Demo

Principal Estimator - Project Controls

HNTB Corporation
Minneapolis, MN Full Time
POSTED ON 1/13/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/13/2026
What We're Looking For Our HNTB Minnesota team is growing! We are seeking a dynamic, engaging leader to join our team as a Principle Project Controls, specializing in Estimating. This role will report directly to the Director of Project Controls and is an amazing opportunity to push your career to the next level by joining the team of one of HNTB's most dynamic and promising offices. You'll have opportunities that stretch beyond Minnesota working with clients all over the United States, as well as, help bring in work opportunities with MnDOT, Metro Transit and other MN clients. At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners. This opportunity entails being responsible for providing technical consultation and direction in one or more project controls functions including but not limited to; scheduling, estimating, cost control, risk management, document control and project management information systems. This position supports the technical aspect of project development and delivery in their function area(s). A Principal Project Controls serves as technical advisor on complex projects and subject matter expert in their specialty. Provides guidance and mentorship and may lead and coordinate the work of project controls staff. What You'll Do: May perform one or more of the following responsibilities based on applicable project controls functional area(s) including but not limited to; scheduling, estimating, cost control, risk management, document control and project management information systems. Prepares material, labor, and equipment cost estimates for concept designs, design development documents, bid documents and change orders. Develops conceptual estimates reflecting the potential budget of a project at a highly preliminary stage of design development and assists in the development of Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) to support the change management process for active projects. Assists in the creation, maintenance and control of budgets and schedules from design concept through project completion. Utilizes the detailed cost estimate to support and develop schedules reflective of the labor hours generated to input schedule activity durations and resource needs. Oversees and coordinates the creation of program/project management plans and procedures for several project controls activities. Participates in the review and assessment of the project team or contractor monthly progress schedule updates on active projects and provides advisory input to the project manager or client/owner of the proposed disposition of the progress schedule update. Develops costs forecasts and trends and analyzes accrual of actual costs. Evaluates and documents historical cost data to maintain current estimating standards and databases Consults with the project team or client/owner related to potential claims, claims avoidance, and claims support. Prepares reports and performance dashboards for a variety of project controls metrics, analyzes data and creates and/or participates in client presentations. Develops and maintains project risk register. Escalates project risks and partners with the project team to create and propose mitigation plans. Recommend appropriate technology solutions to support requirements of a program/project. Supports project controls technology and project management control systems (PMCS). May recommend technology solutions to meet the requirements of a program or project and assist in the implementation of an appropriate (PMCS) solution. May participate in negotiations on behalf of the client including providing support in price negotiations, contacting vendors to obtain quotes for materials and services, and leading change order negotiations as needed. What You'll Need: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related field and 12 years’ relevant experience, or In lieu of education, 16 years’ relevant experience OR 12 years’ relevant direct contractor experience What We Prefer: One or more of following AACE certifications (or equivalent): PSP, EVP, CCP, CEP, DRMP Project Controls experience in all phases of project lifecycle (e.g., predesign, design, procurement, construction, and post-construction phases) Project Controls experience working as client's PM/CM agent (e.g., providing program management/construction management services), or as part of design-build contractor (or equivalent design and construction experience) Additional Information Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. #JEK #ProjectControls #LI-JK1 . Locations: Minneapolis, MN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The approximate pay range for Minnesota is $154,170.89 - $246,272.98. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state. . . NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES: HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees. At HNTB, we are harnessing the power of collaboration and innovation to establish a new vision for the future of mobility across our country. You don’t have to look far to see our impact. For more than a century, HNTB’s spark has connected people and places, expanded opportunity, and left a lasting impact on our communities. Our culture of integrity and inclusion, combined with groundbreaking solutions, has affirmed our reputation and positioned our firm as the industry leader in delivering extraordinary value. When you join HNTB, you are joining an employee-owned firm founded on the values of integrity, collaboration, personal accountability, respect for others, and the development of all employees. We are committed to the continual improvement of an inclusive and diverse workplace. We encourage our employees to bring their whole and authentic selves to work, provide them a meaningful welcoming environment where they are valued, celebrated and respected. Diversity of thought and unique perspectives drives innovation, engagement and retention, which makes HNTB better and brings value to our clients and our communities. Equal Opportunity Employer HNTB is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other status protected by law. We will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with a disability where appropriate. Work Authorization In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we will only employ qualified individuals legally authorized to work in the United States (if the position is or will be one which is subject to U.S. law). Verification of employment eligibility will be required. HNTB participates in E-Verify Know your rights: Right to Work

Salary : $154,171 - $246,273

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Principal Estimator - Project Controls?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Principal Estimator - Project Controls career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$142,511 - $185,810
Income Estimation: 
$146,519 - $191,752
Income Estimation: 
$87,195 - $112,851
Income Estimation: 
$115,491 - $158,336
Income Estimation: 
$102,413 - $133,130
Income Estimation: 
$109,705 - $144,044
Income Estimation: 
$119,541 - $162,386
Income Estimation: 
$137,274 - $178,415
Income Estimation: 
$182,502 - $249,036
Income Estimation: 
$207,946 - $249,343
Income Estimation: 
$175,165 - $219,883
Income Estimation: 
$182,642 - $260,237
Income Estimation: 
$125,870 - $158,705
Income Estimation: 
$156,108 - $190,447
Income Estimation: 
$131,105 - $151,214
Income Estimation: 
$172,510 - $244,152
Income Estimation: 
$191,286 - $252,215
Income Estimation: 
$154,060 - $197,092
Income Estimation: 
$131,105 - $151,214
Income Estimation: 
$137,848 - $188,725
Income Estimation: 
$228,235 - $302,004
Income Estimation: 
$107,021 - $143,982
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at HNTB Corporation

  • HNTB Corporation Seattle, WA
  • What We're Looking For At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a cent... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • HNTB Corporation Overland Park, KS
  • What We're Looking For At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a cent... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • HNTB Corporation Minneapolis, MN
  • What We're Looking For At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a cent... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • HNTB Corporation Nashville, TN
  • What We're Looking For At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a cent... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Principal Estimator - Project Controls jobs in the Minneapolis, MN area that may be a better fit.

  • Synectics Inc. Minneapolis, MN
  • Job Overview Supports long-range planning of nuclear projects. Develops preliminary and refined estimates to support budgeting and funding authorization. S... more
  • 19 Days Ago

  • Egan Company Champlin, MN
  • Overview Egan Company is seeking qualified candidates for a Assistant Project Manager/Estimator ( APM) position in Industrial Controls team located in Cham... more
  • 23 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!