ESS Senior Project Manager - Federal Division (Job number: 1373)

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager for our federal team primarily supporting Fort Meade, MD. This role may help support some of our other project sites locally at times also. This role is primarily responsible for managing a procure and installation project to upgrade and retrofit the electronic/integrated security system (access controls, intrusion detection, video management systems, etc)

 

At Johnson Controls, we support our nation’s most critical facilities, the people who occupy them, and the missions they enable. Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS) is a specialized team serving as a trusted partner to the federal government. We help modernize U.S. military installations, Department of Defense and other federal agency facilities to be smarter, more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and secure.

Location: Primarily supports Fort Meade, but may help out with some other project sites in the area at times.
Benefits: Eligible for benefits on first day of employment
Paid Time Off: 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 sick days, 3 floating holidays, and 10 standard holidays (6.5 weeks in total)
Travel Required: Limited; mostly local

 

As a Senior Project Manager, you will:

 

• Serve as the primary leader for execution of assigned projects, developing schedules, managing resources, and ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Develop and approve cost estimates for materials, equipment, labor, and subcontractors in support of proposals, bids, and new business opportunities.
• Negotiate, prepare, and issue subcontracts, while managing vendor selection, procurement, and quality to meet project and client requirements.
• Conduct pre-design site surveys and collaborate with design engineering teams on system design packages, technical submittals, and constructability reviews.
• Coordinate the handoff of engineering deliverables to project teams, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and customer expectations.
• Partner with field operations to troubleshoot and resolve technical or integration issues during installation and commissioning.
• Engage directly with customers through meetings, training, and technical consultation to build confidence and ensure desired outcomes are achieved.
• Participate in proposal reviews, customer meetings, and value-engineering efforts to deliver cost-effective, technically sound solutions.
• Provide project leadership in risk management, recovery planning, and dispute resolution to minimize escalation and protect project outcomes.
• Analyze financial reports and schedules to proactively address challenges, while preparing accurate forecasts of revenue, cost, and gross margin.
• Ensure compliance with US Army Corps of Engineers health and safety standards, internal policies, and quality requirements for all project activities.
• Lead internal knowledge sharing, promoting best practices, standardization, and development of engineering resources to improve long-term execution.

Required Qualifications:

• Project management experience in building construction, facilities maintenance, or electronic security systems (ESS).
• Strong technical background with proven expertise in commercial and industrial ESS (access control, intrusion detection, CCTV/video surveillance), including system design, configuration, integration, and standards compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Experience in project financials, including cost estimating, change order management, and full P&L responsibility.
• Skilled in pre-sales engineering support, contract evaluation, scope interpretation, and development of complete design packages.
• Proficient in project management and financial accounting software; Microsoft Project experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Eligible for U.S. government security clearances; active DoD Top Secret (or higher) clearance strongly preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally in support of field operations and customer requirements.