Principal Project Controls Specialist

COMPA Industries, Inc.; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 110,208 - 123,984; Full time

Job summary

COMPA Industries, Inc. is seeking a Principal Project Controls Specialist in Aiken, South Carolina. The role involves leading project controls programs across complex DOE capital projects, analyzing cost and schedule variance, and providing technical leadership. Candidates should have experience with Earned Value Management Systems and advanced proficiency in Primavera P6. A Master's degree in a relevant field or a Bachelor's with substantial experience is required, with a preference for candidates holding active DOE Q Clearance. Competitive hourly compensation is offered.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business or Engineering with 8+ years experience, or Bachelor’s with 10+ years.
• Proven ability to innovate and implement advanced project controls methodologies.
• Ability to present complex financial data to executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and oversight of project controls programs.
• Perform advanced cost and schedule variance analysis.
• Support baseline development, change control, and forecasting.

Skills

Expert-level experience in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)

Cost and schedule performance analysis

Baseline development and change control (BCPs)

Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6

Strong experience in cost estimating, budgeting, and forecasting

Education

Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years experience

Tools

Primavera P6

Empower

Success

Job description

Location

Savannah River Site (SRS) – 100% Onsite (Local or willing to relocate)

Clearance

Ability to obtain DOE Q Clearance (Active preferred)

Work Schedule

4x10s (6:00 AM – 4:30 PM EST, Mon–Thurs)

Compensation

$80/hr – $90/hr (Highly competitive; based on experience)

Impact

As a Principal Project Controls Specialist, you will serve as a technical authority and leader in project controls, directly influencing cost, schedule, and performance outcomes for complex DOE capital projects. This role is critical to ensuring successful execution of high-visibility, mission-driven programs through advanced planning, scheduling, and financial analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of total project controls programs across large and complex projects.
• Develop and manage work breakdown structures (WBS), resource-loaded plans, and spend forecasts.
• Perform advanced cost and schedule variance analysis, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead project cost reviews and schedule performance meetings with senior leadership.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to project controls teams.
• Drive implementation of Earned Value Management System (EVMS) best practices.
• Support baseline development, change control (BCPs), and forecasting.
• Deliver executive-level reporting and financial insights to stakeholders.
• Maintain and improve utilization of site business systems and project controls tools.

Required Technical Skillsets (Must-Have)

Project Controls & EVMS

• Expert-level experience in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
• Cost and schedule performance analysis.
• Baseline development and change control (BCPs).
• Proven ability to manage multi-project integrated schedules and cost systems.

Scheduling & Cost Tools

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 (10+ years strongly preferred).
• Experience with Empower, Success, or similar tools.
• Experience with resource loading, critical path analysis, and forecasting.

Financial & Analytical Expertise

• Strong experience in cost estimating, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Financial reporting and variance analysis.
• Ability to present complex financial data to executive leadership.
• Deep working knowledge of site business systems and project controls platforms.
• Proven leadership experience guiding teams and driving project outcomes.
• Ability to innovate and implement advanced project controls methodologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field with 8+ years experience.
• OR Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years experience.
• OR Equivalent combination (up to 17 years experience in lieu of degree).

Preferred Qualifications (Highly Desired)

• Active or recent DOE Q or L Clearance.
• Experience supporting DOE/NNSA/DOD capital projects.
• 10+ years of experience using P6 for schedule performance tracking and tracking cost performance against project baselines.
• Experience with large-scale nuclear or infrastructure programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

COMPA Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.