Utility Project Engineer Jobs in Gary, IN (NOW HIRING)

Location: Local Candidates only - Valparaiso, IN (Hybrid – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Onsite; Monday & Friday Remote)*Additional onsite work may be required based on project workload.

Duration: Temp-to-Hire (July 20, 2026 – July 19, 2027)

Rate: $45 - $60/hr (W2)

Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship. Sponsorship is not available for this position, including H-1B, F-1/OPT, CPT, TN, or other employment-based visa sponsorship.

We are seeking an Assistant Project Manager to support the successful execution of major utility infrastructure and capital construction projects. This role partners closely with Project Managers and Construction Coordinators to assist with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, procurement, risk management, reporting, and field execution activities throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has a technical or engineering background with experience supporting utility, construction, or infrastructure projects and is looking to grow into a larger project leadership role. Candidates with natural gas utility experience are highly preferred.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or another technical discipline plus 2+ years of related technical experienceOR
• 5+ years of project management, architectural, engineering, construction, or technical experience

• Experience as a Construction Manager (CM), Project Engineer II (PE2), Senior Project Developer, or similar technical project role
• Working knowledge of project management methodologies, processes, tools, and best practices
• Experience utilizing Project Management Information Systems (PMIS)
• Experience supporting project schedules, budgets, forecasting, and project controls
• Strong understanding of project lifecycle management, risk management, and quality management
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under demanding deadlines
• Valid Driver’s License

• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on project needs
• Ability to work in field environments including:
  • High noise areas
  • Dust
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Confined spaces
  • Chemical hazard environments

• Natural gas utility experience
• Utility construction or infrastructure project experience
• Experience supporting large capital or major construction projects
• Experience with project scheduling and project controls software
• Knowledge of construction coordination and contractor management
• Experience supporting engineering and field operations teams

• Assist Project Managers in planning, executing, monitoring, and closing major construction and utility projects
• Support project scope, schedule, budget, and risk management activities
• Monitor project performance and recommend corrective actions when necessary
• Help ensure successful project execution throughout the project lifecycle

• Monitor project costs, accruals, forecasts, and schedules
• Prepare recurring project reports including weekend coverage, project accruals, schedule updates, and financial tracking
• Support project controls reporting, dashboards, and project documentation
• Assist with maintaining project records and performance metrics

• Provide technical and operational support for Construction Coordinator teams
• Work alongside Project Managers on large-scale construction initiatives
• Coordinate activities between engineering, construction, contractors, inspectors, and operations teams
• Support field execution and construction coordination efforts

• Support project risk management and mitigation planning
• Assist with procurement coordination and contractor performance management
• Apply quality management processes to ensure successful project delivery
• Support compliance with company standards and project governance requirements

• Build strong working relationships with project teams, contractors, and internal stakeholders
• Support effective communication across engineering, construction, and operations organizations
• Apply leadership, conflict resolution, and organizational skills to support project success
• Assist with coordinating project resources and stakeholder activities

• Support development of project policies, procedures, training materials, and documentation
• Assist with onboarding and training of Construction Coordinators
• Maintain accurate project documentation and technical records
• Recommend continuous improvements to project management processes and workflows

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Support successful execution of major construction projects
• Deliver accurate project reporting and cost tracking
• Coordinate effectively with field personnel, contractors, and engineering teams
• Proactively identify project risks and support mitigation efforts
• Contribute to safe, high-quality, and on-time project delivery
• Develop into a future Project Manager through hands-on leadership experience