Project Controls Specialist – Energy Construction (Contract)
Location: Madison, WI; Cedar Rapids, IA
Duration: 12+ month contract (Oct 2026 – Oct 2027)
Hours: Full-time, 40 hrs/week
Rate: $85-$90 per hour
About the Role
Our client, a major Midwest energy utility, is looking for a senior Project Controls Specialist to support strategic construction projects in power generation. You'll serve as the subject matter expert for scheduling and cost controls from project development through final closeout, working closely with project teams, corporate finance, and outside contractors.
What You'll Do
- Own project scheduling and cost functions, including progress measurement, schedule analysis, forecasting, and cash flow updates.
- Build and maintain detailed project estimates and forecasts that reflect current risks, pending change orders, and contingency.
- Keep corporate outlook models updated and flag cost performance issues early against approved budgets.
- Perform monthly accruals, support journal entries, and review invoices in coordination with corporate accounting.
- Conduct detailed P6 schedule reviews to verify contractual compliance and accurate progress reporting.
- Administer contracts, interpret commercial terms to determine entitlements, and negotiate change orders.
- Perform quantity takeoffs to validate estimates, pricing submissions, and progress claims.
- Monitor leading risk indicators, recommend solutions, and obtain action plans to support construction.
- Work with vendors, contractors, and suppliers to ensure accurate cost and schedule data.
- Train internal and partner users on contractual scheduling requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 experience on major projects, including resource assignments and progress calculations.
- Experience with cost- and work-hour resource-loaded schedules for progress and payment measurement.
- Working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Knowledge of construction contracting methods such as EPC, Lump Sum, Unit Price, T&M, and Cost Plus.
- Understanding of corporate financial reporting requirements.
- Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external agencies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Oracle Primavera Unifier experience.
- UIPlanner corporate financial modeling experience.
- Knowledge of electric generation and gas turbine generator operations.
- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, construction, project management, or a related field.
Compensation
$85 - $90 per hour.
This is the targeted compensation range for this role. Please note that this range is provided as a guideline and the final offer will be based on several factors, including but not limited to, skillset and competencies, level of experience, education, certifications, and location.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k); and training and professional development opportunities.
Work Authorization
Work sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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