacity. May mentor, direct, and oversee the work of earlier career staff. At HNTB, you can create a ...

HNTB

Project Controls Specialist II

Nashville, TN · On-site

The Project Controls Specialist II reports on cost controls and schedules for projects involving cost and schedule work breakdown structures and metrics, analyzing data and presenting results ...

HNTB

Project Controls Specialist II

Nashville, TN · On-site

The Project Controls Specialist II reports on schedule and cost control for projects involving cost and schedule work breakdown structures and metrics, analyzing data and presenting results, updating ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProject Controls Specialist JobsProject Controls Specialist Jobs in Tennessee

Project Controls Specialist information

See Tennessee salary details

$18

$39

$60

How much do project controls specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for project controls specialist in Tennessee is $39.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.74 and $46.25 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.
More about Project Controls Specialist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Controls Specialist jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Project Controls Specialist jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Project Controls Specialist jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Controls Specialist jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Project Controls Specialist jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Project Controls Specialist job openings:

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

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

Project Controls Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Controls Specialist job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,755 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Project Controls Specialist

KeyLogic, LLC

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Project Controls Specialist
Location: Oak Ridge, TN (on-site)
Work Type: On-site

Clearance: DOE Q Clearance

Job Summary:
KeyLogic is searching for a Project Controls Specialist, mid-career with heavy Primavera scheduling experience. This is an on-site position to support the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

U.S. Citizenship is required.

Qualifications:

  • BS/BA in project or construction management, business, engineering, and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and specialized training will be considered.
  • Experience managing a schedule in a classified environment.
  • Basic understanding of project controls best practices regarding scope, time, cost, change management
  • Basic understanding of DOE Order 413.3b and EIA-748 compliant EVM.
  • Hands-on experience with: Oracle Primavera, change control applications, and custom system and report development.

Special Requirements:

  • 5 years of experience successfully performing project controls like duties for project(s) within the DOE or DOD.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or equivalent project management certification.
  • Experience with risk management, working with risk analysis and simulation software.
  • Five years of project experience working within an EVMS environment compliant with EIA-748.
  • Experience in training on project management principles or tools, specifically CAM training.
Employment Type: Full time

Apply