Project Controls Engineer

P&E Constructors, LLC; Pleasant Prairie, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k)

Company-paid premiums

Paid time off

Job summary

P&E Constructors, LLC is seeking a Project Controls Engineer to lead cost control, forecasting, scheduling support, and financial analysis on complex construction and industrial projects. This role partners with Project Management, Operations, Finance, and Procurement to ensure accurate performance tracking and proactive risk management.

The position requires independent leadership across multiple projects, mentoring junior engineers, and advancing project controls standards while supporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, or project management support in industrial/construction environments.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, scheduling, and cost management principles.
• Experience with large capital projects and multi-discipline construction.
• Advanced Excel and project controls software knowledge; Procore experience; ERP familiarity (COINS preferred).
• Understanding of billing, cash flow management, EVM, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead project cost control functions including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, earned value management, and cost reporting.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze detailed project forecasts, trends, commitments, accruals, and EAC projections.
• Monitor project performance against budgets and schedules; prepare detailed cost reports and KPI dashboards.
• Support development of project schedules, resource loading, progress measurement systems, and tracking tools.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and Finance for revenue recognition and month-end close.
• Drive risk identification, corrective actions for cost overruns, and process improvements.
• Mentor junior Project Controls staff and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strong forecasting and cost trending

Excellent communication

Stakeholder management

Multitasking in fast-paced projects

Analytical problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

Procore

COINS ERP

Job description

Company Overview

P&E Constructors is an employee-owned (ESOP) mechanical and electrical construction firm executing large capital projects with deep roots in the industrial construction sector. Since 1946, we’ve delivered fabrication and installation services with a commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and client-focused solutions.

This role supports projects across the United States and requires a high level of travel based on business and project needs. Candidates may be based anywhere within the U.S.; however, the selected individual should be prepared for assignments at various project locations nationwide. Travel for this position may reach up to approximately 90%.

Project assignments generally last 10 to 17 months, depending on project duration and operational requirements. While assigned to a project away from home, eligible employees are provided per diem to assist with temporary living and travel-related expenses, in addition to a competitive base salary.

To support project deployment, mobilization assistance may be provided, which can include mileage reimbursement or other approved travel support. Employees may also receive extended weekend rotations approximately once per month, allowing additional time for travel home.

Position Overview

The Project Controls Engineer is responsible for leading and coordinating project controls activities for complex construction and industrial projects, including cost control, forecasting, scheduling support, progress measurement, reporting, and financial analysis. This role serves as a key partner to Project Management, Operations, Finance, and Procurement teams to ensure accurate project performance tracking, proactive risk identification, and effective decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

The Project Controls Engineer operates with a high level of independence, supports multiple projects or large-scale programs, and plays a leadership role in driving project controls standards, mentoring junior personnel, and improving project performance processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead project cost control functions including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, earned value management, and cost reporting
• Develop, maintain, and analyze detailed project forecasts, trends, commitments, accruals, and estimate-at-completion (EAC) projections
• Monitor project performance against approved budgets, schedules, productivity targets, and financial objectives
• Prepare and present detailed cost reports, KPI dashboards, variance analyses, and executive-level project performance summaries
• Support development and oversight of project schedules, resource loading, progress measurement systems, and performance tracking tools
• Analyze labor productivity, subcontractor performance, equipment utilization, and material cost trends to identify risks and opportunities
• Lead forecasting reviews and collaborate with project teams to identify corrective actions for cost overruns, schedule delays, and performance issues
• Manage project change control processes including change order tracking, pricing support, impact analysis, and reporting
• Coordinate with Project Managers and Finance teams to support revenue recognition, billing forecasts, financial reporting, and month-end close activities
• Support project startup activities including estimate reviews, baseline development, work breakdown structures (WBS), and project setup
• Facilitate monthly project reviews, forecasting meetings, and management presentations with project leadership and executive stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with project controls procedures, client reporting requirements, and contractual obligations
• Review contractor and vendor invoices for accuracy, progress alignment, and contractual compliance
• Support procurement and subcontract management through commitment tracking, subcontract performance analysis, and cost monitoring
• Participate in risk management and contingency planning activities to support proactive project execution
• Assist with project closeout activities including final forecasting, lessons learned documentation, and historical cost database maintenance
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Project Controls Engineer I and II personnel
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, reporting automation efforts, and implementation of project controls best practices

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business, or related field preferred
• 5-7 years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, construction cost analysis, or project management support within industrial or construction environments
• Strong understanding of construction project lifecycle, budgeting, forecasting, scheduling, and cost management principles
• Experience supporting large capital projects and complex multi-discipline construction efforts
• Advanced Excel and project controls software knowledge
• Experience with Procore
• Experience working within ERP systems (COINS preferred)
• Understanding of project financial lifecycle
• Knowledge of T&M and NTE contract structures
• Strong forecasting and cost trending capabilities
• Understanding of billing and cash flow management
• Ability to interpret financial and operational data
• Knowledge of earned value management (EVM), forecasting methodologies, and cost reporting best practices
• Ability to analyze large datasets and communicate financial and operational impacts clearly to project teams and leadership
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced project environments

At P&E Constructors, we believe in rewarding our employees through competitive compensation, employee ownership, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial wellbeing, health, and future.

Compensation & Employee Ownership

• The market rate for the role is typically at the mid-point of the salary range; however, variations in final salary are determined by additional factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, relevant years of experience, geographic location, internal pay equity, and prevailing market conditions for the specific role.
• Salary range: $75,000-$150,000
• Performance-based merit increases and career growth opportunities
• Employee Ownership (ESOP) Share in the success and growth of the company
• 401(k) retirement plan

Financial Security & Savings

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare & Dependent Care)
• Competitive compensation with ongoing performance reviews
• Financial planning and retirement savings opportunities

Health Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options
• Prescription drug coverage
• Telehealth services
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company-paid employee monthly medical premiums (P & E Constructors covers employee costs)
• Coverage available for spouse, domestic partners, and dependents

Work-Life Support

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Work-life balance support programs

Protection Coverages

• Company-paid Short-term and Long-term disability coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits are offered

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Perform physical movements such as bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing
• Safely navigate active construction sites, including uneven, confined, or cluttered work areas
• Work at elevated heights and comply with fall protection and safety requirements
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
• Work in environments with exposure to noise, dust, temperature extremes, and other construction-related conditions
• Interpret technical drawings and visualize three-dimensional concepts when