Contracts and Claims Specialist

New Jersey, USA Position Title: Contracts and Claims Specialist About the Positions We’re seeking Contracts and Claims Specialists of various skill levels to support large, complex heavy civil infrastructure programs, including highways, roads, bridges, transit (bus and rail), aviation (international airports), and water/wastewater projects delivered through both traditional and alternative delivery methods. In this role, you will administer construction contracts from award through closeout, review change order requests and contractor claims for merit and cost, keep project records complete and organized, and help settle disagreements before they turn into formal disputes. This post is for future roles and not for a specific opportunity that is available right now. We accept applications and conduct interviews in advance of upcoming hiring needs. When a candidate is selected, their profile is activated in our talent pool for this specialty area. We notify our talent pool candidates first whenever we have a project need. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Administer construction contracts from notice to proceed through final closeout, verifying compliance with contract terms, general and special provisions, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Prepare, log, and route contractual correspondence, notices, and determinations, and maintain the official contract record within the program document management system. Review, evaluate, and negotiate contractor change order requests, force account and time-and-materials work, and requests for equitable adjustment for entitlement, merit, and cost reasonableness. Analyze contractor claims and notices of potential claim, including delay, disruption, differing site conditions, acceleration, suspension, and loss of productivity. Coordinate with scheduling staff to evaluate time impact analyses and time extension requests against the accepted baseline and contemporaneous progress schedules. Prepare independent cost estimates and quantity takeoffs to support negotiation and settlement of change orders and claims. Track contractor payment applications, progress payments, retention, and contingency drawdown, and reconcile committed and expended amounts against the contract value. Prepare claim position papers, findings of fact, and recommendations for owner decision-makers, dispute review boards, and dispute resolution panels. Support procurement and contract formation activities, including review of solicitation documents, contract language, insurance and bonding requirements, and flow-down provisions for alternative delivery contracts. Advise project teams on notice requirements, contract interpretation, and risk allocation, and elevate matters to legal counsel when appropriate. Support partnering programs, issue escalation ladders, and dispute review board processes to resolve disagreements early and preserve working relationships. Assist with contract closeout, including final quantities, retention release, lien and claim waivers, and turnover of record documentation. Attributes Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain a complex contractual position clearly to technical and non-technical audiences. Meticulous attention to detail and the discipline to maintain a complete, defensible project record. Sound analytical judgment and the objectivity to evaluate entitlement on the facts, even under cost and schedule pressure. Excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills. Collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork, trust, and positive relationships with owners, contractors, and design teams. Composure and diplomacy in negotiations and in adversarial situations. Natural curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Minimum Qualifications Bachelors degree in construction management, engineering, business administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 5+ years' experience in contract administration, change order management, and claims analysis on large (>$500M), complex, heavy-civil infrastructure projects. Working knowledge of standard construction contract documents and public agency contracting requirements across both traditional and alternative delivery methods (design-bid-build, CM/GC, design-build, progressive design-build). Demonstrated success administering and negotiating complex civil works contracts as an owners representative or in a role protecting client interests. Ability to interpret design documents, schedules, cost reports, and commercial terms to build clear entitlement narratives and quantum analyses. Proficiency with industry standard project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, etc.). Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, etc.). Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in construction management, engineering, or business administration. Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) through the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Engineer (PE), or Architect Registration (AIA). Experience with schedule and delay analysis tools (e.g., Deltek Acumen Fuse, Schedule Cracker, Steelray, etc.). Experience with enterprise contract, cost, and document management systems (e.g., Oracle Primavera Unifier, Aconex, SAP, Procore, e-Builder, Kahua, etc.). Familiarity or proficiency with Microsoft Power BI, Oracle Cloud Analytics, or other dashboard KPI reporting software. Compensation Details Expected Salary: $90k-$140k/year ($43-$67/hour). Luster provides the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might offer for this position based on the successful candidates level of experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, certifications, licenses, geographic location, etc. Luster reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range depending on circumstances not related to any status protected by local, state, and/or federal law. Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer! Unlimited flexible time off Paid holidays Paid parental leave Health, dental, and vision insurance Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care) Long-term disability insurance Short-term disability insurance Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution Formal career planning and development program $2,500 annually toward professional development Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian Free personal financial planning services Employee assistance program Employee discounts Employee referral bonus Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization. All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veterans

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