Project Cost Engineer

Job Title: Cost Engineer – Project Controls

Location: Defiance, OH (Onsite)

Duration: Contract (Estimated start 4Q 2025 through 2026)

Schedule: 40 hours/week; overtime as approved

Employment Type: Contract (Hourly)

Position Summary

The Cost Engineer is a key member of the Project Controls team, reporting directly to the Project Controls Manager. This role supports the execution of capital projects, with a strong focus on cost control, change management, forecasting, and contractor coordination. This is a hands-on, onsite role supporting active construction and capital improvement projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and maintain a strong commitment to site safety at all times

• Support capital project execution through effective cost management and project controls

• Manage Field Change Requests (FCRs), including developing, tracking, analyzing, forecasting, and processing on-site field changes

• Facilitate and lead weekly contractor meetings to review, negotiate, and approve Field Change Notices (FCNs)

• Verify all supporting documentation for field changes and confirm alignment with base scope

• Summarize approved FCNs by contractor and coordinate with Procurement for formal change order issuance

• Review and validate contractor invoices against approved contracts and FCRs, including on-site verification as required

• Assist in preparing monthly cost reports and provide input into contractor forecasting

• Analyze and explain monthly cost variances and update contract summaries

• Create, maintain, and report Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics for assigned contracts

• Track and manage cash flow for both capital and expense budgets, identifying and explaining variances

• Review and provide input on the master project schedule and contractor-specific schedules

• Support contract closeout activities, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate

• Apply back charges as required and complete contractor and vendor closeout documentation

• Lead contractor performance evaluation reviews in collaboration with the project team

• Perform additional project controls and cost-related duties as needed

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Solid understanding of project controls and cost engineering principles

• Experience with field change management, cost reporting, forecasting, and contract administration

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Advanced verbal, written, and presentation communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally

• High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of paper production equipment and manufacturing processes

• Familiarity with Oracle Aconex or similar project documentation systems

• Experience supporting large capital or industrial construction projects

You should be proficient in:

• Project Management
• Construction Management
• Accounts Payable (AP)