Project Manager, Large Load & Interconnection Programs

AECOM•Chicago, IL

1d•$110,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager - Large Load & Interconnection to support the rapid growth of data centers, AI infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, battery storage, and other large-load developments across North America. This role combines client advisory, business development, technical due diligence, and hands-on project execution. The successful candidate will help clients navigate complex utility and transmission interconnection challenges — from early-stage site selection and power availability due diligence through utility engagement, interconnection studies, infrastructure planning, and project delivery — while building and leading a multidisciplinary team. Working closely with developers, hyperscalers, utilities, independent power producers, and investors, this individual will serve as a trusted day-to-day technical leader throughout the project lifecycle. This is a role for someone who takes initiative without needing to be asked, is comfortable doing whatever the project actually needs — from a client pitch to a model run — reads clients and colleagues well enough to know when to lead and when to defer, and is motivated as much by building a strong team underneath them as by their own advancement.

Requirements

BA/BS in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Energy Systems or related field + 6 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
Proven experience supporting utility, data center, renewable energy, generation, transmission, or large-load projects
Proven experience managing technical projects and interacting directly with clients
Demonstrated experience supporting data center, AI infrastructure, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing projects
6 years of project management experience
Demonstrated experience in transmission planning, interconnection services, utility planning, power system consulting, or energy infrastructure development
This position requires travel as needed

Nice To Haves

Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Energy Systems or related field
Professional Engineer (PE) license
10+ years of progressive experience in transmission planning, interconnection services, or power system consulting, with a track record of winning and leading client work
Previous management of power systems, utility infrastructure, and transmission planning principles
Knowledge of PJM, ERCOT, MISO, SPP, CAISO, NYISO, ISO-NE, and regulated utility environments
Experience and proven success in client relationships and business development
Experience leading technical due diligence or siting investigations tied to power availability
Experience with utility service studies, load interconnections, generator interconnections, and transmission planning studies
Familiarity with NERC, FERC, ISO, and RTO requirements
Experience using PSS®E, PSLF, PowerWorld, PSCAD, ETAP, EMTP/ATP, Promod, or similar tools.
Prior experience building or growing a technical team or practice area, and a genuine appetite for doing it again here

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain relationships with data center developers, hyperscalers, utilities, transmission owners, renewable developers, and large industrial customers.
Identify and pursue opportunities related to grid interconnections, utility service strategy, transmission planning, and power infrastructure development.
Own proposal development, scope definition, fee development, and client presentations.
Represent AECOM at industry conferences, client workshops, and business development events, and bring back what's learned to sharpen the team's approach.
Help grow AECOM's Power Interconnection practice through exceptional client service, successful project delivery, and a genuine hand in building out the team and its capabilities.
Manage multiple interconnection, due diligence, and power advisory projects simultaneously.
Lead project planning, scheduling, budgeting, resource management, and client communications.
Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams including transmission planners, electrical engineers, civil engineers, environmental specialists, and permitting professionals.
Monitor project risks and develop mitigation strategies to maintain schedule and budget objectives.
Deliver high-quality reports, presentations, and client recommendations, and stay close enough to the work to catch problems before the client does.
Lead technical due diligence for data center and large-load site selection, evaluating power infrastructure availability, utility readiness, and transmission system accessibility.
Direct siting investigations that weigh grid access, interconnection timelines, and infrastructure constraints alongside a site's broader technical and commercial viability.
Advise clients on utility constraints, transmission availability, interconnection queues, network upgrades, reliability considerations, and development risks — early enough to shape a site decision, not just react to one.
Guide clients through utility coordination, interconnection processes, and regulatory requirements across North American markets.
Develop power strategies that align infrastructure development schedules with grid availability and project objectives.