Lead Cost Engineer

Nexus Engineering Group Inc; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

An established engineering company is looking for a Lead Cost Engineer to manage cost positions for a major power project. The successful candidate will oversee cost engineering activities, ensuring alignment between cost and project execution. With 10-15 years of experience in cost engineering, particularly in large capital projects, the candidate should have strong skills in forecasting, earned value management, and stakeholder engagement. This role offers a competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of cost engineering or project controls experience.
• Proven experience on large capital projects ($500MM–$2B+) within EPC or EPCM environments.
• Strong experience implementing and managing earned value management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage the total installed cost (TIC) position for the project.
• Ensure project cost performance aligns with client expectations.
• Lead development and maintenance of the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS).

Skills

Cost control

Forecasting

Earned value management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field

Certified Cost Professional (CCP)

Tools

Cost management systems

ERP tools

Job description

The Lead Cost Engineer role is a senior position within the Project Services organization supporting a major capital power project. The role is responsible for establishing, managing, and reporting the project’s cost position across all phases of execution.

This individual will lead cost engineering activities including cost control, forecasting, earned value management, and support change management. The Lead Cost Engineer will work closely with Project Management, Scheduling, Procurement, and Construction teams to ensure full integration of cost with project execution.

The role requires an experienced professional capable of operating within a complex EPC/EPCM environment, managing multiple stakeholders, and providing clear, accurate, and timely cost visibility to both internal and client leadership teams.

This position will be based out of the Nexus Cleveland Office with up to 25% travel to Akron, OH.

Accountabilities

• Manage the total installed cost (TIC) position for the project, ensuring accuracy and transparency
• Ensure project cost performance aligns with client expectations and Nexus standards for cost management and reporting
• Lead the development and maintenance of the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) aligned with the WBS
• Establish and manage project cost baselines, budgets, and forecasting processes
• Provide clear and timely reporting of cost performance, including variances, risks, and opportunities
• Lead earned value management implementation and ensure alignment between cost and schedule performance
• Ensure procurement commitments, subcontract costs, and vendor forecasts are accurately reflected in cost reports
• Support governance processes including stage gate reviews, assurance reviews, and executive reporting
• Drive integration between cost, schedule, procurement, engineering, and construction teams

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain cost control systems, procedures, and reporting frameworks for the project
• Lead cost reporting cycles (weekly, including actuals, commitments, and forecast to complete)
• Perform variance analysis and provide clear explanations of cost deviations and performance trends
• Implement and manage earned value metrics including CPI, SPI, and estimate at completion (EAC)
• Maintain and manage the project trend log
• Support the preparation and evaluation of change orders and claims
• Track and report procurement commitments and subcontractor cost exposure
• Develop and maintain project cash flow forecasts
• Ensure alignment between cost reporting and project schedule progress
• Interface with client representatives to present cost performance and key insights
• Support system setup and integration with ERP and project controls tools

Experience

• 10–15 years of cost engineering or project controls experience
• Proven experience on large capital projects ($500MM–$2B+) within EPC or EPCM environments
• Strong experience implementing and managing earned value management systems
• Experience working across engineering, procurement, and construction phases of projects
• Demonstrated experience managing cost on complex, multi-contractor projects
• Experience supporting change management, claims, and commercial discussions
• Strong understanding of project controls systems, cost management tools, and ERP integrations
• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership and clients

Education

• ​Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field (required)
• Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional) (preferred)

Skills

• Strong cost control, forecasting, and financial analysis capabilities
• Deep understanding of earned value management principles
• Ability to integrate cost with schedule, procurement, and construction data
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work in fast‑paced, high‑pressure project environments
• High level of proficiency in cost management systems and tools

Personal Attributes

• Results‑oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and accountability
• Proactive and able to identify issues early and drive resolution
• Strong leadership presence and ability to influence project teams
• Detail‑oriented with a structured and disciplined approach
• Collaborative and able to work across multiple functions
• Commitment to safety, integrity, and ethical conduct

Key Relationships

• Reports to: Project Controls Manager/Project Director
• Direct reports: Cost Engineers / Project Controls Analysts (as assigned)
• Interfaces with:
• Project Directors and Project Managers
• Project Services (Scheduling, Estimating, Controls, Change)
• Engineering Management Team
• Procurement Team
• Construction Management Team
• Client Representatives

Competitive Benefits

Learn more about our competitive benefits in detail.

Why Nexus?

Nexus Engineering Group, a distinguished independent full‑service engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, provides comprehensive support to clients from concept through startup. With over a decade of demonstrated engineering and design success, Nexus stands out as the firm of choice for those valuing integrity and expertise.

At Nexus, you will be part of a talented and passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation. We foster a collaborative and engaging work environment, making it a place where you’ll enjoy contributing to impactful projects. Joining Nexus means aligning with a firm renowned for its creativity, dedication, and relentless focus on achieving client goals.

Nexus Engineering Group, Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Sponsorship & Work Authorization

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Third‑Party Recruiting Policy

Learn more about our third‑party recruiting policy.