Project Manager - Utility Electrical Distribution

Caliber Engineering Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

Caliber Engineering Solutions is seeking a Project Manager for Utility Electrical Distribution in Chicago. You will manage utility and power distribution projects from initiation to close-out, coordinating clients, engineering, scheduling, procurement, and construction teams to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery while upholding safety and quality standards.

The role requires an undergraduate degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years of PM experience on high-budget projects,

Qualifications

• If you have a background in project management for electrical utilities, apply with confidence.
• Interest in large-scale, high-budget projects with a focus on safety and quality.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Experience in utility, power distribution, or related electric infrastructure industries preferred; Exelon/ComEd experience favored.

Responsibilities

• Oversee or support all project phases from initiation through close-out.
• Coordinate between clients, engineering, scheduling, procurement, and construction teams.
• Develop and monitor schedules, budgets, and risk management plans.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Project management

Electrical engineering knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

At Caliber Engineering Solutions, we specialize in modern solutions to the challenges faced by companies in the utility and power industries. With our engineering expertise, efficient project management, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we have been able to provide top-tier power system solutions to some of the biggest players in the industry.

We believe our employees are our greatest asset, and the heart of our success. And that is why we have built a culture that empowers everyone to think outside the box. As a team we work collectively to ensure quality, efficiency and success in everything we do.

When you join our team, you’ll be part of a dynamic startup where we don’t just contribute, we learn. With the rapidly evolving tech and power landscape, this is an exciting opportunity to push boundaries, accelerate your development, and make a lasting impact.

Your Role as Project Manager - Utility Electrical Distribution

The Project Manager is responsible for managing or supporting utility and power distribution projects from initiation through close-out. This role combines strong project management capabilities with technical understanding of electrical infrastructure, engineering standards, and utility construction practices. The Project Manager serves as the point of contact between clients, engineering, scheduling, procurement, and construction teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within scope, and on budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee or support all project phases, including planning, environmental assessments, permitting, engineering, procurement, construction management, commissioning, and final delivery.
• Manage comprehensive project plans, including schedules, budgets, resource allocations, and risk management strategies.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Attend and/or lead regular project reviews with internal and external stakeholders, highlighting progress, risks, issues, and mitigation plans.

Technical Coordination & Compliance

• Interpret and apply engineering standards, codes, and memos to ensure project designs and installations meet specifications and client requirements.
• Coordinate engineering studies, drawings, blueprints, and designs against accepted engineering and construction principles.
• Evaluate electrical and mechanical system requirements to support new business installations, removals, and relocations.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Evaluate customer needs for service and develop appropriate solutions, including identifying required facilities and associated cost impacts.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, engineering, scheduling, construction, vendors, and external agencies.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, manage expectations, and address concerns promptly and professionally.
• Prepare proposals, contracts, cost estimates, and project documentation.

Operational & Contract Management

• Coordinate multiple projects and priorities concurrently, ensuring timely and accurate decision-making.
• Identify risks and opportunities early, communicating them with the Project Management team to resolve issues proactively, and optimize project outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to enhance processes, tools, and project methodologies. Develop actionable plans to implement enhancements that drive measurable results.
• Stay informed of industry developments, innovations, and best practices.
• Maintain an adaptable, organized approach in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Foster a culture of adaptability, efficiency, and responsiveness in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of project management experience, including high-budget or large-scale projects; project management or distribution design experience for an electrical utility.
• Ability to analyze and interpret electrical systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply structured methodologies, plus strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Background in utility, power distribution, or related electric infrastructure industries, with relevant experience in technical, field operations, military (transmission, distribution, gas, power systems), project management, or skilled trades roles. Experience working with ComEd and/or Exelon is preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as required.

Compensation

The anticipated total compensation range for this position is $105,000 – $168,000 annually which includes base salary and an estimated discretionary bonus. The final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and qualifications.