Flex Staff Project Controls (Scheduler)

CDM Smith; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith in Illinois is seeking a cost control and project controls professional to support budgets, forecasts, and scheduling for complex projects. You will develop baselines, analyze variances, and provide detailed reports to ensure performance aligns with contracts and corporate standards.

The role requires a Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of relevant experience, with potential travel. Strong knowledge of budgeting, CAS/FAR, and scheduling tools is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 5 years of relevant experience.
• Travel may be required (up to 100%).
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and cost control systems.
• Prepare cost and schedule estimates, analyze trends, and provide accruals, earned value, and variance reports.
• Establish baselines for cost and schedule; identify variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Support the Integrated Master Schedule development and ensure accurate progress reporting.
• Conduct cost and schedule risk analyses and report impacts.
• Present performance reports including KPIs, forecasts, and variances to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with project managers, estimators, and field teams on progress and change orders.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, CAS and reporting requirements.
• Support audits, data validation, and documentation for transparency.
• Continuously improve cost and schedule control processes.

Skills

US citizenship

Background check

Budgeting & cost accounting

Scheduling software

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Equivalent experience accepted

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/resources/videos/meet-cdm-smith)

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co‑workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which foster personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world‑class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

Job Duties

• 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

#LI-LP2

Skills & Abilities

• U.S. citizenship is required for this position.
• The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a favorable federal background investigation.
• Strong understanding of government budgeting, reporting requirements, FAR, CAS, and contract administration is critical.
• Expertise in accounting, cost estimating, budgeting, and financial analysis. Strong organizational skills to balance and prioritize work.
• Skill in using scheduling software (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, etc.) and techniques to develop and analyze project schedules.
• Excellent attention to detail. Familiar and comfortable to work on computers/tablets/phones.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders.
• Good interpersonal skills to cultivate relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 5 years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with large Federal construction quality programs.

Amount of Travel Required

100%

Driving Requirements

An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Evergreen Disclaimer

Please note, this is a pipeline position for future needs and is not an immediate vacancy.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Massachusetts Applicants

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.

Pay Range Min

USD $76,440.00

Pay Range Max

USD $159,432.00

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position