Project Controls Specialist

Project Controls Specialist
Location: Walnut Creek, California
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $115,000 to $145,000 base salary

About the Company

Our client is a respected project management, project controls, and technology project management consulting firm with 30+ years of experience supporting major capital programs across transportation, utilities, oil & gas, and water throughout the U.S. The organization supports high-visibility infrastructure programs requiring strong governance, cross-functional coordination, and performance-driven execution. The firm is certified as a Federal Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and a State of California Small Business / Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SB/DVBE).

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a Staff Project Controls Specialist to support project planning, scheduling, cost control, forecasting, reporting, and progress measurement for major infrastructure and capital construction projects. This role works closely with project management, accounting, and project teams to help ensure projects are executed efficiently, remain on schedule, and stay within budget.

This is a hybrid position based in Walnut Creek, California.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support project controls activities in coordination with project management teams.
• Set up projects in Enterprise Planning & Controls software.
• Analyze project data, review logs, and run reports using project controls systems and related tools.
• Develop and maintain Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).
• Prepare and maintain project schedules, cost reports, cash flow reports, and forecasts for multiple projects.
• Support project execution in alignment with approved project execution plans.
• Assist with engineering, procurement, and construction planning, scheduling, logistics, and cost control activities.
• Serve as a point of contact for project controls-related technical questions from the project team.
• Review and approve purchase orders and subcontracts for proper coding.
• Input and document updates to cost reports and forecasts.
• Interface with project management and accounting teams to review project costs, contingency usage, and support external audits.
• Review prime contract, purchase order, and subcontract change orders.
• Develop and present cash flow reports.
• Build and maintain schedules at various levels of detail.
• Apply and review logic ties and sequencing within project schedules.
• Monitor schedule resource loading.
• Support Interactive Project Planning Meetings (IPPM).
• Generate schedule reports and determine the most effective reporting format for project stakeholders.
• Review and analyze scheduling reports and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Consult with project teams regarding schedule status and progress.
• Analyze schedule performance using critical path method (CPM), estimating, forecasting, and project cost management techniques.
• Perform what-if schedule scenario analyses.
• Develop and maintain earned value management processes and systems.
• Input and validate progress measurement data.
• Develop and maintain progress curves.
• Perform material takeoffs as needed.
• Conduct quality checks on project controls deliverables.
• Perform field audits to validate reporting accuracy and process compliance.
• Assist with project forensic analysis as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with company policies, procedures, and standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of direct project controls experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think creatively and analytically.
• OSHA 10-hour safety certification, or ability to obtain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle Primavera P6.
• Experience supporting capital construction, infrastructure, engineering, or EPC projects.
• Experience with cost forecasting, scheduling, earned value management, and progress reporting.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $115,000 to $145,000. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity.

Disclaimer

This job description provides only a summary of the typical functions associated with this role and is not intended to represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities, tasks, or duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties assigned may differ from those outlined, and additional duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Smart Hire is not legally responsible for any changes to the jobholder's responsibilities or activities implemented by our clients that differ from those described herein.

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