Strategic Cost Analyst, Capital Projects & Funding

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

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago 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 multidisciplinary teams overseeing large-scale rail projects and provide data-driven insights to leadership.

The role emphasizes budgeting, funding, and cost control across the project life cycle, with a focus on ensuring alignment of budgets and expenditures and supporting capital investment decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in capital program administration, project controls, cost management, budgeting, or financial analysis.
• Knowledge of capital program development, budgeting, implementation processes, cost management practices, cost baselines, and forecasting techniques.
• Experience with cost management systems (e.g., eBuilder, PRISM, Oracle) and PMIS.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, Power BI and SharePoint.

Responsibilities

• 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 PMIS, including budgeting, cost tracking, and change management.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Urban Planning, or a related field

Job description

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago 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 multidisciplinary teams overseeing large-scale rail projects and provide data-driven insights to leadership.

The role emphasizes budgeting, funding, and cost control across the project life cycle, with a focus on ensuring alignment of budgets and expenditures and supporting capital investment decisions.