ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Project Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

MechanAir

Project Development Manager

Aurora, IL

Project Development Manager State Mechanical Services (SMS) | Aurora, Illinois Build Relationships. Win Projects. Drive Growth. State Mechanical Services (SMS), a subsidiary of MechanAir Holdings, is ...

MechanAir

Project Development Manager

Aurora, IL · On-site

$65.70/hr

Project Development Manager State Mechanical Services (SMS) | Aurora, Illinois Build Relationships. Win Projects. Drive Growth. State Mechanical Services (SMS), a subsidiary of MechanAir Holdings, is ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProject Development JobsProject Development Jobs in Illinois

Project Development information

See Illinois salary details

$41.7K

$91.6K

$137.6K

How much do project development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development in Illinois is $91,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Project Development vs Project Management?

AspectProject DevelopmentProject Management
Primary FocusPlanning and creating project concepts, designs, and initial phasesExecuting, monitoring, and closing projects to meet objectives
Required SkillsDesign, technical knowledge, planningLeadership, organization, communication
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, engineering, R&DProject teams, client interactions, coordination
CertificationsDepends on industry; often technical or design certificationsPMP, CAPM, or similar project management certifications

While project development focuses on creating and designing project concepts, project management involves overseeing the execution and delivery of those projects. Both roles are essential and often collaborate closely, but they emphasize different stages of the project lifecycle.

What does a project developer do?

A project developer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing projects from inception to completion. They analyze project requirements, secure necessary permits, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure projects meet deadlines and budgets, often using project management tools and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Project Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Project Development often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder interests, managing shifting project requirements, and ensuring timely resource allocation. These obstacles can be addressed by maintaining clear communication channels, implementing regular project check-ins, and utilizing effective project management tools. Building strong relationships across departments and fostering a transparent team culture also help in navigating complex project landscapes and achieving successful outcomes.

Is PM a stressful job?

Project management (PM) can be stressful due to tight deadlines, budget constraints, and coordinating multiple stakeholders. Successful PMs often develop strong organizational and communication skills to manage workload and mitigate stress levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Project Development, and why are they important?

A successful career in Project Development requires strong project management skills, analytical abilities, and a relevant degree such as business, engineering, or construction management. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Asana), budgeting tools, and sometimes certifications like PMP or Prince2 are highly valued. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills enable professionals to coordinate teams and drive projects forward. These competencies are crucial for ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and to stakeholder satisfaction.

What is the highest paying project management job?

Senior executive roles such as Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, or Director of Project Management typically offer the highest salaries in project management, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, advanced certifications like PMP or PgMP, and strong leadership skills. Industries such as technology, finance, and engineering tend to pay these roles more competitively.

What is project development work?

Project development work involves planning, designing, and organizing projects to meet specific goals within set timelines and budgets. It often includes tasks such as feasibility analysis, resource allocation, and coordinating teams, requiring skills in project management tools and methodologies like Agile or Waterfall.

What is project development?

Project development is the process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring a specific project from an initial idea to successful completion. This involves defining project goals, creating detailed plans, securing funding, coordinating teams, and monitoring progress throughout the project lifecycle. Effective project development ensures that objectives are met on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. Professionals in this field often work in industries such as construction, energy, technology, and nonprofit sectors.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Project Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Development jobs in Illinois? For Project Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Project Development jobs in Illinois are:
Project Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Development job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,612 per year, or $44 per hour.

Project Development Manager

MechanAir

Aurora, IL

Full-time

PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Project Development Manager

State Mechanical Services (SMS) | Aurora, Illinois

Build Relationships. Win Projects. Drive Growth.

State Mechanical Services (SMS), a subsidiary of MechanAir Holdings, is seeking an experienced Project Development Manager to support the continued growth of our commercial and industrial mechanical construction business.


This role combines estimating, preconstruction, customer relationship management, and project procurement. You will work closely with owners, general contractors, engineers, and operations teams to develop project opportunities, prepare estimates, support project pursuits, and successfully transition awarded work into execution.

This is an ideal opportunity for a mechanical construction professional with experience in estimating, project management, field leadership, or preconstruction who wants to leverage their operational expertise to help grow a business.

What You'll Do

Project Development & Customer Relationships

  • Develop and maintain relationships with customers, owners, general contractors, engineers, and industry partners
  • Identify and develop commercial and industrial mechanical construction opportunities
  • Support negotiated work, design-build pursuits, and strategic growth initiatives
  • Help expand existing customer relationships and repeat business opportunities

Estimating & Preconstruction

  • Prepare budgets, estimates, and project pricing
  • Review plans, specifications, and contract documents
  • Perform constructability reviews and scope development
  • Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing
  • Identify project risks, assumptions, and value engineering opportunities

Project Procurement & Operations Handoff

  • Support project acquisition and contract award activities
  • Coordinate project turnover to operations teams
  • Ensure accurate transfer of scope, budgets, schedules, and project assumptions
  • Support successful project startup and execution planning

What We're Looking For

Required

  • Experience in mechanical construction, estimating, project management, preconstruction, or field leadership
  • Strong knowledge of HVAC, piping, plumbing, and mechanical construction systems
  • Experience managing projects from estimate through closeout
  • Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents
  • Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer and project locations

Preferred

  • Local 597 Journeyman background
  • Experience as an Estimator, Project Manager, Superintendent, or General Foreman
  • Experience with negotiated work and design-build delivery
  • Existing relationships within the Chicagoland construction market
  • Local 597 Estimating or Project Management coursework

Why Join State Mechanical Services?

  • Growing mechanical contractor backed by MechanAir Holdings
  • Opportunity to directly influence project procurement and company growth
  • Work with experienced operations and construction leaders
  • Competitive compensation
  • Vehicle allowance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Collaborative, team-oriented culture

Location

Aurora, Illinois

This position requires regular travel to customer locations, project sites, and industry meetings throughout the Chicagoland area.

State Mechanical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply