Project Manager, Large Load & Interconnection Programs
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
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.
What Youll Do
Client Engagement & Market Development
- 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 whats learned to sharpen the teams approach.
- Help grow AECOMs Power Interconnection practice through exceptional client service successful project delivery and a genuine hand in building out the team and its capabilities.
Project Management & Execution
- 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.
Technical Due Diligence & Siting Investigation
- 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 sites 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.
Qualifications :
MINIMUM 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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 PSSE 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
Additional Information :
- Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
- Relocation is not available for this position.
At AECOM we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options well-being resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at .
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time
About Company
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients ... View more