Project Controls AI Lead

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Project Overview:

The Infrastructure Global Business Unit (GBU) is executing work across multiple business lines including Public Infrastructure, Renewables & Clean Power, and Heavy Civil. The successful candidate will join the functional team and lead Project Controls AI initiatives and implementation in support of the GBU’s portfolio of projects, proposals, and prospects.

Job Summary:

The Project Controls AI Lead is responsible for advancing Bechtel’s Project Controls capability through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, and automation. This role integrates AI-driven solutions into core Project Controls functions - including cost engineering, planning & scheduling, risk management, and performance reporting - to enhance forecast accuracy, improve productivity, and strengthen project delivery outcomes.

The role supports enterprise initiatives aligned with Bechtel’s Digital Delivery strategy and ensures compliance with corporate policies, including data governance and risk management requirements.

This position is designated as part-time telework per our global telework policy and will require at least three days of in-person attendance per week at the assigned office or project. Weekly in-person schedules will be determined by the individual and their supervisor, in consultation with functional or project leadership. #LI-ML1

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a Project Controls AI roadmap aligned with Bechtel’s Digital Transformation and Automation strategy
• Identify and prioritize high-value use cases impacting:
  Estimate at Completion (EAC) accuracy
  Schedule predictability and milestone performance
  Risk identification and mitigation (CIAR integration)
• Serve as the functional authority for AI integration within Project Controls
• Design and implement AI-enabled solutions embedded in standard Bechtel workflows:
  •    Predictive cost forecasting and EAC optimization
  •    Trend analysis using historical and real-time project data
  •    Early identification of cost growth drivers and deviations
  •    Predictive schedule analytics using Primavera P6 data
  •    AI-assisted schedule risk analysis beyond traditional Monte Carlo methods
  •    Critical path sensitivity and delay prediction
  •    Automated identification of emerging risks and integration into CIAR logs
  •    Predictive risk scoring based on historical project performance
  •    Enhance PFSR (Project Financial Status Report) with AI-generated insights
  •    Automate narrative generation for project reports
  •    Improve variance analysis and root-cause identification
  •    Integrate AI capabilities with enterprise systems such as: Primavera P6, EcoSys, SAP, Power BI 
  •    Establish standardized data models and ensure high-quality inputs across projects 
  •    Collaborate with IT and Data teams to enable secure, scalable AI solutions 
  •    Ensure compliance with Bechtel’s data governance and cybersecurity standards
  •    Drive adoption of AI tools across Project Controls teams and projects
  •    Develop training materials and guidance for practitioners (cost engineers, planners, etc.)
  •    Translate AI insights into actionable recommendations for project leadership
  •    Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making within Bechtel

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, construction management, business or related field required
• Minimum 10-13 years of relevant experience or 14-17 years of relevant work experience
• Current or previous Bechtel experience preferred

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of Project Controls tools:
  • Primavera P6
  • EcoSys
  • SAP
  • Power BI
• Experience with analytics and AI tools:
  • Data Bricks, Python, SQL
  • Azure AI / Machine Learning platforms
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate innovation into practical application
• Effective stakeholder engagement across projects and corporate functions
• Excellent communication skills, including executive-level reporting
• Ability to operate within Bechtel’s matrixed organization structure

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

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As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.