Project Controls Specialist

This Opportunity: 

The Project Controls Specialist (Schedule & Cost) supports Black Box’s data center delivery programs by providing hands-on schedule and cost controls for structured cabling, network infrastructure, and low-voltage scopes across active job sites. This role is critical to maintaining schedule integrity, cost visibility, and predictable delivery in fast-paced, multi-building data center environments. 

Reporting to the Director of Project Controls or a Senior Project Controls Lead, this position works closely with Project Managers, field leadership, procurement, and installation teams to ensure project schedules and cost data accurately reflect execution in the field. The Project Controls Specialist supports standardized Black Box project controls processes while contributing to continuous improvement across data center programs. 

This role requires a strong understanding of construction sequencing within data centers, an execution-first mindset, and the ability to proactively identify risks tied to access handovers, material availability (OFCI / OFOI), labor productivity, and phased turnovers. 

What You Will Do: 

Project Controls Execution – Data Center Delivery 

• Support assigned data center projects as the Project Controls Specialist (Schedule & Cost), focused on structured cabling, network installation, and technology infrastructure scopes. 
• Develop, maintain, and update detailed project schedules aligned with GC milestones (DEC-C Ready, ENS Ready, PR, SC) and Black Box installation sequencing. 
• Track and forecast direct labor hours, headcount, and installation productivity against the schedule. 
• Monitor project costs including labor, material (OFCI / OFOI), expenses, and change impacts. 
• Ensure schedules and cost data accurately reflect real-time field conditions, access constraints, and material readiness. 

Cost & Schedule Monitoring 

• Perform weekly schedule updates and progress tracking based on field input and installation status. 
• Support cost tracking, forecasting, and variance analysis across active buildings and work packages. 
• Assist with Earned Value metrics (CPI, SPI), labor curves, and installation productivity trending. 
• Support change order reviews, bid leveling, and cost impact assessments related to scope changes or sequencing adjustments. 
• Maintain alignment between schedule, cost, and resource plans across Black Box reporting tools. 

Risk Identification & Mitigation Support 

• Identify potential risks related to schedule logic, access handovers, material delays, and labor availability. 
• Escalate schedule and cost risks to senior Project Controls leadership with supporting data. 
• Assist in maintaining project risk registers and tracking mitigation actions. 
• Support schedule reviews to ensure critical path and phasing logic reflect data center execution realities. 

Collaboration & Stakeholder Support 

• Work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Field Leads to ensure alignment between planning and execution. 
• Coordinate with procurement teams to align material deliveries with installation sequencing. 
• Support communication between jobsite teams and Senior Project Controls Leads. 
• Participate in coordination meetings with GCs, trade partners, and internal Black Box leadership as required. 
• Provide clear, concise schedule and cost updates to support decision-making. 

Needs for Success: 

• Strong working knowledge of project controls fundamentals within construction or data center environments. 
• Experience supporting data center, structured cabling, or low-voltage infrastructure projects preferred. 
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project for detailed schedule updates. 
• Experience tracking labor hours, headcount, and productivity against schedule. 
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent for cost tracking. 
• Foundational understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts. 
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel; exposure to Power BI or Tableau is a plus. 
• Understanding of GC milestone structures, phased turnovers, and multi-building execution. 
• High attention to detail with strong documentation and reporting discipline. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across fast-moving job sites. 
• Clear verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work effectively with field teams, PMs, clients, and vendors. 
• Self-motivated, execution-focused, and eager to grow within Black Box’s Project Controls organization. 

What You Bring to the Table: 

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Bachler degree in construction management, engineering or equivalent field experience preferred.
• Minimum 5 years as a construction planner / scheduler for projects with contract values in excess of $15 million. 
• Preferred professional certifications: 
  • Project Management Institute Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) 
  • Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP)  
  • Project Management Institute Project Management Professional (PMP) 

Supervisory Responsibility: N/A

Work Location and Travel:  At Site Location - Rayville, Louisiana