Cost Engineer

Job Title: Cost EngineerMake an Impact on Major Energy Infrastructure Projects

We are seeking a skilled Cost Engineer to play a critical role in delivering large‑scale EPC and heavy industrial construction projects—starting with a high‑profile co‑generation power plant currently under construction. This role sits at the center of project execution, providing the financial insight, foresight, and control needed to successfully deliver complex, multi‑year capital programs.

As a Cost Engineer, you won’t just track numbers—you’ll help shape project decisions, surface risks early, and serve as a trusted financial advisor to project leadership. You’ll collaborate closely with Project Managers, Operations, Engineering, and technical teams to ensure cost performance stays aligned with execution strategy.

What You’ll DoOwn Project Cost Performance

• Lead cost tracking and control for EPC and heavy industrial construction projects, including large, multi‑year capital programs.

• Manage budget vs. actuals, commitments, incurred costs, and cash flow across all phases of the project lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain Estimates at Completion (EACs) and Estimates to Complete (ETCs) to drive accurate forecasting.

Deliver Insightful Forecasting & Risk Analysis

• Perform detailed cost forecasting and trend analysis to proactively identify emerging risks and potential overruns.

• Analyze cost variances, identify root causes, and elevate issues early with clear, data‑driven recommendations.

• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) principles, including CPI and SPI analysis, to evaluate cost and schedule performance.

Support Change & Decision‑Making

• Support full change management processes, including cost impact analysis, change order evaluation, and budget adjustments.

• Translate complex financial and performance data into clear, actionable insights for project leadership.

• Act as a trusted cost advisor, helping leadership optimize costs, mitigate risks, and improve overall project performance.

Leverage Industry‑Leading Tools

• Use EcoSys, Procore, SAP, Excel, Power BI, JDE, and other project controls tools to deliver accurate, timely cost reporting.

• Prepare and present dashboards, forecasts, and reports tailored to leadership and key stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with Project Controls Execution Plans, internal standards, and cost control best practices.

Collaborate & Improve

• Partner closely with Project Managers, Engineering, Operations, Scheduling, Procurement, and other technical teams.

• Support integration between cost and schedule data to ensure consistent project controls.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of cost control processes, tools, and reporting standards.

What We’re Looking ForCore Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Cost Engineering or project controls within EPC, utility, or heavy industrial construction environments.

• Proven expertise in cost forecasting, budgeting, and cost/risk trend analysis on capital projects.

• Hands‑on experience using Earned Value Management (EVM), including CPI and SPI reporting.

• Advanced Excel skills for analysis, modeling, and reporting.

• Experience with EcoSys and/or JDE as primary cost management systems.

• Proficiency in Power BI for dashboards and visual cost reporting.

• Experience with SAP and Procore (Procore preferred).

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field—or equivalent experience.

Preferred & Additional Experience

• Experience supporting utility, energy infrastructure, power generation, or co‑generation projects.

• Strong understanding of change order processes and cost impact evaluation.

• Experience in true project‑based capital environments (not manufacturing or corporate accounting).

• Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

• Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and problem‑solving skills.

• A continuous‑improvement mindset with a passion for improving project delivery outcomes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Paramus, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $158000.00/yr.

Competitive base salary Generous PTO & paid holidays to maintain work-life balance 401(k) with a generous match to plan for your future Comprehensive benefits – medical, dental, vision, and life insurance Weekly pay for consistent, reliable compensation Great mentoring & career growth opportunities – we invest in your development

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Paramus,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.