Sr Project Manager-ENG

Zachry Group•Downers Grove, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Downers Grove office of Zachry offers a unique opportunity to join a high-growth team delivering critical infrastructure projects across the region. Supported by long-standing partnerships with major utility and industrial clients, our team works on a diverse portfolio of technically challenging, high-impact projects with strong visibility. With consistent project volume, team members benefit from both stability and variety—gaining exposure to meaningful work while continuing to grow their careers. Our environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and empowers individuals to take ownership and make a real impact from day one. If you’re looking for a role where your work is valued and your impact is visible, the Charlotte Zachry team is the place to be. Zachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) is seeking a high-impact Project Manager to join our Project Management team in Downers Grove IL. This role offers the opportunity to lead complex, large-scale combined cycle power generation projects for premier clients across the energy sector. At Zachry, you’ll work on technically challenging, high-visibility projects while driving execution excellence from concept through commissioning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related discipline)
15+ years of experience in power generation projects, with significant focus on combined-cycle facilities
8–10+ years leading projects or programs in a Project Manager / Project Director capacity
Proven experience managing mid-to-large capital projects ($100MM+ TIC) from engineering through startup
Strong leadership capability across multi-discipline teams and global engineering environments
Demonstrated expertise in cost, schedule, and risk management, including vendor oversight
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license
EPC / EPCm experience delivering combined-cycle projects end-to-end
Experience coordinating with international engineering centers (HVE/global delivery models)

Responsibilities

Lead full project lifecycle execution for large capital combined-cycle projects—from FEED through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup
Own project performance across scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety, ensuring consistent delivery of client expectations
Direct cross-functional teams across multiple engineering disciplines, vendors, field engineering, and High Value Engineering (HVE) resources
Drive execution strategy including planning, staffing, forecasting, and alignment of resources to meet project milestones
Manage project controls including cost, schedule, risk, productivity, and reporting with a strong focus on predictability and accountability
Ensure technical and commercial excellence through quality oversight, change management (MOC/ECNs), and adherence to contractual requirements
Collaborate closely with construction and commissioning teams to ensure seamless project delivery through startup
Build and strengthen client relationships, serving as the primary interface while identifying growth opportunities
Lead team performance and development, including mentoring, staffing strategy, and talent development
Drive continuous improvement in execution, processes, and coordination across global delivery teams and HVE centers
Willingness to travel and support field activities including walkdowns and site coordination
Ability to work effectively across office and field environments