Project Controls Specialist

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. Responsibilities 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 Qualifications 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. Additional Experience 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 Location This role sits on site in New Albany, Ohio, Corpus Christi, Texas, Fort Wayne Indiana, Roanoke, Virginia or Shreveport, Louisiana. Compensation Project Controls Specialist Principal SG8 ($98,993 - $128,689) Project Controls Specialist Staff SG9 ($116,255 - $151,132) Benefits 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. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr