Project Controls Engineer

Job Overview:

Pay Range: $44.05hr - $57.17hr

Requirement/Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field with 6+ years of Project Controls or cost-related experience; OR 10+ years of relevant experience in Project Controls or cost control in lieu of a degree.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 software applications, including intermediate to advanced Excel and SharePoint skills, and Power BI.
• Knowledge of federal and state transportation funding sources and programming requirements, including discretionary and formula funding programs.
• Understanding of basic principles and practices of budget development, administration, invoicing, disbursement, and accrual.
• Ability to maintain accurate records in support of audits and reporting.
• Strong background in cost engineering functions, including cost estimating, cost control, and cost analysis.
• Knowledge of financial reporting systems and controller account codes.
• Intermediate understanding of engineering, procurement, contracts, construction, and startup/operations processes.
• Familiarity with engineering and construction management gained through formal education or hands-on experience.
• Knowledge of Caltrans and/or FTA procedures and processes preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and a rigorous commitment to accuracy, completeness, and quality control.
• Proactive in taking initiative on project tasks, including policy/technical research and coordinating with key stakeholders.
• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Proven leadership in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Results-driven with a strong focus on problem-solving and finding solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in managing contracts and processing payments related to transportation projects.
• Review monthly invoices for professional services and contractor work associated with transportation projects.
• Process reimbursement requests and supporting documentation in accordance with applicable funding requirements.
• Perform data entry of invoices and review of Personnel Request Forms (PRF).
• Handle invoice coding for Right of Way, Planning and Programming, and subconsultants.
• Manage SharePoint invoice filing and historical data management.
• Coordinate Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) for upcoming professional services contracts.
• Conduct Bid Analyses by comparing proposals from different bidders and assess against previously prepared ICE.
• Coordinate bi-weekly project reviews with Project Managers and Project Coordinators to assess capital projects, including cost analysis.
• Oversee environmental, design, construction management, and geotechnical on-call contracts.
• Organize and direct the preparation of annual budgets specific to projects, including assisting with budget and/or funding analyses and tracking funding allocations.
• Develop and enforce requirements for cost recording, reporting, and analysis standards, programs, and reports.
• Perform ongoing monitoring and control of project performance, including funding, budget, and schedule status.
• Identify variances and develop recommendations consistent with federal, state, and local funding guidelines.
• Continuously update project funding databases and spreadsheets with the latest project information from project sponsors.
• Reconcile conflicting project information and maintain audit-ready records.
• Support administration of federal and state grant funding.
• Coordinate with Finance and project stakeholders to resolve matters of eligibility, scope, and timely use of funds deadlines.
• Research, compile, and analyze project development and implementation status.
• Track progress against timelines and funding requirements.
• Analyze data and prepare technical reports that summarize findings and support recommendations to decision makers.
• Investigate the needs for estimating or cost control data within specific disciplines or specialty areas.
• Identify and define data sources and techniques for acquiring necessary data.
• Maintain the Construction bid database.
• Analyze collected data, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions or improvements.
• Develop and implement systems for measuring project processes and analyze performance metrics.
• Assist in preparing cost data for proposals or contract negotiations.
• Manage project schedules to ensure alignment with deadlines and project milestones.
• Maintain funding schedules related to allocations, project updates, and expenditures.
• Work closely with the project team to assess the impact of project cost and schedule changes.
• Support the development of cost impacts related to the risk register.
• Track project trends and provide early warnings of budget or schedule deviations.
• Assist in coordinating with stakeholders regarding project cost and schedule matters.
• Actively participate in and promote initiatives regarding Safety, Quality, and Diversity & Inclusion.

Nice to Have:

• Knowledge of Caltrans and/or FTA procedures and processes.

Skills:

• Project Controls.
• Cost Engineering.
• Cost Estimating.
• Cost Analysis.
• Microsoft Excel.
• SharePoint.
• Power BI.
• Budget Development.
• Invoicing.
• Grant Administration.
• Bid Analysis.
• Financial Reporting Systems.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Qualification And Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 6+ years of Project Controls or cost-related experience.
• Alternative: 10+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.