Project Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Project Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois are consistently in demand, with the strongest activity concentrated in infrastructure, transportation, and industrial construction projects at every level from entry-level coordinator through senior program manager. Chicago anchors the market, drawing large volumes of openings, while Rockford and the Metro East region near St. Louis also generate steady hiring. Major employers with lasting Illinois footprints include Clayco, Skanska, and the Illinois Department of Transportation, with the most sought-after specialties being earned value management, schedule analysis, and cost forecasting on capital programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 41+ Project Controls Engineer jobs
SALARY
$136,091.96
POSITION SUMMARY
Under direction, works with internal and external parties to provide budget and financial oversight of the Red Line Extension project. Coordinates schedules and activities, tracks project progress and results, and provides status updates and reporting for project stakeholders in relation to project financials and budget. Assists in managing a portion of the RLE Program Management team.
Qualifications
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversees staff on budget and financial management. Brings any issues to the attention of senior level managers and identifies potential solutions.
o Reviews and analyzes the RLE program and project budgets to ensure project is within budget.
o Assists in developing and verifying funding strategies for priority projects.
o Reviews cash flow documents, verifying accurate schedule, budget and financing assumptions.
- Supports in the oversight of the Project Controls group of the consultant program management contract for RLE activities, including tracking expenditures, identifying funding, recommending changes, reviewing contract documents and amendments, developing task orders and managing multiple task orders, and reviewing invoices. Responsibilities also include coordinating with the Infrastructure Program Manager web-based project management team to organize communication, process changes and process development for the RLE project.
- Coordinates communication between key project stakeholders and executive management and serves as knowledge expert in topics regarding project budgets, financial goals, and contracts.
o Attends monthly budget meetings and ensures that meetings are targeted to key issues.
o Coordinates with various internal departments and outside funding agencies to ensure grant requirements are met and regular project updates are provided.
o Identifies project-specific requirements for funding agency concurrence and works with internal and external partners to achieve timely results.
- Interfaces with Capital Finance, Law, and FTA/TIFIA officials to coordinate the RLE TIFIA financial requirements, including working with City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development on the complexities of the RLE Transit TIF in correlation with the TIFIA loan. Responsible for the initial and yearly financial plan update due to FTA/TIFIA officials as well as review of the RLE monthly report due to FTA. Will also be the point person for other various financial reports that may be required.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title
- None
CHALLENGES
- Balancing complex funding needs against multiple funding sources, considering funding restrictions, cash flow needs, and Authority priorities.
- Focusing on the big picture strategy while understanding all the detail-level pieces.
- Maintaining progress on longer-term initiatives while meeting the day-to-day requirements of the program.
- Appropriately balancing interaction and information disclosure between internal departments, regional services, and federal entities.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business, Finance or a related field, plus ten (10) years of experience in budget analysis and/or project management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field preferred.
- Experience in construction and transit field preferred.
- Required to complete Rail Safety Training certification.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires remaining stationary for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
- Must occasionally transport and/or maneuver to 25 pounds.
- Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Detailed knowledge of project management, finance, and budget processes.
- Detailed knowledge of business planning and capital finance.
- Advanced financial analysis and budget management skills.
- Advanced computer skills; particularly with databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Strong leadership skills, including comfort level leading meetings, clarifying direction and making decisions, as well as the judgment to identify when decisions should be elevated.
- Strong writing skills, including ability to explain complex issues in straightforward terms, and ability to write persuasively.
- Intermediate skill using budgeting software.
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities and work independently.
- Ability to provide executive level presentations.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of Authority personnel and outside contractors.
- Ability to work in a complex public sector environment.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of operations and senior management.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- General office environment.
- Requires occasional visits to various field locations and construction sites.
- Subject to prevailing weather conditions when visiting field locations.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
- Standard office equipment.
- Personal computer and related software.
- IT related systems and programs particular to IT and/or Technology Projects common to transit and administration.
Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.
Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.
CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.
During the hiring process, CTA's Human Resources department will contact candidates with next steps . Failure to respond to these correspondences in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.
Please click link below to review the benefits offered at the CTA.
https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/
Primary Location
: USA-Illinois-ChicagoJob
: MiscellaneousJob Posting
: Nov 13, 2026, 6:00:14 AMSALARY
$136,091.96
POSITION SUMMARY
Under direction, works with internal and external parties to provide budget and financial oversight of the Red Line Extension project. Coordinates schedules and activities, tracks project progress and results, and provides status updates and reporting for project stakeholders in relation to project financials and budget. Assists in managing a portion of the RLE Program Management team.
Qualifications
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversees staff on budget and financial management. Brings any issues to the attention of senior level managers and identifies potential solutions.
o Reviews and analyzes the RLE program and project budgets to ensure project is within budget.
o Assists in developing and verifying funding strategies for priority projects.
o Reviews cash flow documents, verifying accurate schedule, budget and financing assumptions.
- Supports in the oversight of the Project Controls group of the consultant program management contract for RLE activities, including tracking expenditures, identifying funding, recommending changes, reviewing contract documents and amendments, developing task orders and managing multiple task orders, and reviewing invoices. Responsibilities also include coordinating with the Infrastructure Program Manager web-based project management team to organize communication, process changes and process development for the RLE project.
- Coordinates communication between key project stakeholders and executive management and serves as knowledge expert in topics regarding project budgets, financial goals, and contracts.
o Attends monthly budget meetings and ensures that meetings are targeted to key issues.
o Coordinates with various internal departments and outside funding agencies to ensure grant requirements are met and regular project updates are provided.
o Identifies project-specific requirements for funding agency concurrence and works with internal and external partners to achieve timely results.
- Interfaces with Capital Finance, Law, and FTA/TIFIA officials to coordinate the RLE TIFIA financial requirements, including working with City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development on the complexities of the RLE Transit TIF in correlation with the TIFIA loan. Responsible for the initial and yearly financial plan update due to FTA/TIFIA officials as well as review of the RLE monthly report due to FTA. Will also be the point person for other various financial reports that may be required.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title
- None
CHALLENGES
- Balancing complex funding needs against multiple funding sources, considering funding restrictions, cash flow needs, and Authority priorities.
- Focusing on the big picture strategy while understanding all the detail-level pieces.
- Maintaining progress on longer-term initiatives while meeting the day-to-day requirements of the program.
- Appropriately balancing interaction and information disclosure between internal departments, regional services, and federal entities.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business, Finance or a related field, plus ten (10) years of experience in budget analysis and/or project management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field preferred.
- Experience in construction and transit field preferred.
- Required to complete Rail Safety Training certification.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires remaining stationary for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
- Must occasionally transport and/or maneuver to 25 pounds.
- Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Detailed knowledge of project management, finance, and budget processes.
- Detailed knowledge of business planning and capital finance.
- Advanced financial analysis and budget management skills.
- Advanced computer skills; particularly with databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Strong leadership skills, including comfort level leading meetings, clarifying direction and making decisions, as well as the judgment to identify when decisions should be elevated.
- Strong writing skills, including ability to explain complex issues in straightforward terms, and ability to write persuasively.
- Intermediate skill using budgeting software.
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities and work independently.
- Ability to provide executive level presentations.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of Authority personnel and outside contractors.
- Ability to work in a complex public sector environment.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of operations and senior management.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- General office environment.
- Requires occasional visits to various field locations and construction sites.
- Subject to prevailing weather conditions when visiting field locations.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
- Standard office equipment.
- Personal computer and related software.
- IT related systems and programs particular to IT and/or Technology Projects common to transit and administration.
Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.
Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.
CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.
During the hiring process, CTA's Human Resources department will contact candidates with next steps . Failure to respond to these correspondences in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.
Please click link below to review the benefits offered at the CTA.
https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/
Primary Location
: USA-Illinois-ChicagoJob
: MiscellaneousJob Posting
: Nov 13, 2026, 6:00:14 AMSee All 41 Project Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsProject Controls Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Controls Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project controls engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field
- Proficiency in Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project for scheduling and reporting
- Experience with earned value management and cost performance index tracking
- Familiarity with Illinois DOT or large public agency project delivery standards
- PMI Planning and Scheduling Professional or AACE International certification preferred
- Strong written communication skills for producing owner-facing cost and schedule reports
Project Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project controls engineer in Illinois?
Most project controls engineers in Illinois enter the field with a bachelor's degree in civil or mechanical engineering, construction management, or a related discipline. Illinois does not require a state-issued license specific to project controls, but many employers expect candidates working on public infrastructure to hold or be pursuing a Professional Engineer license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Certifications from AACE International or PMI strengthen candidacy considerably for both public and private sector roles.
Which companies hire project controls engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring project controls engineers in Illinois right now include Sargent & Lundy, Burns & McDonnell, and Jacobs, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's heavy infrastructure pipeline, including transit expansion and industrial facility construction, keeps demand broad across both large general contractors and state agency program offices.
Which Illinois cities have the most project controls engineer jobs?
Chicago, Downers Grove, and DeKalb account for the largest share of project controls engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its concentration of major contractors, transit authorities, and corporate headquarters managing capital programs, while any smaller or suburban cities on the list typically reflect large anchor employers running multi-year infrastructure or industrial construction projects nearby.
Are there remote project controls engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're limited, since project controls work is closely tied to active construction sites and owner teams that meet in person. About 74% of project controls engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with fully remote positions most common for cost analysts and schedulers supporting planning phases rather than active field work.
How can I get hired as a project controls engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a project engineer or project coordinator role with a Chicago-area general contractor or public agency, where you support an experienced controls team before taking on independent responsibilities. Firms like Turner Construction and large Illinois public works departments regularly bring on new graduates for junior scheduling and cost-tracking roles. Building proficiency in Primavera P6 and pursuing an AACE International student membership signals commitment, and Illinois construction management programs at Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign often have direct recruiting pipelines to regional employers.
Where can I find and apply to project controls engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to project controls engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across contractors, public agencies, and owner organizations. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 41 Project Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs