Cost Engineer

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock purchase plan

Unlimited PPTO

Job summary

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. in Atlanta is seeking a collaborative Cost Engineer to join its project controls team.

You will support the financial success of large construction and infrastructure programs by managing budgets, cost estimates, and change control, while coordinating with project teams and stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a strong analytical mindset, experience with cost engineering and reporting, and proficient Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field.
• Experience in cost engineering, project controls, or construction management.
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, cost reporting, change management, and contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate development and review of direct and indirect cost estimates for bids and negotiated projects.
• Track and maintain approved contract budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and distribute project financial status reports, cost forecasts, and progress updates.

Skills

Cost engineering

Project controls

Budgeting

Cost reporting

Change management

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Cost management software

Scheduling systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow. We're seeking a collaborative and detail-oriented Cost Engineer to join our Atlanta team. In this role, you will play a critical part in supporting the financial success of complex construction and infrastructure projects by providing cost management, budget oversight, change management coordination, and project controls support.

The ideal candidate is analytical, proactive, and passionate about delivering accurate financial insights while working closely with project teams, contractors, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development and review of direct and indirect cost estimates for bid and negotiated projects, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely completion.
• Track, monitor, and maintain approved contract budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and distribute project financial status reports, cost forecasts, presentations, and progress updates.
• Review contractor-generated monthly cost reports and reconcile costs against contract requirements and supporting documentation.
• Analyze and validate funding availability for change orders, supplemental agreements, work orders, and other contract modifications.
• Perform ongoing evaluations and analyses of project costs to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost optimization.
• Manage and maintain construction contract budget documentation and financial records.
• Change Management
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive change management and cost control logs.
• Review contractor change proposals and verify pricing structures, labor allocations, material costs, indirect costs, and overall basis of estimate.
• Support the evaluation of contractor change notices and related documentation.
• Assist project leadership teams during negotiations of contract changes and modifications.
• Monitor project allowances, schedule of values, contingencies, and funding transfers in accordance with contract requirements.
• Project Controls & Coordination
• Work under the guidance of the Cost Control Manager to support project planning, coordination, financial reporting, and performance monitoring.
• Partner with Construction Managers, Resident Engineers, Project Engineers, Schedulers, Estimators, and other project stakeholders to deliver effective project controls.
• Coordinate with scheduling teams to support the development and maintenance of master project schedules.
• Participate in constructability reviews and project assessments as required.
• Assist in the preparation of independent cost estimates to support the evaluation of construction changes and project decisions.
• Respond promptly and professionally to requests for research, analysis, documentation, and project information.
• Build strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, clients, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Communicate complex financial and cost information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business, Project Controls, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience supporting cost engineering, project controls, construction management, or related functions.
• Knowledge of project budgeting, forecasting, cost reporting, change management, and contract administration processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced project environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Professional certifications related to cost engineering or project controls, such as Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar credentials.
• Experience supporting large infrastructure, transportation, industrial, federal, or construction projects.
• Familiarity with project controls software, cost management systems, and scheduling platforms.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $87,000.00 to $99,840.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.