Project Controls Specialist (Contract)

Project Controls Specialist (Contract)

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (Hybrid)
Duration: 12-Month+ Contract
Hours: 40 hours/week
Start Date: October 2026

Overview

We are seeking a Project Controls Specialist to support large-scale capital construction projects. This individual will be responsible for project scheduling, cost control, forecasting, financial tracking, and performance reporting from project development through closeout. The role partners closely with project management, finance, accounting, contractors, and vendors to ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with contractual requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary project controls resource for assigned projects, providing expertise in scheduling, cost management, forecasting, and reporting.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze project schedules using Oracle Primavera P6.
• Prepare project estimates, cash flow forecasts, and cost projections.
• Monitor project budgets, expenditures, accruals, contingency usage, and forecast accuracy.
• Perform schedule analysis and progress measurement to validate project performance against plan.
• Track and communicate cost and schedule variances, risks, and performance concerns to project stakeholders.
• Support monthly financial processes, including accruals and project accounting activities.
• Coordinate with accounting and finance teams to ensure accurate project reporting and forecasting.
• Review invoices, change orders, and contractor progress updates for accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor project risk indicators and help develop mitigation and recovery plans when necessary.
• Conduct quantity takeoffs to validate estimates, pricing submissions, and construction progress.
• Interface with contractors, suppliers, consultants, and vendors to ensure accurate cost and schedule information.
• Provide training and guidance on project controls processes, scheduling practices, and contractual requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Business, or a related field.
• Experience supporting major capital, construction, infrastructure, energy, or industrial projects.
• Hands-on experience with Oracle Primavera P6 scheduling software.
• Experience developing and maintaining resource-loaded schedules.
• Experience with project cost controls, forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and project performance measurement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle Primavera Unifier.
• Experience working with corporate financial modeling tools.
• Knowledge of construction contract types, including EPC, Lump Sum, Unit Price, Time & Materials, and Cost Plus contracts.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating change orders.
• Understanding of corporate financial reporting processes.
• Experience supporting utility, power generation, energy, or large industrial construction projects.
• Knowledge of gas turbine generation facilities or electric generation operations.

Ideal Background

This role is a strong fit for candidates who have worked as:

• Project Controls Specialist
• Project Controls Analyst
• Project Scheduler
• Cost Engineer
• Planning & Scheduling Engineer
• Project Cost Analyst
• Construction Controls Specialist
• Capital Projects Analyst

If you have experience managing project schedules, forecasting project costs, and providing project controls support for complex construction or infrastructure projects, we’d like to hear from you.