Sr Cost Specalist

The Senior Cost Specialist plays a key role in project cost control and project controls within engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and renewables environments. This position focuses on cost forecasting, budget management, change management, and cost and risk trend analysis in project-based capital settings. The role requires strong analytical capabilities, advanced proficiency in cost control tools and Excel, and the ability to translate complex cost data into clear, actionable insights for project leadership. This is a full-time position with eligibility for a comprehensive benefits package and involves significant time spent on a long-term project site.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage project cost control activities for complex EPC and renewables projects, ensuring accurate tracking of budgets, commitments, and expenditures.
• Develop, maintain, and refine cost forecasts that provide clear visibility into current and projected financial performance across the project lifecycle.
• Oversee budget management processes, including establishing baseline budgets, monitoring variances, and recommending corrective actions to keep projects on track.
• Manage change control processes by evaluating cost impacts of scope changes, preparing change requests, and updating cost forecasts and budgets accordingly.
• Perform detailed cost and risk trend analysis to identify emerging issues, opportunities, and potential overruns, and communicate findings to project leadership.
• Translate complex cost data into clear, concise reports and presentations that enable project leaders to make informed decisions.
• Collaborate closely with project controls, construction, engineering, and finance teams to ensure alignment of cost data, schedules, and project objectives.
• Utilize advanced Excel skills and enterprise systems such as JDE and/or EcoSys to develop, maintain, and automate cost tracking and reporting tools.
• Support the use of project management platforms, including Procore, to integrate cost information with broader project controls and documentation.
• Ensure cost control processes and documentation comply with internal standards and best practices for project-based capital environments.
• Provide ongoing cost performance updates and participate in regular project review meetings to present cost status, trends, and recommendations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cost control methodologies, tools, and reporting practices within the project controls function.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project cost control or project controls within EPC and renewables environments.
• Proven, hands-on expertise in cost forecasting, budget management, change management, and cost and risk trend analysis.
• Experience working in project-based capital environments rather than manufacturing or corporate accounting settings.
• Advanced Excel skills, including the ability to build and manage complex spreadsheets, models, and reports.
• Experience with JDE and/or EcoSys systems for cost tracking and project controls.
• Ability to translate complex cost data into clear, actionable insights and communicate effectively with project leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Willingness and ability to spend approximately 75% of working time on the project site over a 22-month project duration.

• Experience using Procore for project management and integration with cost control processes is preferred.
• Background in construction and project controls environments, with familiarity in EPC and renewables projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail in managing and interpreting cost data.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary project teams and build strong working relationships.
• Full-time hire status with eligibility for a comprehensive benefits package.
• Willingness to work on a long-term project and adapt to evolving project requirements.

This role is based primarily on a project site environment, with an expectation to be on-site approximately 75% of the time for a 22-month project. The work takes place in a project-based capital setting within EPC and renewables, where collaboration with construction, engineering, and project controls teams is routine. The position uses advanced Excel, JDE, EcoSys, and potentially Procore as core tools for cost control and reporting. Assistance with lodging is available in Eagle Mountain, Utah, for individuals who do not already reside in the area. The work environment supports a full-time schedule and offers eligibility for full benefits, with a focus on delivering high-quality cost control and project performance insights.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Salt Lake City, UT.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $200000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Company Benefits Provided When Hired

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Salt Lake City,UT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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 [email protected] 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.