Project Controls Specialist

Staff Project Controls Specialist Location: Lexington, KY Build the Plans That Keep Major Infrastructure Projects on Track Are you a project controls professional who enjoys turning complex project data into actionable insights? We're looking for a Staff Project Controls Specialist to partner with project managers, engineers, and construction teams to help deliver large-scale infrastructure and utility projects safely, on schedule, and within budget. In this role, you'll take ownership of project scheduling, cost control, forecasting, reporting, and earned value analysis while supporting multiple projects from planning through execution. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to project teams, helping identify risks, optimize resources, and drive successful project outcomes. Why Join Us? You'll be part of an employee-owned company where your contributions directly impact the success of the business. Our team offers: • Employee ownership (ESOP) – share in the company's success • Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses • Hybrid work flexibility with office, client-site, and remote work options • Career growth opportunities, including pathways into Project Management • Exposure to high-profile infrastructure and utility projects • Collaborative, team-oriented culture that values mentorship and professional development • Strong project backlog and long-term stability • Opportunities to work with industry-leading tools including Primavera P6, Power BI, and enterprise project controls systems If you're looking for an organization that invests in its people, supports career advancement, and gives employees a voice in the future of the company, we'd love to hear from you. What You'll Do Project Controls & Planning • Lead project controls activities to help deliver projects on time and within budget. • Develop and maintain project schedules, cost forecasts, cash flow projections, and performance reports. • Create and manage Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) that support effective planning and cost tracking. • Support project execution planning and ensure alignment between scope, schedule, and budget. Scheduling & Analysis • Build and maintain project schedules using Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling techniques. • Analyze schedule performance, identify risks, and recommend recovery strategies. • Perform schedule impact assessments and "what-if" scenario analyses. • Support Interactive Project Planning Meetings (IPPM) and stakeholder schedule reviews. • Monitor resource loading to ensure staffing plans align with project needs. Cost Control & Forecasting • Track project costs, budgets, contingencies, and forecasts. • Develop and maintain earned value metrics, progress curves, and project KPIs. • Review change orders for schedule and cost impacts. • Partner with project management and accounting teams on financial reporting and forecasting. • Support audits through accurate cost tracking and documentation. Reporting & Data Management • Analyze project data and generate meaningful reports and dashboards. • Utilize project controls software, Primavera P6, Power BI, and other reporting tools. • Maintain accurate records, document control processes, and project controls databases. • Present project performance data clearly to project teams and stakeholders. Field & Quality Support • Conduct quality reviews of project controls deliverables. • Participate in field audits to validate progress and reporting accuracy. • Support project reviews and forensic analysis efforts when needed. What We're Looking For Required Qualifications • 3+ years of project controls experience with a strong focus on project scheduling. • Experience supporting engineering, construction, utility, or infrastructure projects. • Knowledge of CPM scheduling principles and schedule development. • Experience with cost control, forecasting, budgeting, and project performance reporting. • Ability to build and maintain Work Breakdown Structures (WBS). • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Experience working with project controls software and reporting tools. • Excellent communication and collaboration skills. • Ability to obtain OSHA-10 certification. • Ability to work in the Lexington, KY area and travel locally to client sites as needed. Preferred Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). • Utility industry experience, particularly transmission, distribution, or substation projects. • Primavera P6 experience. • Power BI reporting and dashboard development experience. • Familiarity with monday.com or similar project management platforms. • Consulting or professional services experience. • Experience with earned value management (EVM) and project performance metrics. Work Environment This position is based in Lexington, Kentucky, with a flexible hybrid schedule that typically includes: • Approximately 3 days per week in the office • Approximately 2 days per week at client sites • Limited travel, primarily local day trips with mileage reimbursement You'll join a collaborative and close-knit team that values innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. We believe great careers are built through mentorship, challenging projects, and opportunities to expand beyond traditional role boundaries. Ideal Candidate You May Be a Great Fit If You • Enjoy solving complex project challenges through data and analysis. • Have a passion for planning, scheduling, and forecasting. • Want visibility into how large projects are managed and executed. • Are looking for a long-term career path with opportunities to advance into project management. • Thrive in a collaborative environment where your expertise influences project success. Apply today to help deliver critical infrastructure projects while growing your career in a supportive, employee-owned organization. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, KY. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.50 - $58.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Lexington,KY. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.