Cost Engineer

Job Title:

Cost Engineer

Job Description

Seeking a Cost Engineer to support electrical distribution construction projects. This role ensures accurate project estimates, monitors schedules and costs, and maintains transparent communication with customers. The Cost Engineer will collaborate closely with the Project Manager and field teams to deliver timely and precise financial and progress updates.

• Develop and maintain detailed cost estimates for electrical distribution projects.
• Collaborate with engineering and field teams to validate scope and pricing.
• Analyze historical data and vendor quotes to improve estimate accuracy.
• Track project budgets, expenditures, and schedule milestones.
• Identify cost variances and schedule delays; recommend corrective actions.
• Support change order management and cost forecasting.
• Prepare and deliver regular project status reports using dashboards, spreadsheets, and project management software.
• Include cost performance, schedule updates, and risk assessments in reports.
• Respond to customer inquiries with data-driven insights.
• Align cost-engineering efforts with project goals under Project Manager direction.
• Coordinate with procurement, finance, and field operations for data accuracy.
• Assist in post-project reviews and lessons learned documentation.

• 2+ years of experience in cost estimating or project tracking.
• Proficiency in project estimating and customer reporting.
• Experience in cost and schedule monitoring.
• Strong skills in construction management, cost control, and cost analysis.
• Familiarity with document control and project coordination.

• Experience in underground electrical, natural gas, sewer, or water utility construction.
• Experience in industrial construction is considered an advantage.
• Familiarity with cost estimating or project tracking software.
• Degree is not required, though advantageous.

This position is based in an office environment with core hours from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering flexibility with prior communication. The team includes a Project Manager and Project Coordinator, with extensive collaboration with field staff. The work primarily involves tracking and reporting on projects ranging from a few million to 14 million dollars, which are executed in phases over several years.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Detroit, MI.

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $43.27/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Detroit,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 21, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccom (%20actalentaccom) for other accommodation options.