University Associate, Construction, Disputes & Advisory

Ankura; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ankura is seeking a Construction Associate to support the Construction Disputes & Advisory group in Los Angeles. You will develop analytical skills by performing detailed schedule, cost, and productivity analyses, collaborating with project leaders, and contributing to client-facing work on major infrastructure megaprojects.

You will assist with document reviews, data gathering, and database management. The role offers early exposure to senior clients, growth within the LA CD&A Practice,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with strong academic performance and early‑career focus.
• Ambitious, energetic, and driven with interest in large infrastructure projects.
• Willingness to travel and work overtime as needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication; collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data gathering including document reviews and database management.
• Perform detailed analyses of project schedules, costs, productivity, and change orders.
• Use Primavera and other software to model schedules and costs.
• Produce high‑quality client‑ready work products for senior review.
• Support client meetings and internal strategy discussions.
• Contribute to proposal development and LA practice growth.

Skills

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Excel/PowerPoint

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Primavera scheduling

CPM scheduling

Job description

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth. Practice Overview: This position supports the Ankura Construction, Disputes & Advisory Business Group – one of five practices focused on client delivery services across the firm. Ankura’s Construction Disputes & Advisory professionals are recognized as leading experts in providing construction dispute resolution and advisory services for some of the world’s most complex construction projects. As part of a growing LA practice, this role goes beyond traditional entry-level consulting. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, support high-profile megaprojects, and contribute to the long-term growth of the LA team. Ankura’s construction experts provide services to clients on construction projects across all industries to avoid, manage and mitigate execution risks throughout the project lifecycle. Expert Dispute Resolution Services: Our experts provide analyses of complex issues in construction disputes, including robust delay and cost analyses, to determine the root‑cause of issues experienced on the project. Conclusions are presented in a clear, concise and objective manner to assist parties in the dispute resolution process. Advisory Services: Our experts draw upon vast industry experience and lessons learned through dispute resolution experience to provide risk management, project management, planning and cost advisory services to parties at an early stage in the construction project lifecycle.

Role Overview

As a Construction Associate in Ankura’s Construction Disputes & Advisory group, you will develop analytical skills while being immersed in the world of client services. Construction Associates work directly with project team leaders and experts, assisting our experts in performing the detailed analyses required to provide the best solutions for our clients. Associates perform project schedule, cost, productivity and statistical analyses as well as assist with review of key project issues through document review and database creation/management. Our Associates often have opportunities early in their careers to work directly in client‑facing roles, assisting clients with the complex challenges of planning, constructing, completing and resolving disputes for some of the largest construction projects around the world.

Responsibilities

• Assists with data gathering including detailed document reviews and database creation/management.
• Performs detailed analyses of project schedule delays, project cost records, productivity, change orders and other issues related to design and construction.
• Utilizes various computer software to analyze and model schedules, contractor production rates and costs.
• Creates high quality work product and demonstrates exceptional quality control.
• Prepares client‑ready work product for senior level review.
• Participate in client meetings and internal strategy discussions.
• Support proposal development and internal initiatives tied to growing the LA practice.

Why This Role Is Unique

• Early exposure to senior clients and leadership
• Opportunity to grow with the LA CD&A Practice
• Mentorship from experienced colleagues in project controls and advisory
• High level of responsibility, involvement and influence on major projects

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with solid academic performance and a graduation date between December 2026 and June 2027.
• Highly motivated, driven, and energetic attitude towards work and career.
• Interest in large‑scale infrastructure and complex capital projects.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and interest in helping build a growing LA practice.
• Strong team‑oriented personality characteristics: hard‑working, thoughtful, and collaborative, with a positive outlook and confidence.
• Creative/analytical problem‑solving ability and a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to utilize technology to solve complex problems.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Professional curiosity and willingness to ask thoughtful questions.
• Ability to adapt quickly in handling multiple/evolving tasks as a result of new engagements and/or re‑prioritized deadlines.
• Must be able to produce high quality and/or final work product under strict deadlines.
• Ability to excel within a team environment.
• Must be willing to travel and work overtime as needed.
• Must demonstrate a working knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Primavera scheduling tools and Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling techniques is desirable, but not required.
• Please note that this role requires permanent authorization to work in the U.S. (i.e. U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
• Internships and full‑time University Associate roles are not eligible for U.S. immigration sponsorship, work visa or any other temporary work authorization (i.e. OPT, CPT).

Compensation

At Ankura, the disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The range does not include additional benefits outside of salary. A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range is between $50,000 to $120,000; this range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ankura is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email [e-mail] or call toll‑free +1.312-583-2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers.

Ankura Consulting Group, LLC is an independent global expert services and advisory firm that delivers services and end‑to‑end solutions to help clients at critical inflection points related to conflict, crisis, performance, risk, strategy, and transformation. The Ankura team consists of more than 2000 professionals serving 3,000+ clients across 55 countries who are leaders in their respective fields and areas of expertise. Collaborative Lateral Thinking That Delivers, hard‑earned experience, expertise, and multidisciplinary capabilities drive results and Ankura is unrivalled in its ability to assist clients to Protect, Create, and Recover Value. For more information, please visit, ankura.com.