Project Controls Specialist

McDermott International, Ltd; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott International, Ltd. in Houston seeks a Project Controls Specialist to apply conceptual knowledge of project controls with guidance from leadership.

You will analyze solutions using standard procedures and leverage company processes and customer knowledge to address straightforward problems. Responsibilities include supporting controls systems, collecting progress updates from EPC teams, maintaining schedules, budgets, and performance metrics, and contributing to routine project

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of project cost control, scheduling, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Ability to analyze data and provide actionable insights.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.
• Collaborative cross-functional teamwork across engineering, procurement, finance, and PM.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation and maintenance of project controls systems, processes, methodologies, and reporting tools.
• Coordinate collection, validation, and consolidation of project progress updates.
• Support development and maintenance of progress measurement systems and KPIs.
• Monitor project performance against baselines and identify variances, trends, and risks.
• Assist in preparation and maintenance of project schedules and forecasts.
• Develop and maintain project performance reports and dashboards.
• Collaborate with planning, cost control, engineering, procurement, and PM teams to align reporting needs.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and ad hoc project controls reports for stakeholders.

Skills

Cost control principles

Collaboration

Analytical thinking

Multi-priority management

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Engineering/Construction Management/PM

Tools

Office productivity tools

Spreadsheet software

Presentation software

Job description

Job Overview:

The Project Controls Specialist applies their conceptual knowledge of Project Controls and with a moderate level of guidance and direction from colleagues and leadership, is responsible for solving a range of straightforward Project Controls problems. They will be responsible for analyzing possible solutions using standard procedures, as well as building knowledge of the company, processes, and customers. The Project Controls Specialist understands key business drivers and applies this knowledge to solve problems in straightforward situations through analysis of possible solutions using technical experience, judgment, and precedents.

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Project Controls Specialist applies their conceptual knowledge of Project Controls and with a moderate level of guidance and direction from colleagues and leadership, is responsible for solving a range of straightforward Project Controls problems. They will be responsible for analyzing possible solutions using standard procedures, as well as building knowledge of the company, processes, and customers. The Project Controls Specialist understands key business drivers and applies this knowledge to solve problems in straightforward situations through analysis of possible solutions using technical experience, judgment, and precedents.

Responsibilities

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation and maintenance of project controls systems, processes, methodologies, and reporting tools in accordance with company standards and project requirements.
• Coordinate the collection, validation, and consolidation of project progress updates from Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning teams.
• Support the development and maintenance of project progress measurement systems, reporting structures, and performance metrics.
• Monitor project performance against approved cost, schedule, and progress baselines, identifying variances, trends, and potential risks.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of project schedules, ensuring progress updates and schedule information are accurate and current.
• Support project forecasting activities through analysis of cost, schedule, productivity, and progress performance trends.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of cost forecasts, commitment tracking, and variance analysis activities.
• Develop and maintain project performance reports, milestone tracking reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to support project monitoring and decision-making.
• Support the integration of cost, schedule, and progress information to provide accurate and meaningful project performance reporting.
• Collaborate with Planning, Cost Control, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Project Management teams to ensure alignment of project controls information and reporting requirements.
• Assist in the preparation of weekly, monthly, and ad hoc project controls reports for project management and stakeholders.
• Review and validate project controls data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness within project controls systems and reporting tools.
• Support the application of Earned Value Management (EVM) and project performance measurement methodologies where applicable.
• Participate in project performance reviews and provide analysis related to project progress, cost performance, schedule performance, and forecasted outcomes.
• Support project change management activities by identifying and reporting potential impacts to project cost, schedule, and overall project performance.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project controls procedures, reporting methodologies, systems, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, project requirements, client expectations, and applicable industry standards.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications and Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or a related field.
• Two to five (2 to 5) years of relevant experience in Project Controls, Cost Control, Planning and Scheduling, Progress Measurement, Project Reporting, Cost Engineering, or Financial Analysis within an EPC or project-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of project cost control principles, including cost control, planning and scheduling, forecasting, progress measurement, performance reporting, change management, and variance analysis.
• Proficiency in general office productivity tools, particularly spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments, including engineering, procurement, finance, and project management.
• Effective problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze complex data and provide actionable insights.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving project requirements.
• Fluent in English with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with global project environments and multicultural team dynamics is preferred.