Cost Control Specialist

Company Overview

P&E Constructors is an employee-owned (ESOP) mechanical and electrical construction firm executing large capital projects with deep roots in the industrial construction sector. Since 1946, we’ve delivered fabrication and installation services with a commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and client-focused solutions.

Work Location & Travel Expectations

This role supports projects across the United States and requires a high level of travel based on business and project needs. Candidates may be based anywhere within the U.S.; however, the selected individual should be prepared for assignments at various project locations nationwide. Travel for this position may reach up to approximately 90%.

Project assignments generally last 10 to 17 months, depending on project duration and operational requirements. While assigned to a project away from home, eligible employees are provided per diem to assist with temporary living and travel-related expenses, in addition to a competitive base salary.

To support project deployment, mobilization assistance may be provided, which can include mileage reimbursement or other approved travel support. Employees may also receive extended weekend rotations approximately once per month, allowing additional time for travel home.

Position Overview

The Cost Control Specialist is responsible for maintaining the financial picture of shop and fabrication projects, including budgets, commitments, actual costs, forecasts, and billing substantiation. This position partners closely with Project Controls, Project Management, Estimating, Accounting, and Operations to ensure project costs are accurately tracked and forecasted throughout the project lifecycle.

The Cost Control Specialist translates physical project progress into earned dollars, maintains accurate Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) and Estimate-to-Complete (ETC) forecasts, supports change order pricing, and provides the financial insight needed to protect project margins. This role is responsible for answering a critical question: What will this job ultimately cost, and how do we know?

Responsibilities

• Budget Setup & Maintenance: Build and maintain project cost budgets from the estimate at award using appropriate WBS and cost codes by job, system, and cost type, including shop labor, weld consumables, pipe and fittings, subcontract services, equipment, and freight. Reconcile budgets to contract value and maintain accurate budget logs through project changes.
• Labor Cost Control: Review timesheet coding regularly to ensure labor is accurately assigned to the appropriate cost codes. Identify and correct miscoding between projects, fabrication, rework, and indirect activities. Reconcile labor actuals to payroll each accounting period.
• Commitments & Material Cost Tracking: Track purchase orders, commitments, receipts, and invoices for materials and subcontracted services. Maintain committed-cost reports to ensure forecasts reflect both incurred and obligated costs. Monitor material usage, remnants, returns, and other material cost impacts.
• Forecasting & Cost Reporting: Prepare recurring project cost reports detailing actual costs, commitments, earned value, ETC, EAC, cost variances, and projected margins. Identify emerging cost issues and provide clear explanations of significant variances. Maintain accurate accruals for work performed but not yet invoiced.
• Change Order Management: Support pricing and financial analysis for changes, rework, acceleration, delays, and other scope impacts. Quantify associated costs, maintain change and trend logs, and track changes from identification through client approval. Clearly segregate costs associated with unapproved changes.
• Billing & Cash Management: Support and substantiate progress billings by aligning invoice percentages with earned project progress. Compile required billing backup, including weld maps, shipping documentation, material invoices, and other supporting records. Track retention, unbilled/underbilled positions, and project cash status.
• Cost Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Analyze project cost performance and provide meaningful financial feedback to Project Management and Operations. Support estimating by comparing final project costs and unit costs against original estimates and historical norms.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with Project Controls, Project Managers, Estimating, Accounting, and shop personnel to ensure project progress, cost data, commitments, and forecasts are aligned and accurately reflected.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, business administration, or related field preferred
• 3–7 years of experience in project cost control, job cost accounting, or a similar financial/project controls role, preferably within construction, fabrication, or industrial environments
• Experience with ERP-based job costing systems such as Viewpoint, Sage, CMiC, or similar platforms
• Strong understanding of project cost forecasting, including EAC and ETC
• Experience with change order pricing, cost impact analysis, and change management
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to analyze large amounts of cost and project data
• Understanding of construction or fabrication cost structures, including labor, materials, subcontractors, equipment, and indirect costs
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Ability to identify cost trends, explain variances, and communicate financial information clearly to project and operational teams
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet recurring reporting deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Total Rewards & Benefits

At P&E Constructors, we believe in rewarding our employees through competitive compensation, employee ownership, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial wellbeing, health, and future.

Compensation & Employee Ownership

• The market rate for the role is typically at the mid-point of the salary range; however, variations in final salary are determined by additional factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, relevant years of experience, geographic location, internal pay equity, and prevailing market conditions for the specific role.
• Performance-based merit increases and career growth opportunities
• Employee Ownership (ESOP) Share in the success and growth of the company
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $130,000

Financial Security & Savings

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare & Dependent Care)
• Competitive compensation with ongoing performance reviews
• Financial planning and retirement savings opportunities

Health Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options
• Company-paid employee monthly medical premiums (P & E Constructors covers employee costs)
• Coverage available for spouse, domestic partners, and dependents
• Prescription drug coverage
• Telehealth services
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work-Life Support

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Work-life balance support programs

Protection Coverages

• Company-paid Short-term and Long-term disability coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits are offered

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Perform physical movements such as bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing
• Safely navigate active construction sites, including uneven, confined, or cluttered work areas
• Work at elevated heights and comply with fall protection and safety requirements
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
• Work in environments with exposure to noise, dust, temperature extremes, and other construction-related conditions
• Interpret technical drawings and visualize three-dimensional concepts when needed
• Maintain sufficient vision, hearing, coordination, and awareness to safely perform job duties
• Ability to work extended shifts, including up to 12 hours, in outdoor construction environments and varying weather conditions
• Maintain physical stamina and strength to perform demanding job duties throughout the workday

To be Considered: Candidates Must be authorized to work in the country where the position is located.