Deputy Project Lead (Telecom/Structured Cabling)

Piper Companies; Ashburn (GA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits: medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions in Ashburn, VA seeks a Deputy Project Leader to support automation and control system projects across multiple sectors. The role is on-site, requires strong technical capability, and offers growth toward project leadership while coordinating engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.

The ideal candidate has a relevant engineering degree with 3–7 years of experience, strong leadership and scheduling skills (Primavera P6), and the ability to obtain security clearances.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s in Engineering with relevant experience.
• Experience with automation systems including switchgear and metering.
• Willingness to grow in a project leadership role.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience with Primavera P6 CPM Scheduling.
• Ability to obtain and maintain government security clearances.
• Financial literacy with project cost tracking and reporting.
• PMP or CAP certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist Project Leader in planning and executing automation projects.
• Define requirements, objectives, and deliverables with stakeholders.
• Develop project plans, schedules, and execution strategies.
• Monitor progress, risks, and change management efforts.
• Coordinate engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Assign tasks and track progress to ensure timely deliverables.
• Maintain project documentation and status updates.
• Prepare client communications and project presentations.
• Ensure compliance with codes, regulations, and safety requirements.
• Support budgets, expenses, and resource utilization.
• Collaborate with procurement and supply chain for materials.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Financial literacy

Analytical thinking

Multi-project management

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6 CPM Scheduling

Security clearances

PMP or CAP certifications

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Deputy Project Leader to support structured cabling projects within the telecom and data center industry in Ashburn, VA. The Deputy Project Leader role is ideal for a technically strong professional who is looking to grow into a project leadership position while supporting the successful execution of complex automation and control systems projects across multiple market sectors. This role is fully on site in Ashburn, VA.

Responsibilities of the Deputy Project Leader:

• Assist the Project Leader in planning, coordinating, and executing automation systems projects across industrial controls, water/wastewater, power controls and protection, cybersecurity, energy management, building automation, and transportation systems.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to define project requirements, objectives, and deliverables.
• Support the development of project plans, work breakdown structures, schedules, and execution strategies.
• Assist in monitoring project progress, identifying risks and issues, and supporting change management efforts.
• Support coordination and management of project teams including engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Assist with task assignment and tracking to ensure timely completion of project deliverables.
• Maintain project documentation including plans, reports, correspondence, and records.
• Support preparation of project status updates, progress reports, and client communications.
• Contribute to project presentations and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in ensuring projects meet quality standards and comply with applicable codes, regulations, and safety requirements.
• Participate in inspections and audits to verify compliance with design specifications and project requirements.
• Support implementation and enforcement of quality control processes and procedures.
• Assist in managing project budgets, tracking expenses, and monitoring resource utilization.
• Coordinate with procurement and supply chain teams to support acquisition of materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
• Monitor project financial performance and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of automation systems including switchgear, power distribution, metering, motor control centers, and related technologies.
• Stay current with industry standards and best practices related to automation systems.
• Participate in technical discussions and assist in resolving technical challenges.

Qualifications of the Deputy Project Leader:

• Master’s degree in Engineering with 3–5 years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 5–7 years of relevant experience.
• Working knowledge of automation systems including switchgear, power distribution, metering, motor control centers, and related technologies.
• Willingness and demonstrated desire to learn and grow in a project leadership role.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate cross-functional teams.
• Experience with Primavera P6 CPM Scheduling or equivalent project scheduling tools.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances as needed.
• Proven experience supporting or leading cross-functional project teams.
• Financial literacy with experience in project cost tracking and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Project management certifications such as PMP or CAP are highly desirable.

Compensation for the Deputy Project Leader includes:

• Salary range: $115,000 - $125,000 depending on experience
• Full benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, Paid Holidays, and Sick Leave as required by law

This job opens for applications on 9/14/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

#LI-CW2