Project Controls Specialist

Job Title: Staff Project Controls SpecialistJob Description The Staff Project Controls Specialist leads project controls processes and supports internal project management teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. This role focuses on planning, scheduling, cost control, forecasting, and reporting across multiple projects, while serving as a key technical resource for engineering, procurement, and construction activities. The specialist ensures accurate setup and use of enterprise planning tools, develops robust schedules and cost reports, and provides clear, data‑driven insights that guide project decisions and support successful project execution. Responsibilities Lead project controls processes and support the internal project management team to execute project deliverables within established budget and schedule. Ensure proper setup, configuration, and ongoing use of Enterprise Planning & Controls software for assigned projects. Analyze project data, review logs, and run reports in Enterprise Planning & Controls software and other tools to monitor performance and identify trends. Create, manage, and maintain the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to support effective planning, scheduling, and cost tracking. Develop, implement, and maintain detailed scheduling reports, cost reports, cash flows, and forecasts for multiple projects. Follow and support project execution plans, ensuring alignment between schedules, budgets, and project objectives. Lead engineering, procurement, and construction planning, including scheduling, logistics coordination, and cost control activities. Serve as a primary point of contact for technical project controls questions from the project team. Review and approve purchase orders and related documentation for accuracy and completeness, and document changes to cost reports or forecasts. Interface regularly with the Project Management Team and Accounting Department to review project costs, contingency usage, and support external audits. Review upstream (prime contract) and downstream (purchase order and subcontract) change orders for schedule and cost impacts. Develop and present cash flow reports that clearly communicate project financial status and projections. Create various levels of project schedules and apply appropriate logic ties and relationships within those schedules. Monitor resource loading of schedules to ensure adequate staffing and alignment with project timelines. Support and participate in Interactive Project Planning Meetings (IPPM) to build and validate project schedules. Create schedule reports and determine appropriate reporting formats tailored to project and stakeholder needs. Develop, review, and analyze pre-programmed project scheduling reports and backup documentation to verify accuracy and completeness. Consult with the project team on schedule progress, variances, and recovery strategies as needed. Analyze and evaluate schedule performance using critical path method (CPM) scheduling techniques, as well as estimating, project cost management, and forecasting methodologies. Perform schedule what-if scenarios to assess the impact of changes, delays, or alternative strategies on project timelines. Develop and maintain an earned value management system to track performance against cost and schedule baselines. Input and validate progress measurement data and ensure it is accurately reflected in project controls systems. Develop and maintain progress curves to visually track and communicate project advancement over time. Perform material takeoffs to support cost estimates, procurement planning, and inventory control. Perform quality checks and inspections on project controls deliverables to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with standards. Conduct field audits to validate the accuracy of reporting, processes, and physical progress against documented data. Assist with project forensic analysis to understand root causes of issues, delays, or variances and support continuous improvement. Support cost control, cost analysis, and budget forecasting activities, including development and tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs). Utilize tools such as Primavera P6, Power BI, and other project management platforms (including monday.com) to support scheduling, reporting, and data analysis. Maintain thorough document control and ensure accurate data entry and recordkeeping for project controls information. Perform other duties as assigned in support of project and organizational objectives. Comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and standards related to project controls and professional conduct. Essential Skills Minimum of 3+ years of direct project controls experience, with a strong emphasis on project scheduling. Demonstrated experience in project controls for engineering, construction management, or related fields, or equivalent applicable experience in lieu of a degree. Proficiency in project scheduling, including development and maintenance of detailed schedules and application of critical path method (CPM) techniques. Experience with cost control, cost analysis, budget forecasting, and project forecasting across multiple projects. Ability to create and manage Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and integrate them with cost and schedule controls. Hands‑on experience with project controls tools and enterprise planning software, including project scheduling platforms and reporting tools. Strong skills in project management support, including coordination, planning, and monitoring of engineering, procurement, and construction activities. Experience with project scheduling and controls in a construction or utility‑related environment. Proficiency in data entry, document control, and maintaining accurate project records. Ability to develop and interpret key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to monitor project performance. Strong analytical skills with the ability to review logs, reports, and backup documentation for accuracy and completeness. Ability to develop and maintain earned value management systems, progress measurement, and progress curves. Experience performing schedule what‑if scenarios and evaluating schedule impacts. Ability to perform material takeoffs and support inventory control and procurement planning. Strong quality control and quality assurance mindset, including performing quality checks and field audits on project controls deliverables. Ability to obtain an OSHA‑10 certification. Effective communication skills, with the ability to serve as a point of contact for technical project controls questions and to present reports clearly to stakeholders. Strong collaboration skills to interface with project management, accounting, and cross‑functional teams. Residence in or ability to work regularly in the Lexington, Kentucky area. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field is preferred; applicable experience may substitute for the degree requirement. Experience with utility projects, particularly transmission and distribution construction projects such as substations, is preferred. Experience using Primavera P6 for project scheduling is preferred. Familiarity with Power BI for reporting, analytics, and dashboard creation is beneficial. Experience with project management and collaboration tools such as monday.com is an advantage. Background in consulting or professional engineering environments is beneficial. Demonstrated ability to support external audits through accurate project cost and contingency documentation. Experience with Interactive Project Planning Meetings (IPPM) and collaborative schedule development is a plus. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities. Interest in long‑term career growth, including potential progression from project controls into project management roles, with support from leadership. Work Environment This role operates within a consulting, professional engineering firm environment based in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. The team follows a flexible work model, typically working in the Lexington office three days per week and spending approximately two days per week on‑site with clients, which may also be in the Lexington area. Any travel is generally limited to day trips to client sites, and mileage from the Lexington office to client locations is reimbursed. The office has a close‑knit, culture‑driven team of around 30 people and emphasizes a highly collaborative atmosphere within the local office and across other locations. The environment is business casual and fosters a vibrant, supportive culture where team members work closely together and share knowledge. The organization offers a flexible work environment, including a defined number of work‑from‑home days each year, and a competitive bonus structure. The company is employee‑owned through an ESOP structure and is recognized as one of the best places to work in its region, with a strong reputation, robust backlog, and repeat work from clients. Project Controls Specialists use modern technologies and tools such as Enterprise Planning & Controls software, Primavera P6, Power BI, and project management platforms like monday.com to manage schedules, costs, and reporting. The culture emphasizes collaboration, professional growth, and the opportunity to expand beyond one’s current role or degree Background, including clear pathways to move from project controls into project management with leadership support. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, KY. Pay and Benefits 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 Lexington, KY. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul19,2026. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr