Cost Engineer

Job Title: Cost Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Cost Manager to join our team. This role involves delivering controls and cost management services across various industries including office, cultural, hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, education, and mixed-use projects. The position is based in Chicago with a somewhat hybrid schedule, requiring travel to sites 2-3 times a week.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with stakeholders to establish and track project budgets.

• Maintain project cost control reports, tracking actual costs against estimated budgets.

• Review and assess scopes of work to ensure comprehensive coverage and cost accounting.

• Identify and analyze potential risks impacting project deliverables, timelines, or budgets.

• Prepare detailed construction and project cost estimates from conceptual design through final documents.

• Research local market pricing for materials, labor, and equipment.

• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor their implementation.

• Coordinate with stakeholders for accurate and timely project status updates.

• Review project documentation for compliance with standards.

• Collaborate with teams to implement lessons learned and best practices.

• Stay updated with industry trends and best practices related to project controls.

Essential Skills

• 5-10 years of experience as an Estimator, Cost Manager, or similar role.

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.

• Ability to communicate analyzed data effectively to clients and teams.

• Strong knowledge of architectural drawings and planning concepts.

• Highly organized with strong analytical skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of interacting with executive-level clients and teams.

• Ability to generate AACE level 1-5 cost evaluations.

• Expertise in estimating software and benchmarking tools.

• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

• Leadership skills to lead teams and interact with clients.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of Cost-X, On-Screen Takeoff, or other estimating software.

• Professional certification in project management (e.g., AACE, RICS).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Adaptability to changing priorities and ability to manage multiple projects.

• Intermediate to expert level proficiency in Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Smartsheet.

• Expert understanding of building systems, MEPFS, and architectural elements.

• Familiarity with procurement and tendering processes.

Work Environment

The position is based in the Chicago office with a flexible hybrid schedule.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.