Program Manager, Construction Engineering

JERA Americas, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

JERA Americas Inc. is seeking a Program Manager, Construction Engineering in Houston to lead utility-scale power projects spanning thermal, storage, and renewable elements.

You will manage EPC, procurement, budgeting, and scheduling across a multi-disciplinary team to deliver on performance, cost, and schedule targets. The role requires deep experience in planning and executing large energy projects, strong cross-functional collaboration, and a focus on safety and compliance within a fast-paced

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or Construction Mgmt; 10+ years in planning, design, construction and operation of utility-scale projects.
• PMP or equivalent project management credentials preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads and manages third party engineering and construction contracts for power generation and related energy projects.
• Oversees procurement activities, ensuring alignment with contract scope, technical specifications and performance guarantees.
• Monitors EPC status, including labor, materials, quality control/assurance, safety, budget and workforce planning.
• Provides oversight and coordination of EPC contractors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepares cost estimates, bid packages, and technical bid proposal analysis for projects.
• Monitors construction schedules, identifies risk and implements mitigation to ensure timely delivery.
• Coordinates construction and commissioning with design engineers, contractors, equipment suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Supports project financing efforts, lender reporting and technical due diligence.
• Prepares materials for financial analysis, governance reviews, and funding decisions.
• Validates and approves project invoices and manages budget tracking and forecasting.
• Prepares and submits periodic reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including environmental and interconnection permitting.
• Participates in site visits and contributes to evaluations for new acquisitions and opportunities.
• Oversees fabrication and major OEM shop monitoring, delivery logistics and schedule adherence.
• Develops and delivers handover documentation for O&M teams.

Skills

Power generation understanding

Project lifecycle

Cross-functional leadership

Budget forecasting

Safety & compliance

Problem solving

Confidentiality

Education

BS in Engineering or Construction Mgmt

PMP certification

Job description

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Program Manager, Construction Engineering

Location: Houston, Texas, US, 77002

Job ID#: 1107

Job Category: Development

Position Type: Regular FT

JERA Americas Inc. is part of a global energy company, supporting the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable world while fulfilling our responsibility to provide a safe and stable supply of reliable and affordable energy. The Company is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based JERA, which stands for Japan's Energy for a New Era. JERA has committed to achieving net zero CO2 emissions from its businesses by 2050 and is contributing to the development of a sustainable society.

JERA Americas seeks to continue its rapid expansion into renewable energy markets focusing on wind, solar, and cutting-edge technologies for hydrogen production and transportation. To meet the challenges of a fast-growing company, we are searching for talented individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to be part of the equation to provide energy for a new era.

Summary

The Program Manager will play a key role in advancing JERA’s strategic growth with responsibility for greenfield, mid-stage and brownfield project management of utility scale power projects encompassing thermal technologies such as combined cycle gas turbines, simple cycle gas turbines, reciprocating and aeroderivative gas turbines. The scope also encompasses energy storage development (e.g., lithium-ion and long-duration energy storage), and may extend to non-dispatchable renewable energy resources (e.g., solar, wind) and low‑carbon energy solutions (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia, carbon capture, and direct air capture) as business strategy dictates.

The role requires a deep understanding of the planning and execution of power generation projects and involves managing complex engineering, procurement, pre‑construction (EPC) and execution activities, ensuring successful delivery of utility‑scale energy projects that meet performance, budget, and schedule expectations. This role requires strong cross‑functional project management, risk management acumen, and the ability to collaborate across internal and external stakeholders to drive value creation.

Position Description

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Leads and manages third party engineering and construction contracts for power generation and related energy projects (e.g. thermal, BESS).


• Oversees procurement activities, ensuring alignment with contract scope, technical specifications and performance guarantees.


• Conducts monthly and periodic review of EPC’s status, including but not limited to labor, materials, quality control/assurance, safety, budget and workforce planning.


• Provide oversight and coordination of EPC contractors throughout the project lifecycle.


• Prepares and reviews cost estimates, bid packages, and technical bid proposal analysis for projects.


• Monitor construction schedules, identifies risk and implement mitigation strategies to ensure timely project delivery. Coordinates construction and commissioning activities in coordination with design engineers, construction contractors, equipment supplier, and stakeholders.


• Supports project financing efforts, and lender reporting and technical due diligence.


• Prepare materials and inputs for financial analysis to support internal governance processes, including Investment Committee presentations, reviews and financial decision‑making for project funding. Validates and approves project invoices and manage budget tracking and forecasting.


• Prepares and submits all required periodic reports to internal and external stakeholders.


• Ensures project compliance with federal, state and local regulations, including environmental and interconnection permitting and reporting.


• Participates in site visits and contributes to technical evaluations for new acquisitions and new project opportunities.


• Oversee fabrication and major OEM shop monitoring, delivery logistics and schedule adherence. Identify project risks and lead implementation of appropriate mitigation plans


• Develop and deliver comprehensive handover documentation for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) team.

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of electric power generation technologies and project lifecycle


• Excellent communication proficiency across technical and non-technical audiences


• Collaborative mindset with a team-oriented approach


• Business Acumen in capital project planning, estimating and forecasting.


• Ethical Conduct and commitment to safety and compliance


• Advanced Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking


• Discretion and Confidentiality in handling sensitive project data

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• BS in Engineering (e.g. Electrical, Mechanical, Civil), Construction Management or Other with equivalent industry experience


• Minimum10 years’ experience working in one or more aspects of the planning, design, construction, and operation of utility-scale power generation projects (dispatchable and/or non-dispatchable)


• [experience in heavy duty turbines]

Preferred Education and Experience

• PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials


• Project experience to include low-carbon fuels, wind, and/or solar


• Experience managing contractors and EPC firms in the energy sector


• Field experience in low-carbon fuels, solar PV, wind turbines, or combined-cycle gas plants

AP/EEO Statement

JERA Americas Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics.