Project Controls Engineer – Fleet Electrification & Infrastructure The CARIAN Group

The CARIAN Group; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The CARIAN Group is seeking a Project Controls Engineer – Cost to oversee project financials for a key utility infrastructure program in New Jersey. This role involves cash flow management, cost variance analysis, and collaboration with engineering teams, focusing on transportation and fleet electrification projects.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Full benefits

401(k) match

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in project controls with cost management focus.
• Experience in utilities or construction environments preferred.
• Must be able to travel to project sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage cash flow and forecasting across capital projects.
• Analyze project cost variances and prepare financial reports.
• Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders.

Skills

Project controls experience

Cost management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SAP

Primavera P6

Job description

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, certified woman-owned consulting and advisory firm serving the power and utilities sector. We partner with leading electric and gas utilities to deliver capital programs, enhance operations, and solve complex challenges with deep industry expertise.

Position Overview

CARIAN is seeking a Project Controls Engineer – Cost to support a high-profile utility infrastructure program focused on transportation and fleet electrification. The selected candidate will be part of a team managing active and planned projects across New Jersey, with an emphasis on forecasting, accruals, reporting, and financial risk management.

This role supports a team based out of Mt. Laurel, NJ, with collaboration across additional teams in South Plainfield. While the reporting location is flexible, the selected candidate must be available to work on-site in Mt. Laurel and South Plainfield as needed.

The role may also include support for additional capital projects in the broader portfolio, depending on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage cash flow and forecasting across assigned capital projects
• Monitor and report accruals and ensure accuracy in monthly financials
• Analyze and explain project cost variances with clear reference to estimate detail
• Support development of project-level financial plans and annual budgeting
• Identify risks to forecast and cash flow; recommend mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with project managers, engineering teams, and controls stakeholders
• Prepare and present reporting packages that communicate performance effectively

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of project controls experience, with a strong cost management focus
• Experience supporting capital programs in utilities, infrastructure, or construction environments preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial tracking/reporting tools
• Familiarity with SAP or similar project financial systems
• Exposure to Primavera P6 or other scheduling platforms is a plus
• Strong communication and analytical skills
• Experience in both field and home office settings preferred
• Must be able to travel to or work from Mt. Laurel and South Plainfield, NJ as needed

Why CARIAN?

• Purpose-driven work– Contribute to energy modernization and infrastructure transformation
• Industry reputation– Trusted by major utilities for capital program execution
• Career growth– Real opportunities to grow into portfolio or program-level controls roles
• Collaborative culture– Join a sharp, experienced, and supportive team
• Competitive total rewards– Competitive pay, full benefits, 401(k) match, and recognition for your impact

CARIAN takes pride in being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship, gender expression or identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local legally protected class.

As a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, CARIAN is committed to providing employment opportunities to women, veterans, and underrepresented minorities.