Change Order Engineer
About The Position
The Change Order Engineer is responsible for managing, evaluating, pricing, and negotiating change orders for civil/building construction projects. This role ensures that all scope changes, contract modifications, and cost impacts are properly documented, analyzed, and processed in accordance with contract requirements. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in heavy civil and vertical construction, strong knowledge of contract administration, and the ability to collaborate with project teams, clients, and subcontractors to protect the company’s financial and contractual interests.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (required)
- 10+ years of experience in change order management, cost engineering, or contract administration for a civil and building general contractor
- Strong experience with heavy civil, infrastructure, and vertical construction projects (e.g., transportation, commercial, public works)
- In-depth knowledge of construction contracts (lump sum, GMP, unit price, design-build)
- Proven ability to price and negotiate complex change orders on large-scale projects
- Strong understanding of project controls, scheduling impacts, and cost analysis
- Proficiency in construction management and cost control software (e.g., Procore, Primavera P6, CMiC, or similar)
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and cost estimating tools
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts
- Excellent written and verbal skills
Responsibilities
- Lead the full lifecycle of change orders including identification, documentation, pricing, submission, negotiation, and execution
- Analyze drawings, specifications, RFIs, field directives, and design revisions to determine scope impacts
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for change orders including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, and schedule impacts
- Track and maintain change order logs and ensure accurate cost forecasting and budget alignment
- Evaluate subcontractor change order requests for validity, accuracy, and contractual compliance
- Interpret prime contracts, subcontracts, and project specifications to ensure changes comply with contractual terms
- Prepare and review notices of change, claims, and supporting documentation in accordance with contract requirements
- Ensure timely submission of change order proposals and supporting backup documentation
- Assist in dispute resolution and claims mitigation related to scope changes
- Work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, Estimators, and Field Engineers to capture and validate change events
- Coordinate with clients, consultants, and design teams to clarify scope changes and secure approvals
- Support procurement and subcontract teams with change order negotiations and cost justifications
- Attend project meetings to identify potential changes and provide commercial input
- Maintain organized records of all change events, cost breakdowns, and approvals
- Prepare executive summaries and reports on change order status, trends, and financial impacts
- Support monthly cost reports, forecasts, and project financial reviews
- Ensure audit-ready documentation for all change-related transactions
- Identify potential cost and schedule risks related to design changes and unforeseen conditions
- Provide recommendations to minimize financial exposure and protect project margins
- Assist in the development of mitigation strategies for disputed changes and claims
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
