Remote Graduate Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Project Manager – EPC / Utility Capital Programs (Remote work with travel to sites)

Type: Full-Time, W2

Location: Remote with Travel (TX, NM, CO, WI, MN, ND, SD)

Salary: $100K–$165K DOE

About the Role

We are partnered with a large investor-owned electric utility’s program management team to recruit Project Managers for an active capital infrastructure program spanning a multi-state electric service territory in the Southwest, Mountain West, and Upper Midwest. Three positions are available, one per operating region. As a W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, you will be placed on assignment embedded within the client’s Owner’s Representative organization.

This is a remote-first role with regular site travel. You will own project delivery for electric T&D and substation capital projects within your region, managing EPC contractors from design through commissioning. EPC experience is required — from any side of the table. We will consider candidates who have managed projects at an EPC lead firm, as the engineering, procurement, or construction contractor on an EPC engagement, or as an owner’s representative directing EPC teams. Utility experience, including T&D and substation work, is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery and Owner’s Representative Functions

•     Serve as the day-to-day Owner’s Representative for capital projects within an assigned utility operating company, managing scope, schedule, budget, and contractor performance (construction and engineering projects)

•     Coordinate with EPC contractors and design engineers across the full project lifecycle, from design review and approval through procurement, construction, and commissioning

•     Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress, verify contractor compliance with project specifications, and resolve field issues in coordination with engineering staff

•     Track project milestones, deliverables, and risk items; maintain accurate project status reporting for client and program management leadership

•     Manage change orders, RFIs, and contract modifications in coordination with procurement and legal stakeholders

Stakeholder Coordination and Reporting

•     Maintain active communication with utility client representatives, including operations, engineering, and capital planning groups

•     Participate in regular program-level reporting cycles; prepare and present project status updates, schedule forecasts, and budget summaries

•     Coordinate across the broader Owner’s Representative team to align on program-wide issues, lessons learned, and resource needs

•     Identify project risks early and escalate appropriately; develop and implement risk mitigation strategies in coordination with program leadership

Program and Process Compliance

•     Ensure all project activities are executed in compliance with the utility’s capital project standards, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory obligations

•     Support project closeout activities including punch-list resolution, as-built documentation, and final billing reconciliation

•     Contribute to continuous improvement efforts across the program by identifying process gaps and participating in standard methodology development

Qualifications

Required

•     Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience with a high school diploma.

•     Minimum 5 years of project management experience on capital infrastructure projects, with direct, hands-on involvement in EPC-delivered work — whether at an EPC lead firm, as part of an engineering, procurement, or construction contractor on an EPC project, or as an owner’s representative managing EPC teams

•     Demonstrated understanding of EPC contract structures, phasing, and cross-discipline coordination requirements

•     Experience managing external contractors and vendors across project phases including design, procurement, and construction

•     Willingness and ability to travel within the assigned operating region; travel averages approximately 25% and may be slightly more or less depending on project phase and client needs — this is a remote-first role with no in-office requirement

•     Proficiency with project management tools for scheduling, cost tracking, and reporting

•     Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel by vehicle and/or airplane within service territory as required

Preferred

•     Direct experience in electric utility capital programs, including T&D infrastructure, substation upgrades, or grid modernization projects (engineering and/or construction scopes)

•     Experience working as an Owner’s Representative or within an integrated Owner’s Representative program management structure

•     Background in oil and gas infrastructure project management; experience with pipeline, compression, or other energy infrastructure EPC programs translates well to this role

•     PMP certification or equivalent project management credential

•     Familiarity with utility regulatory environments, capital planning processes, and utility safety standards (OSHA, NERC, or similar)

•     Experience working in multi-state or multi-region program delivery structures

Compensation & Employment

Employment Type: Full-Time, W2 — As a W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, you will be placed on assignment with our client for this engagement.

Salary: $100,000–$165,000 per year, DOE

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; paid time off; and mileage or travel reimbursement per company policy for required site travel. All benefits are vested from day one, no waiting period to begin accruing PTO, begins accrual on day one.

Service Territory Coverage: Positions are available supporting three operating regions: Southwest (Texas and New Mexico), Mountain West (Colorado), and Upper Midwest (Minnesota and Wisconsin, with coverage extending to North and South Dakota). Candidates should indicate their preferred or primary region. Relocation is required if not a commutable distance from the assigned operating region hub.

Why Join Us

Innovation Consulting places experienced professionals on high-impact infrastructure programs where your work moves capital through the ground. You will be embedded directly with the client’s program delivery team — with real authority, real accountability, and the stability of W2 employment on a long-duration engagement.

If you have built your career managing EPC work and are ready to apply it on a multi-state utility capital program, we want to hear from you.

Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.