Project Controls Specialist

Program Management & Control Services (PMCS); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,962,000 - 143,270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Generous PTO

Profit-sharing

Job summary

Program Management & Control Services (PMCS) in Chicago supports a key public-sector transportation agency to manage claims workflows, funding coordination, and process documentation for a high-impact rail modernization program.

The Project Controls Specialist role offers flexible work arrangements—remote, hybrid, or on-site—based on experience and agency needs, with a proactive, organized, professional candidate eager to improve reporting and forecasting.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in project controls, funding administration, or documentation-heavy roles, preferably in transportation/public transit.
• Expertise in claims analysis, funding sources and constraints, and cash flow management.
• Experience with large capital construction programs.
• Experience with Trimble Unity Construct (e-Builder) or similar program management platforms.
• Experience with ERP accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Monitor funding sources, constraints, and eligibility; recommend allocations.
• Track and document claims, change orders, and EAC reflections.
• Manage budgets, funding, contracts, and forecasts in PM systems.
• Reconcile data between cost systems and Oracle accounting.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly reports, cost analyses, and funding analyses.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve reporting and processes.
• Develop scenario analyses to mitigate risks.

Skills

Project controls

Claims analysis

Funding sources & cash flow

Capital construction programs

Trimble Unity Construct / e-Builder

ERP accounting systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Engineering, Accounting, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

Trimble Unity Construct (e-Builder)

Oracle

Job description

Program Management & Control Services (PMCS) is a growing, multi-disciplinary firm providing specialized consulting services in public transportation projects, including construction engineering, program management, and project controls. We pride ourselves on a work environment that emphasizes:

• Supportive & collaborative team atmosphere
• Personalized attention
• Professional growth opportunities

The Project Controls Specialist will support a key public-sector transportation agency in Chicago to manage claims workflows, funding source coordination, and process documentation. This role ensures compliance with funding constraints, maintains accurate cash-flow reporting, and supports informed funding decisions for a high-impact rail modernization program.

A successful candidate will be a proactive team player with strong analytical skills, excellent relationship-building abilities, and comfort working in a structured, documentation- and process-heavy environment. Candidates must be self-driven, organized, and highly professional to ensure work is completed with excellence while managing a flexible schedule.

This role offers flexibility as project needs evolve. Work arrangements and schedule options may vary based on the candidate’s experience and the agency’s needs. Remote, hybrid, and on-site options, as well as part‑time or full‑time schedules, may be considered. Candidates should indicate their location, availability, and preferred work arrangements in their application materials.

What You’ll Do:

• Monitor and analyze multiple funding sources, constraints, and eligibility requirements; recommend funding allocations based on available resources and project cash-flow needs
• Track, review, analyze, and document claims and change order logs to ensure accuracy across systems and proper reflection of the Estimate at Completion (EAC)
• Monitor and adjust project contingency, in consultation with the project team, to maintain an accurate EAC
• Enter budgets, funding, contract commitments and forecasts in the client’s project management system, Trimble Unity Construct (e-Builder), or program database to maintain audit-ready records
• Download project expenditures from Oracle for upload into Cost database, manage exceptions, and evaluate expenditure adjustments for alignment with funding schedules
• Reconcile data between the Cost system and the client’s Oracle accounting system
• Proactively engage project stakeholders to obtain funding, budget, and cost information to ensure accurate forecasting
• Participate in meetings to review progress, analyze schedule updates, and track milestones
• Prepare monthly and quarterly project reports, compliance documentation, meeting materials and minutes, Cost Summary Reports, labor expenditure analyses, TIFF/SCC code allocations, Change Order (CO) Logs, and Funding Analyses
• Use Trimble Unity Construct (e-Builder) to collect narrative updates from PMs and incorporate them into the monthly Program Status Report
• Help develop quarterly reporting and presentations as required by funding agencies
• Collaborate with client staff, internal teams, and external partners to maintain process discipline, streamline reporting efforts, and recommend improvements
• Develop various scenario analyses for the client that present options to mitigate risks

The Ideal Candidate will Bring:

• 3-5 years of experience in project controls, funding administration, claims, or documentation-heavy roles (transportation/rail/public transit preferred)
• Expertise in claims analysis, funding sources and constraints, and cash flow management
• Experience supporting large capital construction programs
• Experience with Trimble Unity Construct (e-Builder) or similar program management platforms
• Experience with ERP accounting systems

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Engineering, Accounting, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• Strong understanding of public-sector funding processes (federal, state, local)
• Ability to manage structured workflows, documentation, and compliance requirements
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel pivot tables
• Strong collaboration skills, ability to build rapport, lead successful meetings, and promote effective problem-solving
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines and perform at a high level in high-pressure or short-notice situations
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to high-profile transportation projects that shape the Chicago area
• Be part of a supportive, collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth and advancement and personalized experience
• Work alongside professionals with 20+ years of experience
• Work for a leading organization in the field, renowned for quality, excellence, reliability and innovation

What We Offer:

• At PMCS, we believe in rewarding great work with competitive pay.
• The hourly rate for this position is $30 - $50 ($62,400 - $104,000), based on experience and qualifications.
• We provide a comprehensive benefits package that supports you:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee profit-sharing program

PMCS is an E-Verify employer. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.