Project Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL
Project Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago are in strong demand, concentrated in the Loop, West Loop, and the O'Hare corridor across construction, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. Employers actively hiring include Sargent & Lundy, Burns & McDonnell, and ARCO Companies. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Description
The Staff Project Controls Specialist will be responsible for leading the project controls processes with the internal project management team to execute project deliverables within budget and schedule.
- Ensure project set-up in the Enterprise Planning & Controls software.
- Analyze data, review logs, and run reports in the Enterprise Planning & Controls software or other tools.
- Create Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
- Develop, implement, and maintain effective scheduling reports, cost reports, cash flows and forecasts for multiple projects.
- Follow project execution plans.
- Responsible for engineering, procurement and construction planning, scheduling, logistics and cost control.
- Serves as a point of contact for technical questions from the project team.
- Approve Purchase Orders and/or Subcontracts for proper coding.
- Input and document changes to cost reports or forecasts.
- Interfaces with the Project Management Team and Accounting Department to review project costs and contingency costs and support external audits.
- Review upstream (prime contract) and downstream (purchase order & subcontract) change orders.
- Develop and present a cash flow report.
- Develop various levels of schedules.
- Apply and review the entry of logic ties within the schedules.
- Monitor resource loading of a schedule.
- Support Interactive Project Planning Meetings (IPPM).
- Create various schedule reports and determine appropriate reporting format.
- Develop, review, and analyze pre-programmed project scheduling reports and back-up documentation for accuracy.
- Consults with the project team on schedule progress.
- Analyzes and evaluates schedule management involving the critical path method of scheduling techniques, estimating, project cost management and forecasting.
- Perform schedule what-if scenarios.
- Develop and maintain an earned value management system.
- Input and validate progress measurement.
- Develop and maintain progress curves.
- Perform material takeoffs.
- Perform quality checks and inspections on project controls deliverables.
- Perform field audits to validate accuracy of reporting and processes.
- Capable of assisting with Project Forensic Analysis.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree in engineering, construction management or related field. and 3 years of direct project controls experience required.
- Or applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
- Experience with Oracle Primavera P6 preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to obtain OSHA 10-hour safety certification.
Compensation
$115,000.00-155,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Project Controls
Primary Location US-IL-Chicago
Other Locations US-IL-Downers Grove
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 20 % of the Time
Req ID: 265203
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-MF #CDB
See All 37 Project Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago
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Find JobsProject Controls Engineer Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
Project Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a project controls engineer job in Chicago?
Focus your search on Chicago's construction, transit, and utilities sectors, where demand for project controls engineers is most consistent. Contractors and engineering firms working on infrastructure projects tied to O'Hare expansion, CTA capital programs, and the city's water and wastewater systems hire frequently. Candidates with Primavera P6 proficiency, earned value management experience, and familiarity with public-sector contract requirements stand out in this market.
Which companies hire project controls engineers in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring project controls engineers in Chicago include Sargent & Lundy, Burns & McDonnell, and ARCO Companies, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's employer mix leans heavily toward large ENR-ranked contractors, transit and utility agencies, and engineering consultancies that support both public infrastructure and private commercial development.
Are there remote project controls engineer jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though with limits. Project controls engineering is largely field-adjacent, so fully remote roles are less common than hybrid arrangements that allow off-site scheduling and reporting work. About 89% of project controls engineer openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the remote-eligible portions concentrated in cost tracking, schedule analysis, and reporting functions rather than on-site coordination.
How can I get a project controls engineer job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through a project controls analyst or scheduler role at a mid-size construction or engineering firm. Companies supporting CTA, CDOT, or Chicago Department of Water Management projects often hire junior analysts who can grow into full project controls functions. An internship with a Chicago-area general contractor or a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field accelerates that path considerably.
Which industries hire the most project controls engineers in Chicago?
Most project controls engineer openings in Chicago sit in Construction & Real Estate and Consulting & Professional Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's role as a regional hub for infrastructure investment, including ongoing transit, aviation, and utility capital programs, keeps those sectors as the steadiest sources of local demand.
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