Cost Control Specialist

DescriptionZachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) is seeking an Project Controls III to work in the Houston, TX Design Center. The Project Controls Specialist III - Cost Control is responsible for producing, maintaining, and leading all cost control functions on assigned projects in accordance with company standards. This role supports project management by providing accurate cost reporting, forecasting, earned value analysis, and change management while exercising a high degree of independent judgment.ResponsibilitiesLead and maintain all project cost control activities, including budget development, cost tracking, forecasting, and reportingAssist and advise the Project Manager in developing project scope of work related to cost control and project controls activitiesEstablish and manage cost control structures, control accounts, and reporting frameworks for assigned projectsCollect, validate, and analyze actual costs, commitments, and accruals to ensure accurate cost performance measurementPrepare earned value reports, variance analysis, and cost performance indicators, and recommend corrective actions as neededDevelop and maintain forecast-at-completion (FAC/EAC) and cash flow projectionsPrepare, review, and ensure the timely issuance of all required cost reports to internal and external stakeholdersAnalyze cost trends, impacts, and contingencies, and communicate findings verbally and in writing to project leadershipLead cost evaluation and analysis of change requests, trends, and change orders, ensuring impacts are properly assessed and incorporatedProvide input into project and corporate budget forecasting processesCoordinate with scheduling, estimating, procurement, contracts, and accounting to ensure alignment of cost and schedule dataProvide realistic cost and resource forecast data at the project and portfolio levelParticipate in project risk analysis and support mitigation planning as requiredProvide technical guidance and mentoring to junior Project Controls or Cost Control personnel, as assignedQualificationsRequired:High school diploma with extensive experience in project controls or cost controlStrong working knowledge of cost management, forecasting, earned value management, and change control7+ years of experience working within project control, cost management, within EPC or industrial projectsHigh degree of computer literacy with advanced proficiency in Excel and project controls systemsStrong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with personnel at all levelsAbility to work independently, manage priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accountability for assigned workPreferred:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related fieldSignificant experience performing cost control on EPC or industrial construction projectsWorking knowledge of project controls software such as Primavera P6, cost management, and reporting systemsProven experience leading cost control efforts on assigned projectsPhysical DemandsEmployee will be required to communicate in person and through electronic means. Position may require visits to construction sites and industrial facilities and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).Work EnvironmentEmployee will work primarily in an office environment with periodic exposure to construction site conditions. Noise levels and physical conditions may vary depending on project locationLI-JL1

Created: 2026-05-09