Senior Cost Analyst

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and wayfinding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams.

Reporting to the Director of Project Controls in the Capital Delivery Department, the Senior Cost Analyst is responsible for integrating capital funding strategy with project-level cost management across the agency's capital program. This position collaborates with multidisciplinary teams overseeing the planning, design, and construction of large-scale bridge, track, station, parking, and railroad yard projects.

The role works closely with Project Management, Planning, Finance, and Grants staff to ensure that capital projects are properly funded and that project budgets, forecasts, and expenditures are accurately tracked and aligned with funding sources. The position serves as a key advisor to leadership by providing clear, data-driven insights into funding availability, cost performance, and financial risk across the capital program.

The primary duties include: Develop, evaluate, and submit budget requests and funding strategies in coordination with internal stakeholders. Coordinate development and approval of project charters. Develop and present funding briefings and status reports for leadership and serve as a subject matter expert on capital program funding processes and timelines. Oversee cost management processes within the Project Management Information System (PMIS), including budgeting, cost tracking, and change management. Administer and maintain financial tracking tools and reporting systems, and cost control systems, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial data across all capital projects. Map project costs to funding sources, including grants, purchase orders, and agreements and develop and maintain project budget forecasts, cost estimates, cash flows, and spend curves. Monitor cost allocations and expenditures throughout all phases of the project life cycle. Coordinate and lead recurring cost and financial review meetings with Capital Delivery and Grants teams and collaborate with staff managing all stages of capital construction from pre-construction through closeout and across departments to identify agency priorities and support capital investment decisions. Provide integrated reporting on project funding status, cost performance, and forecasted financial needs across the capital program. Review cost estimates, financial reports, and cash flow projections to validate funding needs and ensure alignment between budgets and expenditures. Ensure alignment between project budgets, funding allocations, and actual expenditures to support compliance and financial accountability.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.