Cost Engineer

Actalent; Minnesota; On-site; USD 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Rosemount, MN seeks a Cost Engineer for the Project Controls group. You will develop, monitor, and optimize project budgets, purchasing activities, and change orders to ensure on-time, within-budget project delivery.

This contract role emphasizes cost estimating, control, and reporting with Ecosys and Power BI, collaborating across corporate and plant locations. Strong analytic and communication skills are essential to drive cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in Project Controls focusing on cost engineering, estimating and control.
• Experience managing budgets for large and small projects with reporting.
• Knowledge of project controls in construction or similar environments.
• Experience with purchasing processes and cost analysis of materials/services.
• Ability to manage budgets, costs and change orders with accountability.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and track project cost estimates and budgets.
• Perform detailed cost analysis to forecast expenditures.
• Support purchasing by reviewing and validating costs for materials/services.
• Monitor and control costs throughout project lifecycles; identify variances.
• Manage change orders and update budgets for cost/schedule impacts.
• Collaborate with project teams to provide cost insights and reporting.
• Use Ecosys and Power BI to create dashboards and cost performance visuals.
• Prepare and present cost reports to stakeholders with clarity and accuracy.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cost controls processes.
• Work independently and integrate quickly into the team.

Skills

Cost engineering

Cost estimating

Cost control

Project controls

Budgeting

Ecosys

Power BI

Purchasing

Analysis

Communication

Tools

Ecosys

Power BI

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Cost Engineer

This Cost Engineer role sits within the Project Controls group and focuses on cost estimating, cost control, and financial analysis for construction and related projects. You will support project teams by developing, monitoring, and optimizing project budgets, purchasing activities, and change orders to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Project Controls group to develop, maintain, and track project cost estimates and budgets for large and small projects.
• Perform detailed cost analysis to support decision-making and ensure accurate forecasting of project expenditures.
• Support purchasing activities by reviewing, analyzing, and validating costs associated with materials, services, and contracts.
• Monitor and control project costs throughout the project lifecycle, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Manage and track change orders, assessing cost and schedule impacts and updating project budgets accordingly.
• Collaborate with project teams in corporate and plant locations to provide cost-related insights and reporting.
• Utilize project controls tools such as Ecosys and Power BI to create dashboards, reports, and visualizations that communicate cost performance.
• Prepare and present cost reports and summaries to stakeholders, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and transparency.
• Support continuous improvement of project controls processes and cost control methodologies.
• Work independently as a self-starter, quickly integrating into the team and contributing from day one.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Project Controls, with a focus on cost engineering, cost estimating, and cost control.
• Proven experience managing both large and small projects, including budgeting, tracking, and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of project controls practices in construction or similar project environments.
• Hands-on experience with purchasing processes and cost analysis related to materials and services.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets, monitor costs, and handle change orders effectively.
• Proficiency in using Ecosys for project controls and cost management.
• Proficiency in Power BI for data analysis, reporting, and visualization of cost and project performance.
• Ability to work as a self-starter, quickly understand project requirements, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy in financial and cost data.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with project teams and present cost information clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Turnaround (TA) project experience is a plus but not required.
• Positive client feedback and a track record of strong performance in prior roles.
• Ability to "hit the ground running" in a fast-paced project environment.
• Familiarity with construction industry practices and terminology related to project controls and cost engineering.

Work Environment

This role supports project controls and cost functions from either a corporate office in Wichita or from plant locations in Minnesota or Texas. You will work closely with project teams in an office and plant-based environment, using tools such as Ecosys and Power BI to manage and report on project costs. The work setting is professional and collaborative, with a focus on supporting multiple projects and stakeholders across different sites.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Rosemount, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• 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 fully onsite position in Rosemount,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 2026.