Principal Project Controls Specialist

Principal Project Controls Specialist – Cost Engineering

Location: Plainfield, IN

Duration: 12-month contract (strong potential to extend)

Pay Rate: $72-$77/hr (W2)

Per Diem: $140/day for qualified non-local candidates

We are seeking a Principal Project Controls Specialist – Cost Engineer to support a large, multi‑site Midwest power generation portfolio focused on Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) projects. This role serves as a cost engineering subject matter expert, providing hands‑on project controls leadership across multiple active project sites.

This position is not a back‑office role. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator who partners directly with Project Managers, Project Directors, and cross‑functional teams to drive cost transparency, forecasting accuracy, and risk management.

• Lead the development, maintenance, and review of detailed project cost management and reporting systems
• Perform comprehensive cost analysis, including:
• Cost commitments and forecasting
• Month‑end accruals and actuals adjustments
• Journal entries and variance analysis
• Estimate at Completion (EAC) assessments
• Risk and contingency drawdown analysis
• Review and assess project schedules, cost estimates, and estimate basis documentation
• Prepare and review monthly project status reports and vendor cost reports
• Monitor compliance with internal policies, procedures, and enterprise standards
• Provide cost performance analysis and forecasting to support informed decision-making
• Support Project Managers with risk identification, quantification, and mitigation
• Track and manage changes to scope, schedule, and cost baselines
• Maintain accurate cost and risk data within internal project control systems and tools

• 8+ years of experience in project controls with a strong focus on cost engineering
• Proven experience supporting power generation or heavy industrial projects
• Strong knowledge of:
• Cost control, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Change management and risk analysis
• Project controls methodologies and best practices
• Advanced proficiency with project controls software, cost systems, and analytical tools
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface directly with project teams and leadership
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment

• Experience supporting environmental remediation, CCR, or large utility capital projects
• Background working across portfolio‑level reporting and multi‑site programs
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)