Solar Project Manager Jobs in Makanda, IL (NOW HIRING)

Reports to: Project Director

Location: Chattanooga, Houston, Remote

Supervises: Assistant Project Manager, Project Engineers, Field Engineers, Project Superintendent, Co-Ops and Interns

Works closely with: Owners, Senior Project Manager, Project Engineers, Field Construction Staff, Preconstruction, Procurement, Scheduling, Quality, and Safety

Role Overview:

The Project Manager is responsible for leading the full lifecycle execution of large-scale utility solar EPC projects. This role ensures projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contract requirements and quality standards. The Project Manager provides day-to-day leadership to the project team, manages client relationships, and drives proactive decision-making to keep work on track. This position requires a skilled, hands-on project leader capable of navigating complex technical, commercial, and construction challenges while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and disciplined project controls.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead and oversee all project activities from contract award through final acceptance by the client.
• Ensure project execution aligns with design requirements, construction best practices, budget constraints, and schedule commitments.
• Participate in preconstruction efforts, including estimating, constructability reviews, and buyout support.
• Solve problems quickly and directly through active engagement with field teams, subcontractors, and stakeholders.

1. Safety & Quality Leadership:

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure full adherence to Signal Energy’s safety standards, OSHA regulations, and site-specific requirements.
• Promote proactive hazard identification, mitigation planning, and continuous improvement in safety performance.
• Work with the Quality team to ensure compliance with project specifications, inspection requirements, and corrective action processes.

1. Project Controls & Financial Management:

• Maintain accurate cost reports, forecasts, and financial projections.
• Manage project budgets, including labor, materials, subcontractors, equipment, and change events.
• Ensure timely and accurate contract administration, including submittals, RFIs, change orders, notices, and closeout documentation.
• Support financial reporting to leadership with clear explanations of trends, risks, and variances.

1. Schedule Management:

• Develop, maintain, and monitor project schedules in coordination with internal scheduling resources.
• Identify critical path activities and manage recovery plans to maintain key milestones.
• Ensure schedule updates include narrative explanations of delays, recovery efforts, and mitigation strategies.

1. Client & Stakeholder Management:
• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for the client, ensuring professional communication and alignment on expectations.
• Maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and internal functional partners.
• Address client concerns promptly and ensure project teams uphold Signal’s reputation for integrity and professionalism.

1. Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, supervise, and mentor project staff, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture.
• Provide coaching and development opportunities for Assistant PMs, PEs, and Field Engineers.
• Support succession planning and development of future project leaders.

1. Risk Management:

• Proactively identify project risks and drive mitigation planning across safety, quality, schedule, commercial, and technical domains.
• Elevate high-impact risks to senior leadership and ensure timely corrective actions.

1. Reporting & Communication:

• Provide consistent and transparent reporting on progress, risks, financials, and milestones.
• Prepare and lead internal and external project meetings, ensuring clarity, accountability, and follow-through.

Primary Skills/Experience/Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Deep understanding of EPC construction practices, renewable energy technologies, and utility-scale solar installations.
• Knowledge of construction safety standards, OSHA requirements, and environmental compliance.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply IFC drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication skills – verbal, written, and interpersonal – with the ability to build trust and influence.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., P6, MS Project) and financial reporting systems.
• High level of initiative, ownership, and adaptability.

Preferred Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, renewable energy, or relevant field.

• Minimum 5 years project management experience in utility scale solar or large-scale renewable energy projects.

Preferred Certificates/Licenses: 

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• OSHA 10-hour safety certification.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.

Metrics of Success

Performance in this role will be evaluated based on:

• On-time, on-budget project delivery.
• Safety leadership, TRIR, and proactive hazard management.
• Quality performance and compliance with contract requirements.
• Client satisfaction and relationship management.
• Effective team leadership, mentorship, and collaboration.
• Risk identification, mitigation, and resolution.