Electrical Project Manager - Solar

The Electrical Project Manager will lead utility-scale solar projects from planning through energization. This role involves financial oversight combined with hands-on construction management to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of electrical construction, experience in solar or renewable energy projects, and the ability to manage field operations while maintaining full ownership of project financial performance.

• Oversee all phases of utility-scale solar EPC or electrical construction projects, from pre-construction through commissioning.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Develop project schedules, track progress, and ensure milestones are met.
• Lead onsite construction activities, coordinating with superintendents, foremen, and field crews to maintain productivity and quality.
• Create, manage, and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and cost-to-complete reports.
• Track labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractor costs to ensure alignment with financial targets.
• Review and approve invoices, change orders, and purchase orders.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and proactively mitigate financial risks.
• Provide regular financial reporting to leadership, highlighting variances and corrective actions.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, safety, and quality.
• Support field teams with technical guidance, problem-solving, and resource planning.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, electrical codes, and safety standards.
• Coordinate inspections, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve design issues and implement changes.
• Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, utilities, inspectors, and vendors.

• Expertise in electrical construction and project management.
• Experience with solar electric and solar operations.
• Knowledge of electrical inspection, construction, substation, voltage distribution, and switchgear.

• Proven experience in managing utility-scale solar projects.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and financial reporting.

The role requires being onsite at greenfield Solar Farms 90% of the time. Although titled as a Project Manager, the responsibilities align more with construction manager tasks. The position offers a cell phone allowance, per diem for all job site visits, and a company truck.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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.

Salary : $50 - $60