Project Specialist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Louisiana
Project specialist roles in Louisiana are concentrated in the energy, petrochemical, and infrastructure sectors, with major employers clustered in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and the industrial corridor along the Mississippi River. Companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and Turner Construction have established histories of sponsoring skilled project professionals. International candidates will find the most activity in operations-heavy and capital-project-driven organizations.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting End Date
07-31-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Project Controls Specialist supports the successful execution of utility capital projects by designing, operating, and continuously improving the controls that govern cost, schedule, and quality. This role is accountable for building measurable, repeatable controls and performance insights—translating project data into actionable decisions that reduce risk, prevent overruns, and improve delivery efficiency across the portfolio.
Job Description
What you’ll do:
Cost Control & Budget Management Controls
Establish and maintain cost controls that provide early visibility into variances, forecasts, and cost drivers—enabling proactive corrective action.
Build and own cost performance KPIs and dashboards that drive efficiency and cost containment, including:
- Cost Variance (CV), Cost Performance Index (CPI)
- Forecast at Completion (EAC) accuracy and trend stability
- Commitment vs. Actual burn rates
- Change order cycle time and change cost growth
Schedule Adherence & Planning Controls
Measure schedule health and adherence with clear leading/lagging indicators, ensuring credible forecasts and actionable recovery plans.
- Create and operate a Schedule Health Matrix and/or schedule quality checks (e.g., logic, constraints, float, critical path stability).
- Build schedule performance KPIs, including:
- Schedule Variance (SV), Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
- Milestone adherence / slippage trends
- Critical path and near-critical path stability
- Lookahead plan reliability (e.g., PPC—Percent Plan Complete) where appropriate
- Re-plan frequency and schedule churn
Quality Control Performance & Measurement Controls
Create measurable quality controls that reduce rework, improve first-time-right delivery, and strengthen turnover readiness.
- Turnover package completeness and timeliness
- Material receiving/traceability and installation verification
- Commissioning readiness and as-built documentation quality
Continuous Improvement & Control Creation (Core Focus)
Build a repeatable, scalable controls system and improve it continuously based on performance insights, audit findings, and user feedback.
- Create improvements that reduce cycle time, improve forecast accuracy, and increase data reliability.
- Standardize “definition of done” for status updates and progress measurement
What we’re looking for:
Project Controls Specialist Principal SG8
Education:
- Qualified degrees must be in a related field from an accredited university or college and could include Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management.
- With a High School Diploma or GED, four (4) years' experience as a Project Coordinator Sr (grade 007).
- With a qualified Associate's degree, eight (8) years' qualified experience.
- With a qualified Bachelor's degree, six (6) years' qualified experience required.
Experience:
- Qualified experience includes utility specific operations knowledge/experience with a good working knowledge of work processes and procedures.
- Experience should be in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking analysis, forecasting, project budgets, working with accounting principles, and/or construction or maintenance of systems and/or equipment.
Licenses/Certifications:
- A professional or trade certification such as a CCMP, CETa, IQCP, PMP, RMP, etc. is not required at this level.
- A certification is required to progress to the Principal (grade 008) level of this job family if you have a high school diploma/GED or non-qualified higher education degree. Otherwise, a certification is preferred at the Principal level.
Project Controls Specialist Staff SG9
Education:
- With a qualified Bachelor's degree, eight (8) years' qualified experience required;
- With a qualified Associate's degree, ten (10) years' qualified experience;
- With a High School Diploma or GED, four (4) years' experience as a Project Controls Specialist Prin (grade 008).
- Qualified degrees must be in a related field from an accredited university or college and could include Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management.
Experience:
- Qualified experience includes utility specific operations knowledge/experience with a good working knowledge of work processes and procedures.
- Experience should be in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking analysis, forecasting, project budgets, working with accounting principles, and/or construction or maintenance of systems and/or equipment.
Licenses/Certifications:
- A professional or trade certification such as a CCMP, CETa, IQCP, PMP, RMP, etc. is required for candidates possessing only a high school diploma or a non-qualified higher education degree.
- Otherwise, a certification is preferred but not required.
In addition:
- Experience implementing Earned Value (EVM)
- Familiarity with energy/utility delivery models (outage constraints, permitting, material lead times, right-of-way impacts, commissioning/energization milestones).
- Proficiency in common tools:
- Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project
- Excel (advanced), Power BI/Tableau
- Enterprise Asset Management systems (e.g., Maximo)
- Project management platforms (e.g., EcoSys)
- Certifications (nice-to-have): AACE, PMP, EVP/EVM training, Lean/Six Sigma
Where you’ll work:
This role sits on site in New Albany, Ohio, Corpus Christi, Texas, Fort Wayne Indiana, Roanoke, Virginia or Shreveport, Louisiana
What you’ll get:
Project Controls Specialist Principal SG8 ($98,993-$128,689)
Project Controls Specialist Staff SG9 ($116,255-$151,132)
In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
American Electric Power (On-Site)
$98K- $151K / Year
#LI-Onsite
#AEPCareers
#Projectcontrols
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-008
Compensation Range:
$98,993.00 - $151,132.50
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
Job Posting End Date
07-31-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Project Controls Specialist supports the successful execution of utility capital projects by designing, operating, and continuously improving the controls that govern cost, schedule, and quality. This role is accountable for building measurable, repeatable controls and performance insights—translating project data into actionable decisions that reduce risk, prevent overruns, and improve delivery efficiency across the portfolio.
Job Description
What you’ll do:
Cost Control & Budget Management Controls
Establish and maintain cost controls that provide early visibility into variances, forecasts, and cost drivers—enabling proactive corrective action.
Build and own cost performance KPIs and dashboards that drive efficiency and cost containment, including:
- Cost Variance (CV), Cost Performance Index (CPI)
- Forecast at Completion (EAC) accuracy and trend stability
- Commitment vs. Actual burn rates
- Change order cycle time and change cost growth
Schedule Adherence & Planning Controls
Measure schedule health and adherence with clear leading/lagging indicators, ensuring credible forecasts and actionable recovery plans.
- Create and operate a Schedule Health Matrix and/or schedule quality checks (e.g., logic, constraints, float, critical path stability).
- Build schedule performance KPIs, including:
- Schedule Variance (SV), Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
- Milestone adherence / slippage trends
- Critical path and near-critical path stability
- Lookahead plan reliability (e.g., PPC—Percent Plan Complete) where appropriate
- Re-plan frequency and schedule churn
Quality Control Performance & Measurement Controls
Create measurable quality controls that reduce rework, improve first-time-right delivery, and strengthen turnover readiness.
- Turnover package completeness and timeliness
- Material receiving/traceability and installation verification
- Commissioning readiness and as-built documentation quality
Continuous Improvement & Control Creation (Core Focus)
Build a repeatable, scalable controls system and improve it continuously based on performance insights, audit findings, and user feedback.
- Create improvements that reduce cycle time, improve forecast accuracy, and increase data reliability.
- Standardize “definition of done” for status updates and progress measurement
What we’re looking for:
Project Controls Specialist Principal SG8
Education:
- Qualified degrees must be in a related field from an accredited university or college and could include Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management.
- With a High School Diploma or GED, four (4) years' experience as a Project Coordinator Sr (grade 007).
- With a qualified Associate's degree, eight (8) years' qualified experience.
- With a qualified Bachelor's degree, six (6) years' qualified experience required.
Experience:
- Qualified experience includes utility specific operations knowledge/experience with a good working knowledge of work processes and procedures.
- Experience should be in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking analysis, forecasting, project budgets, working with accounting principles, and/or construction or maintenance of systems and/or equipment.
Licenses/Certifications:
- A professional or trade certification such as a CCMP, CETa, IQCP, PMP, RMP, etc. is not required at this level.
- A certification is required to progress to the Principal (grade 008) level of this job family if you have a high school diploma/GED or non-qualified higher education degree. Otherwise, a certification is preferred at the Principal level.
Project Controls Specialist Staff SG9
Education:
- With a qualified Bachelor's degree, eight (8) years' qualified experience required;
- With a qualified Associate's degree, ten (10) years' qualified experience;
- With a High School Diploma or GED, four (4) years' experience as a Project Controls Specialist Prin (grade 008).
- Qualified degrees must be in a related field from an accredited university or college and could include Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management.
Experience:
- Qualified experience includes utility specific operations knowledge/experience with a good working knowledge of work processes and procedures.
- Experience should be in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking analysis, forecasting, project budgets, working with accounting principles, and/or construction or maintenance of systems and/or equipment.
Licenses/Certifications:
- A professional or trade certification such as a CCMP, CETa, IQCP, PMP, RMP, etc. is required for candidates possessing only a high school diploma or a non-qualified higher education degree.
- Otherwise, a certification is preferred but not required.
In addition:
- Experience implementing Earned Value (EVM)
- Familiarity with energy/utility delivery models (outage constraints, permitting, material lead times, right-of-way impacts, commissioning/energization milestones).
- Proficiency in common tools:
- Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project
- Excel (advanced), Power BI/Tableau
- Enterprise Asset Management systems (e.g., Maximo)
- Project management platforms (e.g., EcoSys)
- Certifications (nice-to-have): AACE, PMP, EVP/EVM training, Lean/Six Sigma
Where you’ll work:
This role sits on site in New Albany, Ohio, Corpus Christi, Texas, Fort Wayne Indiana, Roanoke, Virginia or Shreveport, Louisiana
What you’ll get:
Project Controls Specialist Principal SG8 ($98,993-$128,689)
Project Controls Specialist Staff SG9 ($116,255-$151,132)
In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
American Electric Power (On-Site)
$98K- $151K / Year
#LI-Onsite
#AEPCareers
#Projectcontrols
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-008
Compensation Range:
$98,993.00 - $151,132.50
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
Project Specialist Job Roles in Louisiana
See all 76+ Project Specialist Jobs in Louisiana
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Search Project Specialist Jobs in LouisianaProject Specialist Jobs in Louisiana: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for project specialists in Louisiana?
Energy and petrochemical companies are the most active sponsors for project specialist roles in Louisiana. Employers like Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips Chemical, and Entergy have filed Labor Condition Applications for project-related positions. Large engineering and construction firms operating along the Gulf Coast, including Jacobs Engineering and Turner Construction, also have established sponsorship programs, particularly for capital project and infrastructure work.
Which visa types are most common for project specialist roles in Louisiana?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa category for project specialists in Louisiana, provided the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Candidates with degrees in engineering, business, or information technology are the strongest fits. The O-1 visa is an option for those with demonstrated extraordinary achievement. Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying occupations may also explore the TN visa.
Which cities in Louisiana have the most project specialist sponsorship jobs?
Baton Rouge and New Orleans account for the majority of project specialist sponsorship activity in Louisiana. Baton Rouge is the center of the state's petrochemical and industrial project sector, home to large refinery and chemical plant operations. New Orleans draws project specialists in construction, port operations, and professional services. The River Parishes corridor between the two cities also generates consistent demand tied to industrial capital projects.
How to find project specialist visa sponsorship jobs in Louisiana?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship roles, including project specialist positions in Louisiana. You can filter by state and role type to surface employers actively sponsoring workers in the Gulf Coast energy, construction, and operations sectors. Focusing your search on employers with documented LCA filings in Louisiana helps identify organizations already familiar with the sponsorship process for project-related work.
Are there any state-specific considerations for project specialists seeking sponsorship in Louisiana?
Louisiana's economy is heavily tied to energy, petrochemicals, and infrastructure, which shapes both the demand and the hiring profile for sponsored project specialists. Many roles sit within large capital project environments where employers are accustomed to international hiring. The state's public universities, including LSU and Tulane, produce engineering and business graduates who enter project roles, creating a talent pipeline that some employers supplement with international hires when specialized experience is needed.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored project specialist jobs in Louisiana?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.