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Sr Project Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Controls Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$79K - $158K/yr

Ensure compliance with project requirements, company standards, and customer specifications ... Mentor and develop other Controls Engineers. * Adhere to safety standards and promote a culture of ...

Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Project Management: * Manage and lead controls-related projects from initiation to completion ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field; or equivalent on the ...

Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Greater Chicago Area Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite with Travel (~25 ... This role is responsible for owning projects from initial concept through commissioning and start ...

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$52.88 - $67.31/hr

SUMMARY The Senior Controls Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, and implementing advanced control systems for industrial automation projects. This position focuses on integrating ...

PM Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Job Title: PM Controls Engineer (Functional Lead) Location: Chicago, IL or Elizabethtown, PA ... This role will be responsible for driving end-to-end project execution, including system ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Willowbrook, IL · Hybrid

$90K - $125K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Controls Engineer who wants to design, build, and commission innovative ... This role spans the full project lifecycle--from concept and design through testing, commissioning ...

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

As a solution provider, Controls Engineers are responsible for project management and execution. This includes the electrical control design, programming, commissioning, panel build supervision and ...

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

As a solution provider, Controls Engineers are responsible for project management and execution. This includes the electrical control design, programming, commissioning, panel build supervision and ...

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

As a solution provider, Controls Engineers are responsible for project management and execution. This includes the electrical control design, programming, commissioning, panel build supervision and ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Controls Engineer who wants to design, build, and commission innovative ... This role spans the full project lifecycle-from concept and design through testing, commissioning ...

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

As a solution provider, Controls Engineers are responsible for project management and execution. This includes the electrical control design, programming, commissioning, panel build supervision and ...

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL

$96K - $127K/yr

Manteno, IL | On-site Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior/Staff PLC/Controls Engineer to take ownership of automation and control systems for our Pack & Module production ...

Showing results 41-60

Sr Project Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$46.4K

$110.3K

$154.5K

How much do sr project controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr project controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $110,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,600.00 and $132,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior project controls engineer do?

A senior project controls engineer manages and oversees project schedules, budgets, and cost controls to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. They analyze project data, develop reports, and coordinate with teams using tools like Primavera or Microsoft Project. Their role involves risk management, progress tracking, and ensuring compliance with project specifications.

What is the difference between Sr Project Controls Engineer vs Project Controls Engineer?

AspectSr Project Controls EngineerProject Controls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years experience, PMP or similar certificationsEntry to mid-level, often with 2-4 years experience, may hold certifications
Work EnvironmentSenior roles in large projects, overseeing planning, scheduling, cost controlSupporting roles in project planning, data analysis, reporting
Industry UsageCommon in construction, engineering, oil & gas, infrastructureUsed across similar industries, often as a supporting role

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. The Sr Project Controls Engineer leads planning and cost control efforts, while the Project Controls Engineer supports these functions. Both roles require relevant certifications and are vital in large projects, but the senior role involves more oversight and strategic planning.

What is a Sr Project Controls Engineer?

Sr Project Controls Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and cost control on large or complex projects. They analyze project performance, identify risks, and implement control measures to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Their expertise is crucial in coordinating between project management, engineering, and construction teams, providing accurate reports, and recommending corrective actions. They often utilize specialized software and tools to track project metrics and forecasts, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Project Controls Engineer?

To thrive as a Sr Project Controls Engineer, you need expertise in project management, cost control, scheduling, and risk analysis, typically supported by a degree in engineering or construction management. Proficiency in tools like Primavera P6, MS Project, and cost management software, along with certifications such as PMP or CCP, is highly valuable. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you collaborate across teams and solve complex problems. These skills are crucial for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards.

What are some common challenges faced by a Sr Project Controls Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Sr Project Controls Engineers often navigate challenges such as managing complex project schedules, ensuring cost control, and integrating data from multiple stakeholders. They may encounter shifting project scopes, tight deadlines, and the need to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams. Addressing these challenges typically involves strong communication, utilizing advanced project management software, and implementing proactive risk management strategies. Building collaborative relationships with project managers, engineers, and clients also helps streamline processes and improve project outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Sr Project Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Sr Project Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sr Project Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Sr Project Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Sr Project Controls Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $110,327 per year, or $53 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


United States Steel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description


The Project Controls Manager provides leadership, governance, and oversight for project controls across a large and diverse capital portfolio at an integrated steel manufacturing facility. The portfolio spans projects ranging from less than $1MM to over $1B in capital investment.
This role ensures disciplined cost control, scheduling oversight, resource planning, FEL stage-gate readiness, and compliance with project management standards. The position directly supervises contract-based and contingent project controls personnel and partners closely with multiple Project Managers to drive consistency, transparency, and predictability in capital execution.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Oversight & Governance
  • Provide project controls leadership across the full CAPEX portfolio (FEL through closeout).
  • Establish and maintain standardized controls processes, reporting frameworks, and performance metrics.
  • Deliver portfolio-level visibility into cost, schedule, risk, and resource performance for senior leadership.
Cost & Financial Control
  • Oversee development and validation of project budgets, estimates, cash flow forecasts, and funding packages.
  • Monitor cost performance, forecasting accuracy, and change control across projects.
  • Identify trends, risks, and variances; support corrective action planning with Project Managers.
Scheduling Oversight
  • Ensure project teams develop and maintain high-quality, logically constructed schedules aligned with scope and FEL maturity.
  • Review schedule integrity, progress measurement, and forecasting practices.
  • Provide oversight of schedule risk and recovery planning on critical or high-risk projects.
Resource & Controls Team Leadership
  • Directly supervise contingent and contract-based project controls personnel, including schedulers, cost analysts, document control, and project support staff.
  • Define expectations, assign workload, and ensure consistent quality of deliverables.
  • Coordinate resource planning across the portfolio to align staffing capacity with project demand.
FEL Stage-Gate & Compliance
  • Lead project controls inputs for stage-gate reviews, including estimate quality, schedule readiness, and risk assessments.
  • Ensure compliance with site and corporate project management deliverables and governance standards.
  • Support continuous improvement of capital execution practices.
Executive Reporting
  • Develop concise dashboards and reporting for the Director of Engineering and site leadership.
  • Translate project data into clear, actionable insights for investment and operational decision-making.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field or equivalent relevant experience in capital project delivery or project controls.
  • 5+ years of experience supporting or leading project controls in heavy industrial or manufacturing environments (steel, metals, mining, chemicals, power, or similar).
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing project controls across a multi-project capital portfolio.
  • Experience supervising contract or contingent project controls personnel preferred.
  • Strong understanding of FEL-based project development, cost estimating practices, and schedule management principles.
  • Proficiency with project controls systems (e.g., Primavera P6, cost management platforms, advanced Excel).
Key Attributes
  • Strategic thinker with strong analytical discipline.
  • Able to influence multiple Project Managers and functional teams without direct authority.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior leadership.
  • High level of accountability, organization, and execution rigor.

Company Overview
Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:
  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies® 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24

Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)
Competency Summary
At U. S. Steel all employees are expected to display the following core competencies every day to advance corporate, team and individual goals:
Think: Think Critically and Drive Change
Lead: Develop Talent and Collaborate
Do: Empower Performance and Deliver Results

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