Project Cost Engineer (00466)
South Plainfield, NJ
Mid-Atlantic – Operations /
Full-Time /
Hybrid
Position Summary
PMA is currently seeking a Project Cost Engineer for an exclusive assignment to work on a portfolio of high-profile utility projects. The Project Cost Engineer professional provides advanced cost engineering support across project phases, including planning, execution, and closeout. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining cost control systems, supporting budgeting and forecasting, performing cost analyses, and preparing reports to guide decision-making. The role also includes schedule oversight, stakeholder communication, and identification of cost-saving opportunities. A strong grasp of cost and schedule integration, project controls systems, and data interpretation is essential. This is a senior-level role requiring independent execution of moderately complex tasks and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Position Responsibilities
- Cost Management & Analysis
- Develops and implements cost control procedures, documents, and tools to support and enhance project budget management.
- Reviews and applies contract documents to define cost obligations and align deliverables.
- Prepares and maintains summary and detailed cost estimates, incorporating early, late, and planned cost calculations.
- Performs cost analysis to identify trends and deviations, including cost underruns and overruns.
- Incorporates progress data into cost updates and develops corrective recommendations.
- Applies target estimates and pinpoints drivers of project cost variances.
- Supports development of what-if analyses to assess cost impacts.
- Scheduling & Forecasting
- Develops and maintains engineering and construction schedules for EPC projects using Primavera P6.
- Analyzes project schedules and recommends corrective actions to meet milestones.
- Understands scheduling fundamentals, including sequencing, activity duration estimation, baseline management, and earned value.
- Supports multi-project scheduling and reporting with minimal oversight.
- Reporting & Communication
- Develops insightful and well-structured cost and schedule reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Summarizes cost status, key themes, and performance insights in clear, digestible formats.
- Effectively engages stakeholders to gather required information, even when met with resistance.
- Collaboration & Consulting
- Supports project managers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure adherence to budgets and timelines.
- Demonstrates a solid understanding of PMA’s products, services, clients, and projects.
- Participates in client engagements and program assignments across industries.
- Process Improvement & Knowledge Sharing
- Identifies areas for process improvement within project controls.
- Demonstrates advanced knowledge of cost and scheduling tools and mentors less experienced staff.
- Pursues growth in domain knowledge and shares expertise across teams.
- Other Duties as Assigned
- Supports business development through monitoring and identifying growth opportunities.
- Exhibits initiative, logical analysis, and decision-making in solving problems and making recommendations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.
- 4+ years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, or scheduling.
- Experience with Primavera P6 scheduling software.
- Proficiency with cost management software and advanced Excel skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Professional certifications such as PMP or PE are preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered in lieu of stated minimum qualifications.
$79,040 - $112,320 a year
The salary range for this position is $79,040 - $112,320.
A hired employee will be placed within this salary range based on a variety of legitimate business reasons, including but not limited to the individual’s scope of relevant experience and geographic location.
Additional Requirements
Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.
Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.
About PMA
At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.
We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.
We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.
We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.
As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a “Best Place to Work.”
PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.
EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
VEVRAA federal contractor.
