Project Director

Job Title: Project DirectorJob Description We are seeking an experienced Cross-functional Engineering Manager to lead the planning and execution of engineering for combined-cycle power plant projects. This role involves overseeing technical execution, ensuring high-quality standards, and maintaining disciplined procedures to facilitate effective information flow across engineering disciplines. The Project Director will seamlessly integrate with construction, project management, supply chain, and field services, ensuring a cohesive and collaborative project environment. This position demands a business-minded leader who can drive staffing initiatives, manage budgets effectively, and champion the use of our High Value Engineering (HVE) center, all while modeling servant leadership. Responsibilities + Orchestrate work across mechanical, electrical, I&C, civil/structural, and field engineering teams, ensuring clear interfaces, handoffs, and ownership of deliverables. + Establish and enforce processes for information flow, including requirements management, design inputs/outputs, change management, and RFI/submittal workflows to minimize rework and schedule risks. + Ensure engineering decisions reflect constructability and downstream impacts on procurement, construction methods, commissioning, O&M, and client requirements. + Own the technical execution plan and maintain the quality of engineering deliverables such as calculations, drawings, 3D models, data sheets, specifications, studies, and vendor documents. + Lead phase-gate reviews, design reviews, constructability reviews, and manage changes effectively. + Implement procedures, checklists, QA/QC hold points, and ensure compliance with codes and standards relevant to combined-cycle facilities. + Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement across projects, influencing large teams composed of in-house staff, contractors, and HVE resources. + Set expectations, drive accountability, and cultivate a servant leadership culture that emphasizes clarity, follow-through, and psychological safety. + Coach discipline leads and project managers, ensuring clear scope, deadlines, and ownership. + Manage project staffing plans, demand forecasting, and resource alignment with schedules and budgets. + Champion the High Value Engineering (HVE) center by identifying opportunities, defining scope split, standardizing interfaces, and tracking productivity and quality metrics. + Partner with Department Managers and Talent Acquisition on proactive hiring initiatives and critical role coverage. Essential Skills + Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil/Structural, Chemical, or related engineering field. + Demonstrated leadership of large teams (50-100+ people) across multiple disciplines. + Proven ownership of technical execution and quality with a strong orientation towards procedures and information-flow governance. + Solid understanding of gas turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, balance of plant, I&C, and electrical systems. + Experience managing budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics. + Strong communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience delivering combined-cycle power plant projects across design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover. + EPC or OEM/EPCm experience with phase-gated execution from FEED through commissioning/startup. + Familiarity with standards and practices such as ANSI, API, NFPA/NEC, NERC, OSHA, environmental permitting, and grid interconnection. + Exposure to tools like MS Project, Navisworks/Clash, CAESAR II, ETAP, plant design suites, PLM/PDM, EDMS, and analytics/reporting tools. + Experience with Advanced Work Packaging (AWP), modularization, and construction-driven design. + Background in leveraging High Value Engineering centers with defined SLAs, KPIs, and quality gates. Work Environment This role involves working on high-impact, grid-relevant projects within a critical energy segment. The work environment emphasizes influencing execution methods, tools, and standards across a diverse portfolio. The Project Director will have the opportunity to grow and mentor a large, high-performing, cross-functional team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Charlotte, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $200000.00 - $250000.00/yr. Will Be Provided upon Request. Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Charlotte,NC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 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 click.appcast.io 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.