Project Cost Engineer

PMA Consultants

  • South Plainfield, NJ
  • $110,600-122,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 28 days ago
South Plainfield, NJMid-Atlantic - Operations /Full-Time /HybridPosition SummaryThe Cost Engineer is a mid-level professional responsible for leading cost management activities across multiple projects or larger-scale initiatives. Building on foundational experience, this role requires greater independence and ownership of cost analysis, forecasting, and reporting. The Cost Engineer develops and implements cost control strategies, collaborates with project stakeholders, and provides meaningful insights to drive informed decision-making. This position serves as a subject matter resource for standardizing cost practices and plays a critical role in ensuring financial performance aligns with project goals.Position Responsibilities
  • Develops and implements standardized cost control procedures, tools, and documentation.
  • Produces and presents periodic budgets and cost performance reports, including earned value analysis and cost variances.
  • Coordinates procurement and vendor data to support forecasting, trend analysis, and risk identification.
  • Analyzes and reconciles accruals, invoices, and labor/material cost accounting.
  • Identifies cost deviations and highlights underruns/overruns to project leadership.
  • Ensures adherence to approved budgets through consistent tracking and change management support.
  • Works closely with project managers, construction teams, and financial analysts to maintain cost integrity.
  • Supports executive-level decision-making with accurate and timely financial insights.
  • Advises on cost implications during the design and construction phases of projects.
  • Contributes to the development and rollout of best practices and cost engineering standards across projects.
  • Participates in the continuous improvement of cost control systems and PMIS integration.
  • Other duties as assigned
Position Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, project management, or a related construction field required
  • 5+ years of relevant cost engineering or project controls experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with project cost forecasting, budget reporting, and financial analysis.
  • Proficiency with cost control software and tools (e.g., Oracle, Primavera, or equivalent).
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
  • Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional) or PMP 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.
$110,600 - $122,000 a yearThe salary range for this position is $110,600 - $122,000.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 RequirementsPhysical: 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 PMAAt 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.

PMA Consultants