Project Manager, Construction (Solar)

Tapio; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company seeks a Project Manager to oversee solar projects from initiation to commissioning. You will manage costs and schedules, coordinate teams, and engage with stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a strong background in construction project management, preferably with EPC experience, and is proficient in project management software. Based in the Chicago area, a hybrid work schedule is available, emphasizing collaboration and onsite presence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in construction, preferable in EPC or vertical construction.
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and control costs.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage solar projects from NTP through commissioning and turnover.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules.
• Coordinate internal and external resources including subcontractors and utilities.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Cost control

Risk management

Technical detail orientation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related field

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Procore

Excel

Job description

Position

Project Manager, Construction - DG Solar and BESS (Renewables)

Location

Chicago, IL strongly preferred, exceptional IL based candidates considered

Package

$130k-$170k base + bonus, transportation expenses covered

Company Overview

Our client is an emerging IPP in the renewable energy space. Well‑funded and building an executive team focused on accelerating the energy transition market by developing, acquiring, owning, and operating DG solar projects across the US.

The Role

The Project Manager will be responsible for delivering multiple solar projects from Notice to Proceed (NTP) through commercial operation and handover to O&M. Reporting to the Director of Construction, this individual will own day‑to‑day cost and schedule control, coordinate self‑perform and subcontracted work, and serve as a key point of contact between internal teams, field crews, and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a strong EPC or vertical construction background, is comfortable managing several concurrent projects, and takes full ownership of the critical path, budget, and risk on each job.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage solar projects from NTP / mobilization through commissioning and turnover to O&M, ensuring safety, quality, cost, and schedule targets are achieved.
• Develop, maintain, and update detailed project schedules; identify and manage the critical path, and proactively mitigate delays and risks.
• Own day‑to‑day cost control: track budgets, change orders, and contingencies; prepare clear, well‑justified change order requests in coordination with leadership.
• Coordinate internal resources and external stakeholders including engineers, field crews, subcontractors, utilities, and AHJs.
• Oversee site mobilization, construction progress, and punchlist closeout, spending regular time in the field to verify work and resolve issues.
• Maintain project documentation, reporting, and updates in the company’s systems (ERP/CRM, PM tools, etc.), providing clear status updates to management.
• Support contract administration, including EPC and subcontract agreements, in coordination with internal commercial and legal resources.
• Serve as a key interface to Asset Management and O&M teams to ensure smooth handover and long‑term asset performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent field experience.
• 5+ years of project management experience in construction, with strong preference for EPC or vertical construction backgrounds (e.g., commercial/industrial, infrastructure).
• Solar project experience is a plus but not strictly required; must be comfortable getting into the technical and constructability details.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and control cost and schedule at a detailed level.
• Proficiency with project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Procore, or similar), as well as Excel and standard reporting workflows.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working with field teams, subcontractors, and senior leadership.
• Track record of owning change orders, risk mitigation, and critical path management in a fast‑paced environment.
• Based in (or willing to relocate to) the Chicago metro area, with the ability to work a hybrid schedule and visit project sites regularly.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Project Management

Industries

Services for Renewable Energy