Project Control Manager

Sterling Engineering; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 68,880 - 82,656; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Project Controls Analyst to support major energy projects. The role involves budget management and forecasting, along with creating work breakdown structures (WBS) for effective cost tracking. Ideal candidates will possess a bachelor's degree and have experience in cost management and utilities. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. This is a full-time position based in Naperville, IL.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience in utility, construction, or energy industries.
• Strong background in cost management, cost estimating, and planning.
• Good knowledge of construction methods and sequencing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Create WBS to align project strategies with cost tracking and forecasting.
• Manage project budgets and resources effectively.
• Support Project Manager in project oversight and reporting.
• Prepare estimates and conduct cost variance analysis.

Skills

Cost management

Cost estimating

Planning

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Financial management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

MS Outlook

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Job description

Title: Project Controls Analyst — Naperville, IL

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Project Controls Analyst to support major energy projects at a leading utility organization.

Base pay range

$50.00/hr - $60.00/hr

Responsibilities

• Create WBS to align project execution strategies with cost tracking, forecasting, scheduling and comparison to original estimate.
• Manage and monitor project budgets, ensuring cost‑effective utilization of resources.
• Support the Project Manager as the Project Controls track lead by actively learning project scope and objects, being engaged in weekly/monthly meetings by understanding what is occurring during project meetings and incorporating new information into project forecasts, estimates, risk registers and other financial documents/reports.
• Prepare estimates, budgets, initiate and maintain cost forecasts, reviewing and incorporating monthly costs, conduct cost variance analysis and provide explanations, leading cost impact and forecast review meetings with Project Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in utility, construction, or energy industries (not project-focused).
• Strong background in cost management, cost estimating, and planning.
• Good knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, and materials.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Strong problem‑solving, negotiation, and financial management abilities.
• Proficient in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Project Management and Engineering

Industries

Natural Gas Distribution

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.