Senior Cost Engineering Specialist

STV is seeking a Senior Cost Engineering Specialist to join our growing Project Controls team in Dallas, Texas. This role is ideal for an experienced cost engineering professional who excels at providing cost management, forecasting, earned value analysis, change management, and financial performance oversight for complex infrastructure, transportation, and capital improvement programs.

The Senior Cost Engineering Specialist serves as a trusted advisor to project managers, clients, and project leadership teams by providing accurate and timely cost analysis that supports informed decision-making and successful project delivery. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, advanced cost management expertise, and the ability to independently lead cost engineering efforts across multiple projects.

Key Responsibilities Cost Management & Forecasting

• Lead development, maintenance, and analysis of project budgets, cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and Estimate at Completion (EAC) calculations.
• Monitor project expenditures, commitments, accruals, and forecasts to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Perform detailed cost variance, trend, and productivity analyses to identify project risks and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain cost breakdown structures (CBS) and reporting frameworks.
• Support project teams with financial planning, budget controls, and forecasting processes.

Earned Value Management & Performance Reporting

• Implement and maintain Earned Value Management (EVM) processes and methodologies.
• Analyze Cost Performance Index (CPI), Schedule Performance Index (SPI), and other key project performance indicators.
• Develop dashboards and executive-level reporting packages that communicate project performance, trends, and financial health.
• Provide recommendations to mitigate cost overruns and improve project performance.

Change Management & Cost Impact Analysis

• Evaluate change orders, contract modifications, and scope changes for financial impacts.
• Perform detailed cost impact assessments and support negotiations with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Maintain change management logs and ensure proper documentation and approval workflows.
• Support claims avoidance and dispute resolution through detailed cost analysis and documentation.

Risk Analysis & Financial Planning

• Identify project cost risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support quantitative risk assessments and contingency evaluations.
• Develop scenario analyses and forecasting models to evaluate alternative project outcomes.
• Collaborate with project controls, scheduling, and risk management teams to establish integrated project performance assessments.

Client Engagement & Leadership

• Serve as the primary cost engineering resource on assigned projects and programs.
• Present project financial performance updates to internal leadership and external clients.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior cost engineers and project controls professionals.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, standards development, and best practices across the Project Controls organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Project Controls, or a related discipline.
• 8-12+ years of progressive experience in cost engineering, project controls, construction management, or program controls.
• Demonstrated experience supporting large transportation, infrastructure, aviation, transit, facilities, energy, or capital improvement programs.
• Advanced experience with:
  • Cost forecasting
  • Budget management
  • Earned Value Management (EVM)
  • Cost variance analysis
  • Change management
  • Financial performance reporting
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including advanced financial analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• AACE International certifications such as:
  • Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
  • Earned Value Professional (EVP)
  • Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP)
• Experience with PMIS platforms such as:
  • e-Builder
  • Kahua
  • Oracle Primavera Unifier
  • Deltek Cobra
  • EcoSys
• Experience supporting public-sector and transportation clients.
• Familiarity with Primavera P6 and schedule-cost integration methodologies.
• Experience supporting projects valued at $100M+.