Project Controls Specialist

Job Title:

Project Controls Specialist Job Description The Project Controls Specialist leads project controls processes and partners closely with the internal project management team to ensure projects are planned and executed on time and within budget. This role sets up and manages project controls systems, develops and maintains schedules and cost reports, and provides analysis and reporting that support informed decision-making. The position offers the opportunity to grow into broader project management responsibilities within a flexible, collaborative, and career-focused environment. Responsibilities + Lead project controls activities to support successful execution of engineering, procurement, and construction projects within established budget and schedule. + Set up projects in Enterprise Planning & Controls software, ensuring accurate configuration and data integrity. + Analyze project data, review logs, and run reports using Enterprise Planning & Controls software and other tools to support project decision-making. + Create and manage the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to organize project scope and reporting. + Develop, implement, and maintain detailed scheduling reports, cost reports, cash flows, and forecasts for multiple projects. + Follow and support project execution plans, aligning project controls activities with overall project strategy. + Plan and coordinate engineering, procurement, and construction scheduling, logistics, and cost control activities. + Serve as a point of contact for technical project controls questions from the project team. + Review and approve purchase orders and related documentation, and accurately document changes to cost reports and forecasts. + Interface with the Project Management Team and Accounting Department to review project costs, contingency usage, and to support external audits. + Review upstream (prime contract) and downstream (purchase order and subcontract) change orders for accuracy and impact on cost and schedule. + Develop, present, and explain project cash flow reports to stakeholders. + Create project schedules at various levels of detail and apply appropriate logic ties and dependencies. + Monitor resource loading of schedules and identify potential resource constraints or optimization opportunities. + Support and participate in Interactive Project Planning Meetings (IPPM) to align stakeholders on project plans and milestones. + Create schedule reports and select appropriate reporting formats for different audiences. + Develop, review, and analyze pre-programmed project scheduling reports and backup documentation for accuracy and completeness. + Consult regularly with the project team to review schedule progress, variances, and recovery plans. + Analyze and evaluate schedule performance using critical path method scheduling techniques, estimating, project cost management, and forecasting. + Perform schedule what-if scenarios to evaluate the impact of potential changes or risks on project timelines. + Develop and maintain an earned value management system to track project performance against plan. + Input and validate progress measurement data and maintain accurate progress curves. + Perform material takeoffs to support cost estimates and project planning. + Conduct quality checks and inspections on project controls deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards. + Conduct field audits to validate the accuracy of reporting and the effectiveness of project controls processes. + Assist with project forensic analysis to understand causes of variances and identify lessons learned. + Perform data entry and documentation activities related to project controls, cost analysis, and inventory control as needed. + Support project coordination activities to ensure alignment between schedule, cost, and field execution. + Perform other duties as assigned in support of project and organizational objectives. + Comply with all company policies, procedures, and standards. Essential Skills + At least 3 years of direct project controls experience. + Experience with project controls functions such as cost control, schedule management, and project reporting. + Proficiency in project scheduling, including development and maintenance of detailed project schedules. + Experience in construction or engineering-related project environments. + Ability to develop and manage Work Breakdown Structures (WBS). + Experience with cost analysis, cash flow development, and forecasting. + Ability to develop and maintain an earned value management system and progress measurement tools. + Strong skills in data analysis, report generation, and documentation within project controls systems. + Experience with document control and inventory control in a project context. + Ability to review and analyze change orders and understand their impact on cost and schedule. + Strong attention to detail and ability to perform quality checks and audits on project controls deliverables. + Ability to conduct field audits and validate data accuracy against actual project conditions. + Capability to perform material takeoffs and support estimating and planning activities. + Strong communication skills with the ability to consult with project teams and present project controls information clearly. + Ability to work collaboratively with project management, accounting, and field teams. + Eligibility and willingness to obtain OSHA-10 certification. + Located in or able to work in the Lexington, KY area. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field, or applicable experience that may substitute for the degree requirement. + Experience with Primavera P6 for project scheduling and management (preferred). + Experience working in a consulting or professional engineering firm environment. + Familiarity with Enterprise Planning & Controls software or similar project controls platforms. + Background in project management, project coordination, and quality control on construction or engineering projects. + Ability to perform project forensic analysis and support lessons learned initiatives. + Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. + Interest in career growth into project management roles with support from leadership. + Comfort working in a highly collaborative, close-knit team environment. + Valid driver's license and ability to complete day-trip travel to client sites as needed. Work Environment This role operates within a consulting, professional engineering firm environment based in a downtown Lexington office. The team works in a flexible, hybrid-style setting, typically spending three days per week in the Lexington office and two days per week on-site with clients, with client sites potentially in Lexington or nearby locations. Any travel is generally limited to day trips to client sites, and mileage from the Lexington office to client locations is reimbursed. The local office has a close-knit, culture-driven team of approximately 30 people and maintains a highly collaborative atmosphere both within the Lexington team and across offices nationwide. The work environment is business casual, and team members frequently walk to nearby client offices for meetings, reflecting a strong, on-site client relationship model. The organization offers an employee-ownership structure, a competitive bonus program, a flexible work environment including a set number of work-from-home days each year, and robust project backlog that provides stability and exposure to a wide variety of work. The culture emphasizes professional growth, with clear opportunities for a Project Controls Specialist to develop into a project manager role with active support from leadership. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, KY. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.50 - $66.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Lexington,KY.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.