Project Controls Specialist – Federal Programs & Budgets

CDM Smith; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 76,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a financially skilled cost engineer to support government projects in the United States. You will develop budgets, perform cost estimating, manage schedules, and ensure compliance with FAR/CAS and contract requirements.

You will work with project managers, estimators, and field teams to track progress, control expenditures, and analyze variances. A background in government contracting is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience.
• Travel may be required (domestic and/or international).
• Strong understanding of government budgeting, FAR, CAS, and contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and cost control systems to ensure alignment with contract and corporate requirements.
• Prepare cost and schedule estimates, analyze trends, and provide accurate accruals, earned value, and variance reports.
• Establish and monitor project baselines for cost and schedule; identify variances and recommend corrective actions to maintain project goals.
• Support the development and management of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and ensure accurate progress reporting.
• Conduct detailed cost and schedule risk analyses, identifying potential impacts to budget and performance metrics.
• Prepare and present regular project performance reports, including KPIs, forecasts, and variance explanations, to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, estimators, and field teams to track progress, control expenditures, and manage change orders.
• Ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and all applicable agency or contractual reporting requirements.
• Support audits, data validation, and documentation to ensure transparency and traceability in cost and schedule reporting.
• Continuously evaluate project control processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skills

US Citizenship

Background check

Budgeting

Cost estimating

Scheduling

Written communication

Stakeholder management

5 years experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking a financially skilled cost engineer to support government projects in the United States. You will develop budgets, perform cost estimating, manage schedules, and ensure compliance with FAR/CAS and contract requirements.

You will work with project managers, estimators, and field teams to track progress, control expenditures, and analyze variances. A background in government contracting is highly valued.