Lead Cost Engineer

Job description

The **Lead Cost Engineer** role is a senior position within the Project Services organization supporting a major capital power project. The role is responsible for establishing, managing, and reporting the project’s cost position across all phases of execution. This individual will lead cost engineering activities including cost control, forecasting, earned value management, and support change management. The Lead Cost Engineer will work closely with Project Management, Scheduling, Procurement, and Construction teams to ensure full integration of cost with project execution. The role requires an experienced professional capable of operating within a complex EPC/EPCm environment, managing multiple stakeholders, and providing clear, accurate, and timely cost visibility to both internal and client leadership teams. This position will be based out of the Nexus Cleveland Office with up to 25% travel to Akron, OH. ### Accountabilities - Manage the total installed cost (TIC) position for the project, ensuring accuracy and transparency - Ensure project cost performance aligns with client expectations and Nexus standards for cost management and reporting - Lead the development and maintenance of the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) aligned with the WBS - Establish and manage project cost baselines, budgets, and forecasting processes - Provide clear and timely reporting of cost performance, including variances, risks, and opportunities - Lead earned value management implementation and ensure alignment between cost and schedule performance - Ensure procurement commitments, subcontract costs, and vendor forecasts are accurately reflected in cost reports - Support governance processes including stage gate reviews, assurance reviews, and executive reporting - Drive integration between cost, schedule, procurement, engineering, and construction teams ### Key Responsibilities - Develop and maintain cost control systems, procedures, and reporting frameworks for the project - Lead cost reporting cycles (weekly, including actuals, commitments, and forecast to complete) - Perform variance analysis and provide clear explanations of cost deviations and performance trends - Implement and manage earned value metrics including CPI, SPI, and estimate at completion (EAC) - Maintain and manage the project trend log - Support the preparation and evaluation of change orders and claims - Track and report procurement commitments and subcontractor cost exposure - Develop and maintain project cash flow forecasts - Ensure alignment between cost reporting and project schedule progress - Interface with client representatives to present cost performance and key insights - Support system setup and integration with ERP and project controls tools ### Experience - 10–15 years of cost engineering or project controls experience - Proven experience on large capital projects ($500MM–$2B+) within EPC or EPCm environments - Strong experience implementing and managing earned value management systems - Experience working across engineering, procurement, and construction phases of projects - Demonstrated experience managing cost on complex, multi-contractor projects - Experience supporting change management, claims, and commercial discussions - Strong understanding of project controls systems, cost management tools, and ERP integrations - Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership and clients ### Education - Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field (required) - Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional) (preferred)