Project Manager, Chicago, IL

ThermalWorks LLC is seeking a Project Manager to oversee project delivery for high-efficiency cooling systems in data centers. The role involves managing project lifecycles, fostering cross-functional relationships, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of project delivery, from pre-construction planning to turnover, with a strong focus on schedule discipline, budget adherence, safety, and quality standards
• Build strong working relationships with engineering, commissioning, service, and manufacturing teams to maintain cross-functional alignment and solve technical problems
• Communicate with senior management, clients, and regulatory agencies
• Enforce adherence to company processes, startup requirements, and commissioning readiness
• Conduct inspections and audits to ensure optimal performance, safety, and quality standards, ensuring compliance with local codes, standards, and regulations
• Prepare and submit project plans and budgets. Maintain cost control and be fully accountable for project financial performance
• Ensure alignment between field conditions and design intent, leveraging your understanding of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems
• 25% travel required

Requirements:

• Bachelors in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• 7+ years of project leadership experience, with 5+ years in mission-critical infrastructure or data center delivery environments
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects in a mission critical environment
• Solid working knowledge of HVAC, hydronic systems, electrical distribution, and controls integration
• Experience with commissioning oversight, Level 3–5 testing, and integrated system delivery
• Proven ability to earn the respect of both technical teams and clients through competence, consistency, and leadership
• Strong organizational, communication, and effective reporting skills
• Willingness to travel as needed to support regional deployment efforts
• Background in data center cooling systems, industrial MEP installations, or OEM equipment deployment
• Familiarity with redundant systems (A/B loops, N+1/N+2) and commissioning strategies
• Experience working in or with hyperscale environments
• MSOffice applications (i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint)
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Excellent at setting priorities and managing multiple projects with competing deadlines with attention to detail and an openness to new ideas and procedures
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to think critically and strategically, with strong problem-solving skills
• Tech-Savvy: Comfortable working with a wide range of software tools and platforms to manage both projects and executive-level tasks