Lead Cost Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

The Lead Cost Engineer role is a senior position within the Project Services organization supporting a major capital power project. The role is responsible for establishing, managing, and reporting the project’s cost position across all phases of execution.

This individual will lead cost engineering activities including cost control, forecasting, earned value management, and support change management. The Lead Cost Engineer will work closely with Project Management, Scheduling, Procurement, and Construction teams to ensure full integration of cost with project execution.

The role requires an experienced professional capable of operating within a complex EPC/EPCm environment, managing multiple stakeholders, and providing clear, accurate, and timely cost visibility to both internal and client leadership teams.

This position will be based out of the Nexus Cleveland Office with up to 25% travel to Akron, OH.

Accountabilities

• Manage the total installed cost (TIC) position for the project, ensuring accuracy and transparency

• Ensure project cost performance aligns with client expectations and Nexus standards for cost management and reporting

• Lead the development and maintenance of the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) aligned with the WBS

• Establish and manage project cost baselines, budgets, and forecasting processes

• Provide clear and timely reporting of cost performance, including variances, risks, and opportunities

• Lead earned value management implementation and ensure alignment between cost and schedule performance

• Ensure procurement commitments, subcontract costs, and vendor forecasts are accurately reflected in cost reports

• Support governance processes including stage gate reviews, assurance reviews, and executive reporting

• Drive integration between cost, schedule, procurement, engineering, and construction teams

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain cost control systems, procedures, and reporting frameworks for the project

• Lead cost reporting cycles (weekly, including actuals, commitments, and forecast to complete)

• Perform variance analysis and provide clear explanations of cost deviations and performance trends

• Implement and manage earned value metrics including CPI, SPI, and estimate at completion (EAC)

• Maintain and manage the project trend log

• Support the preparation and evaluation of change orders and claims

• Track and report procurement commitments and subcontractor cost exposure

• Develop and maintain project cash flow forecasts

• Ensure alignment between cost reporting and project schedule progress

• Interface with client representatives to present cost performance and key insights

• Support system setup and integration with ERP and project controls tools

Experience

• 10–15 years of cost engineering or project controls experience

• Proven experience on large capital projects ($500MM–$2B+) within EPC or EPCm environments

• Strong experience implementing and managing earned value management systems

• Experience working across engineering, procurement, and construction phases of projects

• Demonstrated experience managing cost on complex, multi-contractor projects

• Experience supporting change management, claims, and commercial discussions

• Strong understanding of project controls systems, cost management tools, and ERP integrations

• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership and clients

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field (required)

• Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional) (preferred)

Competitive Benefits

Learn more about our competitive benefits in detail.

Why Nexus?

Nexus Engineering Group, a distinguished independent full-service engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) firm, provides comprehensive support to clients from concept through startup. With over a decade of demonstrated engineering and design success, Nexus stands out as the firm of choice for those valuing integrity and expertise.

At Nexus, you will be part of a talented and passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation. We foster a collaborative and engaging work environment, making it a place where you’ll enjoy contributing to impactful projects. Joining Nexus means aligning with a firm renowned for its creativity, dedication, and relentless focus on achieving client goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer & Reasonable Accommodation

Nexus Engineering Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Nexus Engineering Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualifies individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require and accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process please contact us at [email protected] .

Sponsorship & Work Authorization

Nexus Engineering Group does not provide employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including CPT, OPT, or employment-based visas. Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States and must be able to maintain that authorization throughout employment without any action, filing, or sponsorship by the company. This requirement applies both at the time of hire and on a continuing basis for the duration of employment.

Third‑Party Agency Notice

Nexus Engineering Group does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external recruiters or agencies. We only engage approved third‑party partners under a written agreement initiated by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Any resumes submitted without prior authorization or a current agreement will not be eligible for placement fees and will be considered the property of Nexus Engineering Group.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.