Principal Project Manager - New Mexico

Work Location:  Full Time on Site, New Mexico

Duration: 11+ months (potential to extend)  

Rate: Not defined / Need candidate’s requested rate

Hours: Full time / 40 hours (onsite)

Per diem: $178.00/day (7 days per week)

Mob / Demob: $750.00 each way ($1,500.00 total)

Trip Home: 1 paid trip home per month

US Citizenship Required

Position Details: Seeking a highly experienced Principal Project Manager to support a major expansion project, working directly under the Project Director and site leadership to stand up and mobilize an Engineering & Construction (E&C) delivery partner. This is a senior-level role, more advanced than Senior Project Manager or Project Development Manager positions, intended to provide strategic project leadership. The Principal Project Manager will play a lead role in evaluating and establishing the appropriate delivery model (EPC, EPCm, Design/Build, or similar) and driving early mobilization activities for a major capital project in a regulated nuclear/energy environment.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Project Director and site leadership in evaluating and selecting an Engineering & Construction delivery approach (EPC, EPCm, Design/Build, or hybrid models).

• Lead early-stage mobilization of the selected E&C partner, including contract structuring, scope alignment, and integration into project governance.

• Plan, organize, and direct project activities from initiation through execution, with authority commensurate with senior project leadership.

• Own project scope, budget, and schedule development at a strategic level, ensuring alignment with client and regulatory requirements.

• Serve as a key point of coordination between the client, the E&C partner, and internal stakeholders during project setup and mobilization.

• Establish project controls, reporting structures, and risk management frameworks appropriate for a major capital project.

• Provide senior-level oversight of contractor and supplier selection processes.

• Identify and mitigate project risks at a program level, escalating appropriately to the Project Director.

• Prepare and present executive-level project status reports and updates to senior management and client leadership.

• Operate with a high degree of independence, providing seasoned project leadership to the onsite team.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field (advanced degree a plus).

• Minimum of 15+ years experience leading large, complex projects with values exceeding $100M

• Extensive experience in project management on large-scale capital projects, with direct experience in nuclear, DOE/DOD, or heavily regulated industrial environments strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience setting up and mobilizing EPC, EPCm, or Design/Build contracting arrangements.

• Deep knowledge of project management methodologies, contract structures, and delivery models for major capital projects.

• Proven ability to operate at a senior/strategic level, including experience supporting or acting in a Project Director capacity.

• Strong leadership, executive communication, and stakeholder management skills.