Senior Project Leader

Senior Project Leader

Job Description

The Senior Project Leader oversees complex software and systems programs with a strong focus on machines and data collection. This role combines strategic program management, technical understanding, and cross-functional leadership to ensure projects stay on schedule, meet defined milestones, and deliver high-quality outcomes. The Senior Project Leader collaborates closely with Senior engineering stakeholders and drives progress by influencing teams without relying on direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex programs from initiation through completion, ensuring alignment with overall business and technical goals.
• Analyze complex problems, break them into manageable steps, and develop clear, actionable plans to address each component.
• Define project milestones, deliverables, and timelines, and track progress against these plans to ensure timely completion.
• Monitor project schedules closely and take proactive action to keep projects on track and progressing smoothly.
• Coordinate work across software and systems teams, ensuring that technical dependencies and integration points are well understood and managed.
• Collaborate with VP-level engineers and other Senior stakeholders to clarify requirements, align expectations, and secure support for key initiatives.
• Communicate effectively across teams, providing clear status updates, risks, and issues to all relevant stakeholders.
• Influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders without direct reporting authority, building consensus and driving alignment on project priorities.
• Ensure that machines and data collection requirements are incorporated into project plans and implemented effectively.
• Identify risks and issues early, develop mitigation strategies, and escalate appropriately when necessary.
• Support continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and refining project management practices over time.

Essential Skills

• Approximately 12 years of experience in project or program management, with a focus on leading complex technical initiatives.
• Proven experience as a Senior Project Lead or in a similar Senior project leadership role.
• Strong background in software and systems, with the ability to understand technical concepts and communicate effectively with engineering teams.
• Experience working with machines and data collection systems, including integrating these elements into broader projects or programs.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, decompose them into manageable tasks, and develop structured plans.
• Proficiency in defining project milestones, schedules, and deliverables, and in managing projects to successful completion.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with VP-level engineers and Senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority, building trust and alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an AI-related field, or equivalent relevant education.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience leading projects that involve machines, sensors, or hardware integrated with software and data collection.
• background in AI-related applications or systems, particularly where data collection plays a central role.
• Ability to present complex technical and project information in a clear, concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Track record of driving continuous improvement in project management processes and team collaboration.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in an air-conditioned building environment. The Senior Project Leader works closely with software, systems, and engineering teams in a collaborative, office-based setting that supports frequent interaction with Senior technical stakeholders. The onsite environment enables direct engagement with machines, data collection systems, and engineering resources as needed to support project delivery.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Peoria, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $90.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Peoria,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.