Construction Cost Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Cost Engineer

Location: Chesterfield, VA (Data Center Project)

Address: 1600 Digital Drive, Chester, VA 23836

Start Date: 07/13/2026

Duration: Contract (Potential for Permanent Conversion)

Pay Rate: $60/hr

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Cost Engineer to support a large-scale data center construction project in Chesterfield, VA. This individual will play a critical role in project cost management, change order administration, forecasting, budgeting, procurement coordination, and financial oversight throughout the construction lifecycle. The ideal candidate has experience supporting data center, mission-critical, semiconductor, or advanced technology construction projects and possesses strong knowledge of construction cost controls and project financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Project Managers to develop, review, and process trade partner change orders
• Evaluate change order requests and validate supporting documentation
• Collaborate with Superintendents to assess schedule and productivity impacts
• Review contractor change order backup documentation for accuracy
• Support equipment procurement teams with budgeting, forecasting, and cost tracking
• Develop and maintain equipment cost forecasts throughout the project lifecycle
• Coordinate equipment-related change orders, invoicing, billing, and budget reconciliations
• Monitor committed costs, actual expenditures, and forecasted costs
• Prepare cost reports, financial analyses, and executive-level project updates
• Track contingency usage, cost trends, and potential budget exposures
• Maintain accurate project cost records and ensure compliance with project controls processes
• Work cross-functionally with project management, procurement, field operations, and client stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction cost management, cost engineering, project controls, or related experience
• Experience supporting data center, mission-critical, advanced technology, semiconductor, or similar complex construction projects
• Strong understanding of:
• • Change management
  • Cost forecasting
  • Billing and invoicing
  • Construction financial processes
• Experience reviewing and negotiating trade partner change orders
• Knowledge of construction contracts, budgeting, and procurement
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience with construction cost management software
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced construction environment
• Experience supporting projects valued at $70M+

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of large-scale data center construction experience
• Familiarity with mission-critical electrical and mechanical systems
• Experience supporting equipment procurement and cost forecasting
• Experience tracking long-lead equipment and materials
• Knowledge of project controls, earned value management (EVM), and cost reporting tools

Must-Haves

• 5+ years of Cost Engineering / Project Controls experience
• Construction cost management and forecasting experience
• Change order management experience
• Data center, mission-critical, semiconductor, or advanced technology project experience
• Strong Excel skills
• Construction budgeting and procurement knowledge
• Experience supporting projects valued at $70M+
• Contractor/vendor change order review and negotiation experience