Project Manager II - Community Solar

Socket.dev; Wheeling (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision plan options

401(k) with up to 3.5% company match

Company-paid life insurance

Cell phone reimbursement

Accrue 2 weeks of PTO

Sick time

6 paid holidays

Job summary

MARS Energy Solutions is seeking a Project Manager II to lead solar projects from preconstruction through closeout in Wheeling, IL. You will manage scope, schedule, and budget while coordinating engineering, procurement, and field operations.

As the primary contact for clients and stakeholders, you will ensure compliant, efficient project delivery with strong operational oversight. Travel up to 25% is required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing renewable energy or construction projects from kickoff through closeout.
• Proven ownership of scope, schedule, and budget across multiple projects.
• Experience coordinating field teams and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of solar projects, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and to scope.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, and field crews.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, utilities, and public agencies.
• Facilitate weekly project meetings, including status updates and 3-week lookaheads.
• Build and manage detailed project schedules and budgets (Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Procore).
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, safety compliance, and milestone completion.
• Oversee project documentation, permitting, and compliance requirements.
• Prequalify subcontractors and support bid list development.
• Manage project-related accounts payable and receivable accuracy.
• Support estimating during preconstruction and bidding phases.
• Lead project commissioning, closeout, and client handoff.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Budgeting

Scheduling

Stakeholder communication

MS Office

Tools

Smartsheet

Microsoft Project

Procore

Excel

Job description

Project Manager II (PM II)

Location: Wheeling, IL (On-site)

Position Summary

MARS Energy Solutions is seeking a Project Manager II (PM II) to lead the execution of solar projects from preconstruction through closeout. This role is responsible for managing scope, schedule, and budget while driving coordination across engineering, procurement, and field operations.

The PM II serves as the primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and with strong operational oversight. MARS Energy Solutions is headquartered in Wheeling, IL.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires up to 25% travel. Project assignments may be located throughout Illinois and the Midwest region.
• MARS Energy provides travel accommodation in accordance with company policy. Depending on project location and travel distance, employees may qualify for company paid lodging, per diem, and/or mileage reimbursement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of solar projects, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and to scope
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, and field crews
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, utilities, and public agencies
• Facilitate weekly project meetings, including status updates and 3-week lookaheads
• Build and manage detailed project schedules and budgets (Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Procore)
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, safety compliance, and milestone completion
• Oversee project documentation, permitting, and compliance requirements
• Prequalify subcontractors and support bid list development
• Manage project-related accounts payable and receivable accuracy
• Support estimating during preconstruction and bidding phases
• Lead project commissioning, closeout, and client handoff

Required Experience

• 3+ years of experience managing renewable energy or construction projects from kickoff through closeout
• Demonstrated ownership of scope, schedule, and budget across multiple projects
• Experience coordinating field teams and subcontractors

Preferred Experience

• Public Works project experience, including agency compliance and reporting
• DSA (Division of the State Architect) project experience
• Experience with government-funded or incentive-based projects

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong leadership and communication skills across field and office teams
• Working knowledge of construction sequencing, budgeting, and permitting processes
• Familiarity with solar PV systems, project lifecycles, and utility interconnections
• Proficiency in project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Solution-oriented with strong problem-solving capability

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to walk active job sites, climb stairs/ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Frequent travel to project sites required
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options
• 401(k) with up to 3.5% company match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Accrue 2 weeks of PTO
• Sick time
• 6 paid holidays