Project Operations Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Project Engineer will support field operations on a utility-scale solar farm project, working directly onsite alongside project management and field leadership. This role focuses on coordinating electrical construction activities, ensuring quality and safety compliance, and driving project execution from start to finish. It is ideal for someone with a strong engineering or construction management foundation who wants to gain hands-on experience in renewable energy and large-scale electrical infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Support the Project Manager and Superintendent in daily field operations and overall project execution.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams to ensure timely and efficient project delivery.
• Assist in managing project documentation, including RFIs, submittals, change orders, and construction drawings.
• Track project progress, schedules, and key milestones, and proactively identify potential delays or issues.
• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and electrical plans to guide field activities.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with project specifications, contract requirements, and safety standards.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality control activities, inspections, and commissioning support.
• Monitor material procurement, deliveries, and onsite inventory to support uninterrupted construction operations.
• Assist with cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting to support project financial oversight.
• Support field problem-solving and drive resolution of technical or constructability issues as they arise.
• Maintain strong, consistent communication between field and office teams to align on project goals and progress.

• Experience with electrical installation and solar electric systems in a construction or engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance principles and electrical inspection practices.
• Ability to read, review, and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and electrical plans.
• Solid project management skills, including organizing tasks, tracking schedules, and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with project management, field leadership, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential project delays or issues.
• Ability to work safely and promote compliance with safety standards on an active construction site.

• Educational background in engineering, construction management, or a related technical discipline is highly beneficial.
• Experience in utility-scale solar, renewable energy, or large-scale electrical infrastructure projects is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with QA/QC processes, inspections, and commissioning activities in construction projects.
• Comfort with managing and organizing project documentation such as RFIs, submittals, change orders, and drawings.
• Ability to support cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting as part of project controls.

This role is primarily based onsite at an active solar construction project. The work environment involves walking long distances, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and navigating uneven terrain and typical construction site hazards. The position may require extended hours or weekend work depending on project schedule and milestones. The Project Engineer will be closely integrated with field crews and project management, contributing to a collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on safe, high-quality delivery of a utility-scale solar installation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Peoria, IL.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Peoria,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.