Senior Cost Analyst

Metra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Senior Cost Analyst to integrate capital funding strategy with project cost management across the agency’s capital program. You will collaborate with Planning, Finance, and Grants teams to align budgets, forecasts, and expenditures with funding sources.

The role requires five years of experience in capital projects, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in PMIS and cost management tools. Flexibility in hours and strong communication are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in capital program administration or cost management.
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and cost baselines.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and submit budget requests and funding strategies.
• Coordinate development and approval of project charters.
• Oversee cost management in PMIS and ensure data integrity across capital projects.
• Provide integrated reporting on funding status, cost performance, and forecasts.

Skills

Budgeting

Cost analysis

PMIS

Power BI

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Urban Planning

Tools

eBuilder

PRISM

Oracle

Job description

Salary Range

$85,035.00 – $127,553.00

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and wayfinding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams.

Reporting to the Director of Project Controls in the Capital Delivery Department, the Senior Cost Analyst is responsible for integrating capital funding strategy with project-level cost management across the agency's capital program. This position collaborates with multidisciplinary teams overseeing the planning, design, and construction of large-scale bridge, track, station, parking, and railroad yard projects.

The role works closely with Project Management, Planning, Finance, and Grants staff to ensure that capital projects are properly funded and that project budgets, forecasts, and expenditures are accurately tracked and aligned with funding sources. The position serves as a key advisor to leadership by providing clear, data-driven insights into funding availability, cost performance, and financial risk across the capital program.

The primary duties include: Develop, evaluate, and submit budget requests and funding strategies in coordination with internal stakeholders. Coordinate development and approval of project charters. Develop and present funding briefings and status reports for leadership and serve as a subject matter expert on capital program funding processes and timelines. Oversee cost management processes within the Project Management Information System (PMIS), including budgeting, cost tracking, and change management. Administer and maintain financial tracking tools and reporting systems, and cost control systems, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial data across all capital projects.Map project costs to funding sources, including grants, purchase orders, and agreements and develop and maintain project budget forecasts, cost estimates, cash flows, and spend curves. Monitor cost allocations and expenditures throughout all phases of the project life cycle. Coordinate and lead recurring cost and financial review meetings with Capital Delivery and Grants teams and collaborate with staff managing all stages of capital construction from pre-construction through closeout and across departments to identify agency priorities and support capital investment decisions. Provide integrated reporting on project funding status, cost performance, and forecasted financial needs across the capital program. Review cost estimates, financial reports, and cash flow projections to validate funding needs and ensure alignment between budgets and expenditures. Ensure alignment between project budgets, funding allocations, and actual expenditures to support compliance and financial accountability.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Urban Planning, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
2. In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in capital program administration, project controls, cost management, budgeting, or financial analysis.
3. Knowledge of capital program development, budgeting, implementation processes, cost management practices, cost baselines, and forecasting techniques.
4. Understanding of construction or engineering project delivery. Experience in public transportation or railroad industry is preferred.
5. Experience with cost management systems (e.g., eBuilder, PRISM, Oracle) and Project Management Information Systems (PMIS).
6. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, Power BI and SharePoint.
7. Manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
8. Ability to interact concisely with executive level staff.
9. Build and sustain relationships with stake holders.
10. Ability to conduct training sessions.
11. Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
12. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
13. Strong record-keeping skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
14. Confident self-starter able to operate in a dynamic environment.
15. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Database experience is preferred.
2. Project Management Professional (PMP), Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE), Certified Cost Technician (CCT) certification.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact [e-mail]. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre‑employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.