Job Information
Jacobs Construction Project Director – Thermal Power Generation in Chicago, Illinois
Jacobs is seeking a seasoned Construction Project Director to lead the delivery of complex thermal power generation projects from early planning through commissioning. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership for large‑scale construction programs involving natural gas-fired power plants, simple or combined‑cycle facilities, reciprocating engine plants, and other thermal generation assets.
The Construction Project Director is accountable for ensuring that all construction activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory, environmental, and client requirements. You will serve as the senior on‑site authority for power plant construction execution, driving performance across multidisciplinary teams and ensuring alignment with project objectives, budgets, and schedules.
Key Responsibilities
Provide executive‑level leadership for all construction phases, including site development, civil works, structural installation, mechanical systems, electrical and controls integration, and commissioning support.
Oversee day‑to‑day construction operations, ensuring adherence to safety standards, QA/QC procedures, environmental regulations, and project specifications.
Own all construction activities and outcomes to meet project and client expectations. Proactively address challenges, bottlenecks, or foreseeable risks to avoid impact on agreed project milestones.
Lead and mentor project managers, field engineers, superintendents, and construction support staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Drive strategy with respect to contractor scope, division of responsibilities, contractor qualification and selection, execution innovation, integrated purchasing, and work front planning to meet client schedule, cost, and quality expectations.
Manage contractor performance, including contract administration, scope alignment, change management, and dispute resolution.
Serve as the primary interface with clients, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and strong relationship management throughout the project lifecycle.
Direct development and execution of project plans, budgets, schedules, risk registers, and progress reporting to ensure predictable project outcomes.
Identify and mitigate construction risks, proactively resolving issues related to schedule delays, cost impacts, technical challenges, and resource constraints.
Ensure seamless coordination between engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations teams to support integrated project delivery.
Champion Jacobs’ BeyondZero safety culture by enforcing safe work practices, conducting site audits, and ensuring compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and industry‑specific safety standards.
Provide input into wider Jacobs business development efforts by contributing to pursuit strategies, client presentations, constructability reviews, and project execution strategies. #LI-CC1 #epjobs #naepjobs
Location - Greenville, South Carolina preferred. However will consider any Jacobs office location NATIONWIDE
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Construction Management, or equivalent combination of education and extensive natural gas or thermal power construction experience.
15+ years of progressive experience managing large‑scale greenfields and brownfields power generation construction projects, including direct oversight of complex field construction activities.
Prior leadership of >500 million dollar power plant construction programs under an EPC or EPCM contract structure
Demonstrated expertise in thermal power plant systems, including gas turbines, reciprocating engine generators, heat recovery systems, emissions control technologies, balance‑of‑plant systems, and associated electrical and controls infrastructure.
Strong working knowledge of site development, civil and structural construction, fast-track deployment solutions, industrial mechanical and fuel systems, medium and high‑voltage electrical systems, and integrated control systems.
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage multiple subcontractors in a fast‑paced, schedule‑driven environment.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and client‑facing skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain long‑term relationships.
Deep understanding of construction safety programs, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with digital construction tools, advanced work packaging, and modern project controls systems.
Experience in data center construction and/or development
Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.