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Project Controls Specialist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

STV

Senior Project Controls Specialist

Fairfax, VA

$128K - $146K/yr

STV is seeking a Senior Project Controls Specialist to support the Project Controls Department in our Fairfax, VA / Washington, DC region offices. This role is designed for a highly experienced ...

HNTB

Project Controls Specialist II

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $172K/yr

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 ...

Dar Group

Senior Project Controls Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a Senior Project Controls Specialist (Scheduler) to work for our PMCM group on various rail/transit CMCI projects. The candidate will support projects with clients such as ...

Dar Group

Senior Project Controls Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a Senior Project Controls Specialist (Scheduler) to work for our PMCM group on various rail/transit CMCI projects. The candidate will support projects with clients such as ...

The Spear Group

Be Seen First

Project Controls Specialist - Contract-to-Hire Opportunity

Richmond, VA · On-site

$25/hr

This is a hands-on Project Controls Specialist role supporting project managers and field teams on large-scale utility construction projects. The position focuses on project coordination, reporting ...

Mace

Project Controls Lead

Charlottesville, VA · Hybrid

Manages PMO and Project Controls performance on their assigned commissions. * Creates and designs effective implementation of PMO and Project Controls framework/strategy on assigned commissions.

M.C. Dean, Inc

Project Controls, Associate

Aldie, VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

The Project Controls, Associate supports the project team by developing, maintaining, and monitoring project schedules. Play a key role in ensuring project timelines are met, resources are ...

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All JobsProject Controls Specialist JobsProject Controls Specialist Jobs in Virginia

Project Controls Specialist information

See Virginia salary details

$19

$43

$66

How much do project controls specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for project controls specialist in Virginia is $43.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.77 and $50.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a project controls specialist be done remotely?

Yes, many project controls specialists can perform their duties remotely, especially with the use of project management software, scheduling tools, and communication platforms. Remote work depends on the employer's policies, the project's requirements, and the need for on-site presence for certain tasks like site visits or inspections.

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 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 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 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 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 organizational and analytical skills.
More about Project Controls Specialist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Controls Specialist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Project Controls Specialist jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Controls Specialist jobs in Virginia? For Project Controls Specialist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Controls Specialist jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Project Controls Specialist jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Project Controls Specialist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Project Controls Specialist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Project Controls Specialist jobs in VA? For Project Controls Specialist jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Project Controls Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Controls Specialist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,396 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Senior Project Controls Specialist

STV

Fairfax, VA

$128K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

STV is seeking a Senior Project Controls Specialist to support the Project Controls Department in our Fairfax, VA / Washington, DC region offices. This role is designed for a highly experienced project controls professional who operates at a lead level, bridging the gap between Project Controls Specialist and Project Controls Manager.

The ideal candidate will serve as a technical authority and trusted advisor to project teams and clients-responsible for overseeing cost, schedule, forecasting, and change management while providing functional leadership to other project controls staff. This position does not require direct people management, but it does require strong leadership, influence, and ownership of project controls outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Project Controls Leadership

  • Lead project controls activities for large, complex, or multi-dimensional programs, ensuring alignment with project objectives, contract requirements, and client standards.

  • Serve as the primary project controls point of contact for assigned projects or programs, working closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers, and client representatives.

  • Provide technical direction and mentorship to Project Controls Specialists and junior staff assigned to the project.

Cost Management & Forecasting

  • Oversee project budgets, cost tracking, and forecasting in accordance with approved project controls procedures.

  • Conduct detailed cost variance analysis, trend analysis, and estimate-at-completion (EAC) assessments.

  • Identify, communicate, and help mitigate cost risks and budget impacts before they affect project outcomes.

  • Support and review monthly financial reports, pay applications, and cost documentation for accuracy and completeness.

Schedule & Performance Management

  • Develop, review, and maintain integrated project schedules using Primavera P6 or similar CPM scheduling tools.

  • Perform schedule impact analyses and support time extension and delay evaluations as required.

  • Monitor project performance against baseline schedule milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Change Management & Risk

  • Lead change management reviews, including analysis of scope, cost, and schedule impacts.

  • Support claims avoidance through clear documentation, analysis, and proactive issue identification.

  • Assist with risk identification, risk modeling, and mitigation planning in coordination with project and client teams.

Reporting & Client Coordination

  • Prepare and present executive-level project controls reports, dashboards, and briefings for internal leadership and clients.

  • Ensure compliance with client-specific reporting requirements, PMIS platforms, and governance protocols.

  • Contribute to continuous improvement of project controls processes, templates, and best practices.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Controls, or a related discipline.

  • 8-12+ years of progressive project controls experience, supporting large-scale infrastructure, transportation, or capital programs.

  • Strong expertise in cost control, forecasting, schedule management, and change control.

  • Proficiency with Primavera P6, Microsoft Excel (advanced), and project controls reporting tools.

  • Experience working with PMIS platforms such as e-Builder, Kahua, Unifier, or similar systems.

  • Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight while coordinating across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Preferred

  • Experience supporting public-sector or transportation clients in the Mid-Atlantic region.

  • AACE certifications (PSP, CCP) or equivalent professional credentials.

  • Prior experience leading project controls efforts on multi-year or multi-project programs.

  • Strong presentation skills and comfort engaging with senior client stakeholders.

Compensation Range:

$128,067.17 - $146,362.48

STV offers the following benefits Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account Dental insurance Vision insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) Disability insurance Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment 401(k) Plan Retirement Counseling Employee Assistance Program Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days) Paid Holidays (9 days) Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year) Parental Leave (up to 80 hours) Continuing Education Program Professional Licensure and Society Memberships

STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV's good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.

Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV's work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don't always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.

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