Telecommunication Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

HBK Engineering is seeking a Project Manager with telecommunications industry experience  fiber to the home (FTTH) projects preferred to lead outside plant engineering and design delivery for utility clients. This role owns engineering delivery from route planning and OSP design through permitting, and is accountable for schedule, budget, quality, and the client relationship on assigned projects. Working Locations: Iowa; Chicago, IL; Philadelphia, PA; Atlanta, GA 

• Lead project teams consisting of engineers, designers, and field personnel through design, modification, analysis, and constructability of new and existing utility systems
• Act as team lead in coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work
• Lead efforts to ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget
• Work on challenging assignments including investigating, troubleshooting, and resolving engineering and construction-related issues
• Adhere to safety initiatives as needed by the organization

• Direct design teams producing underground and aerial OSP construction prints, splice diagrams, fiber assignments, and bills of material
• Oversee underground route design including directional boring, trenching, conduit and vault placement, potholing, and restoration requirements
• Coordinate with GIS/mapping teams on route data and design platform workflows (3-GIS, VETRO, IQGeo, or similar)
• Coordinate design activities to ensure installation and operations comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements
• Coordinate utility design and relocation efforts on behalf of utility infrastructure owners
• Perform independent reviews of work performed by project teams for quality assurance

• Drive permitting through DOT, municipal, and railroad authorities; track approval cycle times and escalate aging submittals
• Manage right-of-way, easement, and street opening/excavation permits; coordinate utility locates and traffic control requirements
• Manage pole attachment applications and joint use coordination with electric and telecom pole owners as project needs require

• Support the preparation and review of proposals, contracts, and cost estimates
• Create proposals in coordinated effort with project team leadership, contractors, and other key team members
• Assist in negotiating revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements with sub-consultants and clients
• Complete project financial accruals and forecasts with guidance from project team leadership
• Control expenditures to meet budget allocations and financial targets
• Identify project/program budget, forecast, and authorization concerns early and escalate or develop resolutions to meet required project metrics
• Monitor program financial risks and opportunities; support analysis of variances to budget, quarterly plan, and month-over-month variance analysis

• Act as day-to-day client point of contact; run status meetings and issue weekly and monthly progress reporting
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information clearly and concisely to meet client requirements
• Support the development and mentoring of resources within the organization
• Mentor designers and project coordinators; support QA/QC and training on client-specific standards
• Support training of project coordinators in project management best practices
• Travel as needed for project requirements and client meetings

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program
• 5+ years of relevant project experience
• Experience in the telecommunication industry required; fiber to the home (FTTH) project experience preferred
• Working knowledge of underground fiber construction methods, including directional boring, trenching, conduit and vault placement, and surface restoration
• Familiarity with aerial construction methods, with willingness to develop pole attachment and make-ready expertise as project needs evolve
• Utility design and/or coordination experience
• Experience supporting an engineering design team through all phases of project design
• Familiarity with area agencies, municipalities, and governing jurisdictions
• Exposure to contract negotiation and management
• Financial management and budget control capabilities
• Leadership and team skills, including experience mentoring junior staff
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting expertise
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software

• Strategic client relationship building and maintenance responsibilities at the highest organizational level
• Authority in preparing, reviewing, and approving proposals, contracts, and cost estimates with executive decision-making power
• Professional development in contract negotiation and client relationship management at executive levels
• Leadership opportunities in managing, developing, mentoring, and evaluating organizational resources and direct reports
• Advanced responsibility for program financial management and metrics oversight across multiple initiatives
• Safety leadership responsibilities with organizational impact and executive authority
• Client interface responsibilities at executive level for program updates and strategic recommendations
• Advanced training in time and expense software for comprehensive program management
• Executive oversight of project managers and their teams with comprehensive leadership responsibility
• Clear executive career progression pathway within the HBK Organization's senior leadership
• Professional certification support for CAPM/PMP credentials
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Executive-level career advancement opportunities within HBK Organization senior leadership

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.