Project Cost Engineer

Primary Role: The Project Cost Engineer is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and controlling the costs associated with construction projects. This role ensures that project expenditures remain within budget and are properly forecasted throughout the project lifecycle. The Cost Engineer works closely with the project team, estimators, accounting and finance managers, and schedulers to ensure cost efficiency and financial accuracy.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain project cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and budget tracking tools.
• Prepare and present regular (monthly) cost reports to project stakeholders and management.
• Collect and track progress through quantities to be used in billing and progress reviews.
• Prepare progress billing to be submitted to the owner at the end of each month.
• Monitor and control project expenditures and schedule to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Support the development of project estimates and budgets during the planning and bidding phases.
• Analyze cost trends from partners, subcontractors, and suppliers and identify cost-saving opportunities and risks.
• Coordinate with Preconstruction teams to track purchase orders, invoices, and commitments, and ensure accurate coding.
• Assist the Project Manager with the change order process (tracking, developing estimates, researching costs). 
• Prepare detailed pricing of labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractor costs.
• Review and evaluate contractor and supplier cost proposals and change orders for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain cost databases, historical data, and benchmarking tools.
• Assist in financial closeout and final project cost reporting.
• Ensure compliance with corporate and client financial control standards and procedures.

Education & Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Business Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• 3-7 years of experience in cost engineering or project controls in the construction industry.
• Familiarity with construction project lifecycles and contract item types (e.g., lump-sum, allowances, unit price, T&M).

Skills:

• Strong knowledge and interest in cost control principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel
• Proficient in cost management software and tools (e.g., SharePoint, Primavera P6, Viewpoint Vista, Power BI, HeavyBid, HeavyJob, or similar).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure in a dynamic work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification such as AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or similar. 
• Experience using scheduling software (Primavera P6, or similar)
• Experience in heavy civil and large-diameter underground tunnel construction projects.
• Knowledge of earned value management (EVM).

Working Conditions:

• Project office-based with regular site visits.
• May require occasional travel depending on assignment.

Benefits:  

Obayashi Offers Competitive Market Salaries and a Benefits Package, including: 

• Medical PPO Plan and HDHP
• Dental DPO Plan 
• Vision Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program  
• Life Insurance   
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Disability Insurance 
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Plan Matching 

Employee benefits are 100% covered by Obayashi, and family coverage is covered at 80%. 

About Obayashi

Obayashi Corporation has delivered quality solutions to infrastructure challenges across the globe for more than 130 years. Founded in 1892, Obayashi is the largest Japanese Contractor and the fourth-largest International Contractor conducting business in the United States. Obayashi has been operating and completing projects in the United States since 1979. Obayashi provides a full range of general contractor services in both public works and private sectors including: office buildings, residences, tunnels, highways, rail systems, bridges, artificial islands, airports and nuclear power plants. Other services include urban planning and architecture, real estate and property development, environmental, and waste services. The North American Operations consolidated revenue is over $3 billion in the United States and Canada.     

Equal Opportunity Employer   

Obayashi Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available persons in every job. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. The Company is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of the Company, including supervisors and coworkers.   

To comply with applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, the Company will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or an employee, unless undue hardship would result. If you need accommodation to complete the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department by either visiting Obayashi Corporation at 950 Tower Lane, Ste 800, Foster City, CA 94404 or call (650) 952-4910.