Deputy Project Lead (Telecom/Structured Cabling) - 175286

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k)

PTO & Holidays

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions in Ashburn, VA, seeks a Deputy Project Leader to support automation and control projects on site. The role offers growth into project leadership while coordinating engineers, technicians and subcontractors.

The ideal candidate has engineering degree and 3–7 years of relevant experience, strong leadership and scheduling skills, and ability to obtain security clearances. You will engage across multiple market sectors with a focus on quality and budget discipline.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's in Engineering with relevant experience.
• Knowledge of automation systems including switchgear, distribution, metering.
• Willing to learn and grow in a leadership role.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience with Primavera P6 or scheduling tools.
• Ability to obtain security clearances as needed.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Financial literacy with project cost tracking and reporting.
• Data-driven decision making and analytical thinking.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• PM certification such as PMP or CAP desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Leader in planning, coordinating, and executing automation projects across multiple domains.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, objectives, and deliverables.
• Support development of project plans, schedules, and execution strategies.
• Assist in monitoring progress, identify risks, and support change management.
• Coordinate project teams including engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Assist with task assignment and tracking to ensure timely deliverables.
• Maintain project documentation and reports.
• Prepare status updates and client communications.
• Contribute to presentations and documentation for stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with codes, regulations, and safety requirements.
• Participate in inspections and audits for design verification.
• Support quality control processes and procedures.
• Assist in managing budgets, expenses, and resource utilization.
• Coordinate procurement and supply chain activities for materials and services.
• Monitor financial performance and identify cost optimization opportunities.
• Develop knowledge of automation systems including switchgear, distribution, metering, MCCs.
• Stay current with industry standards and best practices.
• Engage in technical discussions and help resolve challenges.

Skills

Automation systems

Team leadership

Project scheduling

Cost tracking

Communication

Security clearance

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality control

Problem solving

Data-driven decisions

Education

Master's in Engineering

Bachelor's in Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

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 9/28/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.