Project Controls Engineer Lead

Aquatech; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

401K plan

Job summary

Aquatech, based in Houston, seeks a seasoned Project Controls professional to support engineering and procurement on heavy industrial water projects.

You will oversee scheduling, cost management, change control, and performance tracking across Level 3/4 plans to ensure alignment of engineering, procurement and site activities.

Candidates should have 10+ years in utilities/oil & gas, expertise in Primavera P6, and exposure to BIM, EcoSys/Prism/Ares and FIDIC or NEC contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years in heavy industrial projects (Utilities, Power, Mining, Oil & Gas, or Infrastructure).
• Expertise with Primavera P6 at enterprise level; familiarity with BIM integration and cost management software.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with procurement engineering, discipline engineers, and strategic suppliers to manage long-lead equipment and materials.
• Lead schedule integration and governance across engineering, procurement, and construction activities using Level 3/4 schedules.
• Oversee change management, claims support, and risk mitigation to protect project margins.

Education

Bachelor’s in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

EcoSys

Prism

Ares

BIM 4D/5D

Job description

At Aquatech, we tackle the challenges of water scarcity and complexity by leveraging technology, expertise, and financing to deliver comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon and recycled water footprint. As a leading global provider of water and process technology solutions, we help the world's most recognized companies achieve their sustainability and operational goals by implementing innovative approaches for water reuse, desalination, minimal and zero liquid discharge, and critical minerals recovery. Our work catalyzes the transition toward a more sustainable future and showcases our commitment to addressing water's role in climate adaptation. Learn more at www.aquatech.com.

Aquatech has an immediate need for a full time Project Controls to work in our Houston Tx office. The hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. This position will report to the Vice President of Project and will perform the duties described in the job description below and will be considered an Exempt employee.

Procurement Engineering & Technical Logistics Integration

Coordinate closely with procurement engineering, discipline engineers, and strategic suppliers to manage long-lead engineered equipment and materials. Ensure vendor drawings, data sheets, specifications, and technical submittals are reviewed, approved, and digitally integrated into the master engineering schedule. Leverage engineering management systems, document control platforms, and project scheduling tools to track fabrication progress, interface points, and critical milestones, maintaining full technical alignment between engineering design, procurement, and supplier manufacturing activities.

Engineering Governance & Performance

Leading deliverable based tracking and interdisciplinary coordination, vendor data review, and standardization & management of change with strict controls on “Design Creep” for the engineering functions of Aquatech.

Subcontractor Oversight

Audit and validate subcontractor progress claims against actual site conditions, engineering deliverables, and approved work packages. Verify progress based on drawings, engineering quantities, technical specifications, inspection and test plans, and quality documentation to ensure reported completion accurately reflects engineered scope, construction sequencing, and technical readiness.

Progress Measurement

Implementing physical progress measurement systems (e.g., \"Rules of Credit\") to ensure engineering and construction progress is based on deliverables, not just hours spent.

Integrated Scheduling

Overseeing Level 3 and Level 4 schedules that integrate engineering deliverables, procurement milestones, and site construction activities.

Engineering Change Management & Claims Support

Establishing rigorous change order protocols to ensure all changes and out of scope work are formally documented with engineering justification, revised deliverables, and approval workflows, enabling accurate valuation, traceability, and recovery of costs associated with engineering design evolution or field-driven modifications.

Commercial Risk Management

Monitor Cost-to-Complete versus Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) by closely tracking engineering progress, design maturity, and technical changes, and assess their impact on quantities, labor hours, procurement, and construction efficiency. Proactively identify engineering-driven risks—such as late deliverables, rework, or vendor deviations and implement mitigation actions to prevent margin erosion.

Benefits

Aquatech offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, company-paid holidays, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility)

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above and below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Job Demands

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, limited walking and standing. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience: 10+ years in heavy industrial projects (Utilities, Power, Mining, Oil & Gas, or Infrastructure).
• Technical Tools: * Expertise in Primavera P6 (Enterprise level).
• Experience with Cost Management Software (e.g., EcoSys, Prism, or Ares).
• Advanced Knowledge of BIM (4D/5D) integration into project controls.
• Contractual Knowledge: Deep familiarity with FIDIC or NEC contract standards.