Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Project Manager – Electrical Utility Construction (Transmission & Substation)Build the Infrastructure That Powers Communities

Are you a driven Project Manager with experience in electrical utility construction? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where safety, leadership, and execution matter? Join a respected and growing team delivering critical transmission and substation projects for major utility clients across the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region.

In this role, you'll take ownership of projects from planning through closeout, working alongside field leadership, clients, subcontractors, and engineering teams to ensure successful project delivery. If you're looking for a company with a strong reputation, a collaborative culture, and opportunities to make a lasting impact on the power infrastructure industry, we'd love to hear from you.

✅ Lead high-profile transmission and substation projects that strengthen the electrical grid

✅ Enjoy a collaborative, family-oriented culture with long-tenured team members

✅ Hybrid work schedule (typically Monday–Thursday in office, Friday remote)

✅ Work directly with major utility clients and industry-leading professionals

✅ Opportunity to influence project delivery processes and drive operational excellence

✅ Strong focus on employee support, teamwork, and long-term career growth

As the Project Manager, you will serve as the primary point of accountability for assigned utility construction projects, ensuring successful execution from kickoff to completion.

• Manage transmission and substation construction projects throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Lead project planning, execution, budgeting, scheduling, forecasting, and closeout activities.
• Coordinate field operations, subcontractors, vendors, and client representatives to ensure project success.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with design specifications.
• Monitor scope, schedule, budget, and risk while implementing solutions to keep projects on track.
• Develop and manage change orders resulting from RFIs, drawing revisions, and client-requested modifications.
• Track project financial performance and provide accurate forecasting and profitability reporting.
• Work closely with field leadership to ensure labor, equipment, and resources are aligned with project needs.
• Maintain proactive communication with utilities, clients, union personnel, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve project management processes, systems, and overall efficiency.
• Conduct site visits and provide project oversight throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

• 3+ years of Project Management experience leading construction projects from initiation through completion.
• At least 1 year of direct experience managing transmission and/or substation construction projects.
• Hands-on experience supporting utility construction projects on the contractor side.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and client expectations.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across complex construction environments.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to visit project sites and support field operations as needed.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and project performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience).
• PMP certification or other formal project management credentials.
• Experience working with major electric utility clients.
• Knowledge of substation equipment, transmission systems, utility construction practices, and change management processes.
• Experience developing and pricing change orders, including RFIs and drawing revisions.

This role offers a hybrid work environment, with most team members working in the office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays.

You may work from our main suburban office location or a Northwest Indiana satellite office. Regular interaction with construction crews, field leadership, and utility clients is a key part of the role, and periodic field visits are expected. Regional travel throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana will be required, with occasional overnight travel based on project needs.

You are a proactive and solutions-oriented leader who enjoys taking ownership of complex projects. You understand the unique challenges of transmission and substation construction, can confidently communicate with both executives and field crews, and are motivated by delivering projects that safely power communities and support critical infrastructure.

Apply today and join a team that values safety, teamwork, integrity, and excellence while delivering essential utility infrastructure projects that make a lasting impact.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Downers Grove, IL.

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $60.10/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Downers Grove,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.