Cost Engineer

Job Title: Cost Engineer

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 Do

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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 For

• 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.

• 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.

Work Environment & Team

This is an in‑office role based in Paramus, NJ, working alongside a small, collaborative Cost Engineering team. You’ll have a dedicated workstation and direct exposure to project leadership and decision‑makers.

The organization is deeply invested in safe, high‑quality execution of energy infrastructure projects and brings together in‑house expertise across:

• Engineering & Construction
• Safety & Quality
• Procurement & Materials
• Scheduling & Project Controls
• Environmental Planning, Permitting, and Land Management

You’ll work in a structured project controls environment that values accuracy, consistency, teamwork, and proactive problem‑solving—while giving you meaningful ownership and visibility on marquee capital projects.

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

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

Competitive base salaryGenerous PTO & paid holidays to maintain work-life balance401(k) with a generous match to plan for your futureComprehensive benefits – medical, dental, vision, and life insuranceWeekly pay for consistent, reliable compensationGreat mentoring & career growth opportunities – we invest in your development

This is a fully onsite position in Paramus,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.