Junior Cost Control Engineer

Position Description

At JH Kelly, we’re looking for a strong analytical and problem-solving Junior Cost Control Engineer who will supports project teams by assisting with the tracking of project costs, earned progress, schedule alignment, and resource planning to support effective field execution and project performance. This role is responsible for gathering, organizing, and analyzing project data to provide accurate and timely information to project teams and leadership.

Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll take on:

Cost & Budget Management

• Assist with collecting, validating, and analyzing project cost, productivity, and schedule data from multiple systems.
• Support the maintenance of project budgets within the ERP system, including updates for purchase orders, subcontracts, change orders, and project commitments.
• Assist Project Managers and senior Cost Control personnel with monthly forecasting, cost reporting, and cost-to-complete analyses.
• Track purchase order and subcontract commitments and assist with change order reconciliation to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Project Controls & Performance Tracking

• Monitor project progress and compare actual performance against approved budgets, schedules, manpower plans, and productivity targets.
• Assist with schedule reviews by cross-referencing project schedules with field-reported progress and earned performance data.
• Support resource-loaded schedule development and productivity tracking initiatives to improve project planning and execution.
• Learn and apply project controls methodologies, including cost control, forecasting, earned value management, and performance measurement techniques.

Reporting & Data Analysis

• Prepare routine project reports, performance metrics, cost summaries, and data analyses for project teams and leadership.
• Support the development, maintenance, and enhancement of Power BI dashboards and project reporting tools.
• Assist with tracking key project performance indicators and compiling data to support management decision-making.
• Maintain accurate project data and reporting records to ensure reliable and timely information is available to stakeholders.

Financial & Contract Support

• Review vendor and subcontractor invoices against project progress, field reports, and contract requirements.
• Assist in verifying project costs and supporting documentation to ensure accurate processing and reporting.
• Support the monitoring of subcontract and vendor performance through documentation review and cost analysis activities.

Process Improvement & Administrative Support

• Assist with process improvement initiatives, reporting automation efforts, and data management projects to enhance efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Support project teams with administrative and analytical tasks related to project controls and cost management activities.
• Maintain organized project records and documentation in accordance with company standards and project requirements.

Additional Duties

• Assist and provide administrative and analytical support to ensure timely and accurate completion of project controls activities.
• Perform other related duties, projects, and assignments as required.

Position Requirements

What You Bring

• Experience: 0-3 years of experience in construction, project engineering, project controls, cost tracking, data analytics, accounting, or a related field. Internship, co-op, or previous experience supporting construction, industrial, manufacturing, or engineering projects preferred. Exposure to project scheduling, budgeting, reporting, or ERP systems is preferred. Experience in mechanical construction, industrial construction, or MEP systems is a plus but not required. Desire to learn construction project controls, forecasting, and cost management principles.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Information Systems, Data Analytics, Business, Finance, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Excel. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment. Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to learn ERP systems, Power BI, Primavera P6, and other project controls software. Experience with Power BI, Power Query, or data visualization tools is preferred. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with project teams.
• Mindset: Eagerness to learn and develop within a project controls and construction management career path.

Physical Requirements

This role requires frequent transitions between office and construction field settings. In the office, expect extended sitting at a computer with repetitive tasks like typing and phone use. In the field, be prepared for prolonged standing/walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, kneeling, crouching, crawling in tight spaces, and occasionally lifting 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for plans, inspections, and on-site communication. Adapt to outdoor weather, site dress codes, PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots), and occasional travel or non-standard hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Application Instructions

Thank you for your interest in joining the JH Kelly team!

For more than 100 years, we've built our reputation on the strength of our people, our commitment to safety, and the relationships we build with our employees, customers, and communities. We're always looking for talented individuals who share our values and take pride in their work.

Learn more about our story at www.jhkelly.com

Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx – Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
• 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
• Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
• Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly’s profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation over the past 10 years.

To be considered for this position, please complete the online application and submit a current resume. We encourage you to provide detailed information regarding your work experience, skills, certifications, and qualifications.

Applications are reviewed as they are received, and qualified candidates will be contacted regarding next steps in the hiring process.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening. Certain positions may also require a background check and/or motor vehicle record (MVR) review based on job responsibilities.

We appreciate your interest in becoming part of the JH Kelly family and look forward to learning more about you.

Equal Opportunity Information

JH Kelly is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and respect. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require assistance or accommodation, please contact our Human Resources department.