Project Manager Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager - Combined Cycle Power Generation

The Downers Grove office of Zachry offers a unique opportunity to join a high-growth team delivering critical infrastructure projects across the region. Supported by long-standing partnerships with major utility and industrial clients, our team works on a diverse portfolio of technically challenging, high-impact projects with strong visibility.

With consistent project volume, team members benefit from both stability and variety-gaining exposure to meaningful work while continuing to grow their careers. Our environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and empowers individuals to take ownership and make a real impact from day one.

If you're looking for a role where your work is valued and your impact is visible, the Charlotte Zachry team is the place to be.

Zachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) is seeking a high-impact Project Manager to join our Project Management team in Downers Grove IL. This role offers the opportunity to lead complex, large-scale combined cycle power generation projects for premier clients across the energy sector. At Zachry, you'll work on technically challenging, high-visibility projects while driving execution excellence from concept through commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related discipline)
• 15+ years of experience in power generation projects, with significant focus on combined-cycle facilities
• 8-10+ years leading projects or programs in a Project Manager / Project Director capacity
• Proven experience managing mid-to-large capital projects ($100MM+ TIC) from engineering through startup
• Strong leadership capability across multi-discipline teams and global engineering environments
• Demonstrated expertise in cost, schedule, and risk management, including vendor oversight
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• EPC / EPCm experience delivering combined-cycle projects end-to-end
• Experience coordinating with international engineering centers (HVE/global delivery models)

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the expected salary range for this Illinois position, Sr. Project Manager, is between and $165,900 and $237,475 annually.   Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. 

Benefits: 

This position, Sr. Project Manager, is eligible for participation in Zachry's Total Employee Rewards Program, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and other ancillary benefits. This position is also eligible for participation in the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.

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Key Responsibilities

• Lead full project lifecycle execution for large capital combined-cycle projects-from FEED through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup
• Own project performance across scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety, ensuring consistent delivery of client expectations
• Direct cross-functional teams across multiple engineering disciplines, vendors, field engineering, and High Value Engineering (HVE) resources
• Drive execution strategy including planning, staffing, forecasting, and alignment of resources to meet project milestones
• Manage project controls including cost, schedule, risk, productivity, and reporting with a strong focus on predictability and accountability
• Ensure technical and commercial excellence through quality oversight, change management (MOC/ECNs), and adherence to contractual requirements
• Collaborate closely with construction and commissioning teams to ensure seamless project delivery through startup
• Build and strengthen client relationships, serving as the primary interface while identifying growth opportunities
• Lead team performance and development, including mentoring, staffing strategy, and talent development
• Drive continuous improvement in execution, processes, and coordination across global delivery teams and HVE centers
• Willingness to travel and support field activities including walkdowns and site coordination
• Ability to work effectively across office and field environments