Project Controls Subject Matter Expert

Project Controls SME -

Supporting utilities, power generation, or major capital construction projects.

Pay Range: Open (Non-Exempt)

Duration: 1 year +

Location: Jackson, MS

Travel: Hybrid. 1-2 months on site initially, then 2 weeks on site at a time (50% travel).

Expenses: GSA expenses

US Citizenship Required

Position details:

Seeking a highly experienced Project Controls Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a major utility client in modernizing its project controls processes through artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data analytics.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands-on experience in project estimating, scheduling, cost analysis, forecasting, and project controls management.

Prior Python programming experience is preferred but not required. However, the successful candidate must demonstrate strong analytical skills, technical aptitude, and a willingness to learn Python programming and AI technologies to help develop and implement improved project controls processes.

Key responsibilities:

• Project Controls Expertise: Serve as a technical SME in project estimating, scheduling, cost engineering, forecasting, and performance analysis.
• AI & Automation: Identify opportunities to incorporate AI and automation into existing project controls processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making.
• Python Development: Learn and apply Python programming to support data analysis, process automation, estimating models, and scheduling tools.
• Cost Estimating: Evaluate historical project costs, develop estimating methodologies, and identify opportunities to improve estimate accuracy using advanced analytics.
• Scheduling: Analyze project schedules, critical paths, resource requirements, and schedule risks to improve project planning and execution.
• Cost Analysis & Forecasting: Support budget development, earned value analysis, cost forecasting, and project performance reporting.
• Process Improvement: Work with utility leadership and technical teams to identify inefficiencies and develop technology-driven solutions.
• Collaboration: Partner with project managers, schedulers, estimators, cost engineers, and IT/AI specialists to implement practical solutions.
• Data Analytics: Utilize existing project data and emerging technologies to improve reporting, predictive analysis, and project controls performance.

Required qualifications:

• Must have 15+ years of experience in project controls , preferably supporting utilities, power generation, or major capital construction projects.
• Extensive knowledge of project estimating, scheduling, cost management, forecasting, and project performance analysis.
• Strong understanding of project controls systems such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong interest in artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies.
• Ability and willingness to learn Python programming and apply it to real-world project controls applications.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional technical teams.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex project controls requirements into practical solutions.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience supporting electric utilities, nuclear generation, transmission and distribution, or large capital projects.
• Previous involvement in project controls process improvements or technology implementation.
• Exposure to Python, SQL, Power BI, AI tools, or data analytics platforms.
• Experience working with large datasets involving project costs, schedules, labor productivity, and estimating.
• Familiarity with earned value management, schedule risk analysis, and predictive forecasting.

Physical Requirements:

Individual must have the ability to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods, possess motor skills to operate a keyboard, mouse and telephone, and have adequate vision (with corrective lenses) and hearing to read computers screens and documentation, and participate in company or group meetings and phone calls. Individual may be occasionally required to lift light items, up to 20 lb. Individual will be required to maintain access to the work location which may include a drug screening and/or a background screening.