Project Analyst

Job Title: Project Controls SpecialistJob Description

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced Project Controls Specialist to support a busy project team in Houston by providing comprehensive project coordination, cost control, and analytical support for oil and gas and natural gas pipeline projects. The successful candidate will help manage a large portfolio of projects, ensuring accurate cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting while working closely with engineering and project management teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide project coordination and project controls support for oil and gas and natural gas pipeline projects.
• Support project managers and engineering teams by tracking project costs, schedules, and progress across multiple concurrent projects.
• Perform cost control activities, including cost analysis, forecasting, and budget monitoring for projects ranging from several million to very large capital investments.
• Prepare, maintain, and analyze project reports using Excel, including pivot tables and large data sets, to provide clear and accurate information to stakeholders.
• Assist with project management tasks such as tracking milestones, monitoring performance, and ensuring adherence to project plans and budgets.
• Coordinate with engineering project managers and engineering teams to collect data, validate information, and resolve discrepancies related to project costs and schedules.
• Support inventory control and supply chain-related activities as they relate to project materials, costs, and timelines.
• Contribute to quality assurance efforts by ensuring the accuracy and completeness of project data, documentation, and reports.
• Utilize ERP systems, such as SAP or similar platforms, to input, track, and reconcile project financials and cost information when applicable.
• Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders while managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, often supporting 30-40 active projects.
• Prepare and deliver regular status updates and cost reports to project leadership to support informed decision-making.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience in project controls or project analyst roles, specifically supporting large capital or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience providing project coordination, cost controls, and project analyst support in the oil and gas or natural gas sector.
• Past experience working in the pipeline industry and coordinating with engineering project managers or engineering teams.
• College degree in business, finance, construction management, accounting, engineering, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including building and using pivot tables and working with large data sets.
• Proven ability to perform cost analysis, cost control, and forecasting for complex projects.
• Experience with project management and project control practices, including reporting and performance tracking.
• Ability to manage and prioritize work across a high volume of projects, typically 30-40 projects at a time, with budgets ranging from millions to very large capital amounts.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering and supply chain.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality assurance in data and reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in the pipeline and midstream sectors.
• Advanced Excel knowledge, including advanced use of pivot tables and manipulation of large data sets.
• Experience working with SAP or other ERP systems for project and cost tracking.
• Background or exposure to supply chain and inventory control processes within project environments.
• Experience supporting owner-operator organizations or large capital project owners.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong analytical mindset and problem-solving skills, particularly in cost and performance analysis.

Work Environment

This position is based in an office environment in Houston, working approximately 40 hours per week. The role supports an owner-operator project organization with a strong focus on pipeline and midstream projects. The work involves extensive use of Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and large data manipulation, as well as interaction with ERP systems such as SAP. Team members typically manage a high volume of concurrent projects, providing a dynamic and fast-paced setting. The organization offers paid holidays and paid time off, contributing to a supportive and balanced work environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $50.00/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 Houston,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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.