Project Engineer

Position Summary:

We re seeking a Project Controls Engineer to join the Riverside, CA team. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of industry professionals around the world to support project activities, including project funding and financial performance management, grant administration support, and related reporting to public agencies. The position reports to Project Controls Supervisor and involves cost estimating, analysis, invoice review and processing, and preparation of progress reports for government agencies. It also includes monitoring project funding, budget, and performance and making recommendations consistent with federal, state, and local funding guidelines. The role supports grant and other funding administration activities (e.g., eligibility, scope, and timely use of funds) and provides support for various organizational and administrative aspects of the project.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in managing Client contracts and processing payments related to transportation projects.
• Review monthly invoices for professional services and contractor work associated with Client transportation projects, including processing reimbursement requests and supporting documentation in accordance with applicable funding requirements, data entry of invoices, data entry and review of Personnel Request Forms (PRF), invoice coding for Client Right of Way, Planning and Programming, and subconsultants, SharePoint invoice filing and historical data management.
• Coordination of Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) for upcoming Client professional services contracts.
• Conduct Bid Analyses by comparing proposals from different bidders, and assess against previously prepared ICE.
• Coordinate bi-weekly project reviews with Client Project Managers and Project Coordinators to assess all Client Capital projects, 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, including assisting with budget and/or funding analyses and tracking funding allocations.
• Develop and enforce requirements for cost recording, reporting, and analysis standards, programs, and reports.
• Perform ongoing monitoring and control of project performance, including funding, budget, and schedule status; identify variances and develop recommendations consistent with federal, state, and local funding guidelines.
• Continuously update project funding databases and spreadsheets with the latest project information from project sponsors; reconcile conflicting project information and maintain audit-ready records.
• Support administration of federal and state grant funding; coordinate with Finance and project stakeholders to resolve matters of eligibility, scope, and timely use of funds deadlines.
• Research, compile, and analyze project development and implementation status; track progress against timelines and funding requirements; analyze data and prepare technical reports that summarize findings, describe alternatives, and support recommendations to public agency decision makers.
• Investigate the needs for estimating or cost control data within specific disciplines or specialty areas.
• Identify and define data sources and techniques for acquiring necessary data in relevant disciplines or specialty areas.
• Maintain the Construction bid database.
• Analyze collected data, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions or improvements.
• Develop and implement systems for measuring project processes, analyze performance metrics, and identify areas for improvement.
• Assist in preparing cost data for proposals or contract negotiations.
• Take responsibility for managing project schedules to ensure alignment with deadlines and project milestones, including maintaining funding schedules related to allocations, project updates, and expenditures.
• Work closely with the project team to assess the impact of project cost and schedule changes, ensuring timely adjustments and proper documentation.
• Support the development of cost impacts related to the risk register. Track project trends and provide early warnings of budget or schedule deviations.
• Assist in coordinating with stakeholders regarding project cost and schedule matters, ensuring alignment and communication.
• Actively participate in and promote the company s initiatives regarding Safety, Quality, and Diversity & Inclusion.

Qualifications and Skills:

• 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 Project Controls or cost control in lieu of a degree.
• The ideal candidate will have the right to live and work in the United States and current or previous experience with work processes related to cost.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 software applications (including intermediate to advanced Excel and SharePoint skills), and Power BI.
• Knowledge of federal and state transportation funding sources and programming requirements, including discretionary and formula funding programs.
• Understanding of basic principles and practices of budget development, administration, invoicing, disbursement, and accrual; ability to maintain accurate records in support of audits and reporting.
• Strong background in cost engineering functions, including cost estimating, cost control, and cost analysis.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of financial reporting systems and controller account codes.
• Intermediate understanding of engineering, procurement, contracts, construction, and startup/operations processes.
• Familiarity with engineering and construction management gained through formal education or hands-on experience.
• Knowledge of Caltrans and/or FTA procedures and processes preferred but not required.

Basic Behavioral:

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and a rigorous commitment to accuracy, completeness, and quality control; performs thorough reviews and takes ownership of assigned responsibilities from initiation through completion
• Ability to communicate and explain work processes and procedures clearly to staff, management, and clients.
• Proactive in taking initiative on project tasks, including policy/technical research and coordinating with key stakeholders.
• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Capable of following client direction while providing clear, actionable guidance to staff and consultants on project tasks.
• Proven leadership in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Results-driven with a strong focus on problem-solving and finding solutions.
• Skilled in preparing correspondence, reports, and analytical documentation.