What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Engineer position at Brunel?
Job title: Cost Engineer
Location: Near Waco, TX
Duration: 12-month minimum W2 contract (possibility of extension)
Per diem is available
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Engineer to support a large-scale data center construction program. This role requires deep expertise in cost management, project controls, and financial reporting, with proven experience across both Owner and Contractor/Client-side environments.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring cost visibility, forecasting accuracy, and financial governance across complex, multi-leg CAPEX projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage end-to-end cost engineering activities across the project lifecycle
- Develop, maintain, and analyze project budgets, forecasts, and cost reports
- Track and report Value of Work Done (VOWD) and perform accruals in alignment with finance cycles
- Create and maintain spend profiles, ensuring alignment with project schedules and cash flow requirements
- Develop and analyze Work-in-Progress (WIP) curves and performance metrics
- Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques to measure project performance
- Support scenario planning, cost trending, and risk-based forecasting
- Utilize and manage advanced Cost Management Systems (e.g., Omega, EcoSys, PIMS, Pathfinder, or equivalent)
- Ensure data integrity and consistency across cost systems and reporting tools
- Drive standardization and continuous improvement of cost processes and reporting frameworks
- Maintain strong alignment with the Finance Department to support accurate reporting, accruals, and audit compliance
- Provide clear, concise reporting to senior stakeholders and project leadership
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- 10 years of experience in Cost Engineering / Project Controls within large-scale construction or infrastructure projects
- Demonstrated experience working on both Owner-side and Contractor/Client-side environments
- Proven background in complex multi-phase / multi-leg CAPEX projects
- Strong hands-on experience with Cost Management Software (beyond SAP), such as Omega, EcoSys, PIMS, Pathfinder, or similar enterprise project controls tools
Technical Expertise
- Advanced knowledge of VOWD (Value of Work Done), Accruals & financial close processes, Spend profile development, WIP tracking and curve analysis, Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Experience managing complex CAPEX portfolios (beyond turnarounds or pipeline-only projects)
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of financial processes and accounting principles, with the ability to partner effectively with Finance teams
- Excellent stakeholder communication and reporting skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth project environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in data center construction or mission-critical infrastructure projects is a plus
- Familiarity with large-scale, global project delivery environments is a plus
- Professional certifications (e.g., AACE, PMP) are a plus