Project Controls Engineer

Talascend is currently seeking a Project Controls Engineer for a contract opportunity with our client in Riverside, California.

Overview

This role involves supporting project funding and financial performance management, grant administration, cost estimating, analysis, invoice review, and preparing reports for government agencies to ensure project success and compliance with funding guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing client contracts and processing payments related to transportation projects.
• Review monthly invoices for professional services and contractor work, including reimbursement requests and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate independent cost estimates for upcoming professional services contracts.
• Conduct bid analyses by comparing proposals from different bidders and assess against previous estimates.
• Coordinate bi-weekly project reviews with client project managers and project coordinators, including cost analysis.
• Oversee client environmental, design, construction management, and geotechnical on-call contracts.
• Organize and direct the preparation of annual budgets specific to client projects and track funding allocations.
• Develop and enforce standards for cost recording, reporting, and analysis.
• Monitor and control project performance, including funding, budget, and schedule status, and identify variances.
• Update project funding databases and reconcile conflicting project information.
• Support federal and state grant funding administration, coordinating with stakeholders on eligibility and funding deadlines.
• Analyze project development and implementation status, track progress, and prepare technical reports for decision makers.
• Develop systems for measuring project processes, analyze performance metrics, and recommend improvements.
• Assist in preparing cost data for proposals or contract negotiations.
• Manage project schedules, maintain funding schedules, and ensure alignment with project milestones.
• Assess impacts of cost and schedule changes, ensuring proper documentation and adjustments.
• Support development of cost impacts related to risk management and track project trends for early warnings.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to align project cost and schedule matters and promote safety, quality, and diversity initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field with six (6) years of project controls or cost-related experience; or ten (10) years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• The right to work in the United States and previous experience with work processes related to cost are preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Excel, SharePoint, and Power BI.
• Knowledge of federal and state transportation funding sources and programming requirements.
• Understanding of budget development, administration, invoicing, disbursement, and accrual principles.
• Strong background in cost estimating, cost control, and cost analysis functions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of financial reporting systems and controller account codes.
• Intermediate understanding of engineering, procurement, contracts, construction, and startup processes.
• Familiarity with engineering and construction management via education or hands-on experience.
• Knowledge of Caltrans and/or FTA procedures is a plus.

Basic Behavioral

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy, completeness, and quality control.
• Ability to communicate and explain work processes clearly to staff, management, and clients.
• Proactive in taking initiative on project tasks and coordinating with key stakeholders.
• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills for efficient delivery.
• Capable of following client direction while providing clear guidance to team members.
• Proven leadership in a collaborative environment.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Results-driven with strong problem-solving skills.
• Skilled in preparing correspondence, reports, and documentation.