Utility Project Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Principal Project Manager

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Position Type: 12-Month Contract (Extension Potential)

Pay Rate: $105.00 / hour (Weekly Pay)

Target Schedule: September 17, 2026 – September 30, 2027

Opportunity Overview

Are you a seasoned project leader with a track record of executing multi-million dollar utility initiatives? Johnson Service Group (JSG) is seeking a Principal Project Manager to drive flagship, highly complex capital projects for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in vibrant Chattanooga, TN.

As the primary point of contact and senior leader across high-visibility projects, you will sit at the intersection of technical excellence, strategic resource allocation, and stakeholder alignment. Operating with delegated authority from the Project Approval Board (PAB), you will lead large, cross-functional teams to ensure safety, quality, budget, and schedule targets are exceeded.

Why Join Us?

• High-Impact Leadership: Direct large-scale, enterprise-level utility projects from initial planning to final closeout.
• Competitive Compensation: Earn $105.00/hr with weekly pay and comprehensive contract benefits.
• Prime Location: Based in scenic Chattanooga, TN—frequently ranked as one of the best mid-sized cities in the U.S. for outdoor recreation and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Serve as the primary leader and point of contact for complex, high-visibility utility projects governed by TVA’s SPP-34 project framework and SOX control standards.
• Direct multi-disciplinary teams of internal personnel, external contractors, and technical specialists across all project lifecycle phases (Initiation, Scoping, Execution, Monitoring, and Closeout).
• Manage overall project performance—maintaining rigorous controls across cost, schedule, quality, risk, and safety.

Stakeholder Alignment & Risk Management

• Proactively manage project risks, build mitigation plans, and execute contingency strategies to maintain progress.
• Act as a diplomatic liaison between executive leadership, end-users, external customers, elected officials, and key regulatory bodies (e.g., DOE, NRC).
• Oversee contract negotiations, post-contract settlements, and vendor performance to maximize resource efficiency.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 15+ years of progressive project management or functional leadership experience within the utility, energy, or heavy industrial sectors.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related technical field. (Master’s degree is preferred).
• Certifications:
• • PMP Certification required (or obtain within 1 year of assignment).
  • Professional designations (PE, CPA, CFP, etc.) are a strong plus.
• Core Competencies: Deep expertise in project governance (TVA SPP-34 series or equivalent), capital budgeting, cost estimating, scheduling software, and SOX compliance controls.
• Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to lead and negotiate across cross-functional teams and external stakeholders without direct formal authority.

About Johnson Service Group

Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Johnson Service Group, Inc. (JSG) is a North American leader in the staffing and consulting services industry, with over 40 years of experience investing in people and companies. We offer medical, dental, vision, life insurance options, 401(k), weekly pay, and more.

Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.