Senior Project Cost Engineer

South Plainfield, NJMid-Atlantic – Operations /Full-Time /Hybrid

PMA is seeking an experienced Senior Project Cost Engineer to join our team and lead cost management and financial oversight across multiple construction projects for one of our largest, long‑term clients in New Jersey.

The Senior Project Cost Engineer will lead the development and implementation of cost control strategies and tools, manage cost reporting and forecasting, and provide expert analysis on budget performance. As a key member of the project controls team, you will collaborate across functions to ensure projects are delivered within budget and aligned with financial goals.

• Develops and implements cost control procedures, tools, and documentation to manage project budgets effectively.
• Enforces cost control principles and industry best practices.
• Collects and integrates progress data to maintain accurate forecasts, actual cost, invoicing, and accrual reporting.
• Analyzes trends, variances, and project drivers, communicating risks and opportunities.
• Extracts cost obligations from contracts and incorporate them into project deliverables.
• Prepares detailed and summary‑level cost estimates.
• Collaborates with project teams and stakeholders to gather and validate cost inputs.
• Presents clear, high‑level financial status reports for executive review.
• Leverages advanced cost project finance software and tools.
• Supports process improvement initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, accounting, finance, or a related field required.
• 10+ years of relevant cost engineering or cost controls experience.
• Demonstrated experience with project cost forecasting, budget reporting, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency in SAP, ARIBA, or similar project finance software.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills with advanced Excel experience.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• CCP or PMP certification a plus.

$131,855 – $149,000 a year

The salary range for this position is $131,855 to $149,000. A hired employee will be placed within this salary range based on a variety of legitimate business reasons, including but not limited to the individual’s scope of relevant experience and geographic location.

Physical:
Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.

Cognitive:
Problem‑solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.

About PMA:
At PMA, employee well‑being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work‑from‑home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor. We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires. We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long‑term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value.

Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self‑driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals. As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project…