Federal Project Controls Specialist: Budgets & Schedules

CDM Smith; Manchester (NH); On-site; USD 76,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith in the United States is seeking a Project Controls Specialist to develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and cost-control systems for complex projects. You will work with project managers, estimators, and field teams to track progress and manage change orders, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree, 5+ years of experience, strong knowledge of FAR/CAS, and proven skills in cost estimating, budgeting, and scheduling using Primavera P6 or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of FAR, CAS, and government contracting.
• Experience with cost estimation, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders and deliver reports.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and cost control systems to ensure alignment with contract and corporate requirements.
• Prepare cost and schedule estimates, analyze trends, and provide accurate accruals, earned value, and variance reports.
• Establish and monitor project baselines for cost and schedule; identify variances and recommend corrective actions to maintain project goals.
• Support the development and management of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and ensure accurate progress reporting.
• Conduct detailed cost and schedule risk analyses, identifying potential impacts to budget and performance metrics.
• Prepare and present regular project performance reports, including KPIs, forecasts, and variance explanations, to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, estimators, and field teams to track progress, control expenditures, and manage change orders.
• Ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and all applicable agency or contractual reporting requirements.
• Support audits, data validation, and documentation to ensure transparency and traceability in cost and schedule reporting.
• Continuously evaluate project control processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skills

US citizenship

Background check

Government budgeting

Cost estimating & budgeting

Communication

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

5+ years experience

Travel flexibility

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

CDM Smith in the United States is seeking a Project Controls Specialist to develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and cost-control systems for complex projects. You will work with project managers, estimators, and field teams to track progress and manage change orders, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree, 5+ years of experience, strong knowledge of FAR/CAS, and proven skills in cost estimating, budgeting, and scheduling using Primavera P6 or