Lead Cost Engineer

Nexus Engineering Group•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

The Lead Cost Engineer role is a senior position within the Project Services organization supporting a major capital power project. The role is responsible for establishing, managing, and reporting the projectâs cost position across all phases of execution. This individual will lead cost engineering activities including cost control, forecasting, earned value management, and support change management. The Lead Cost Engineer will work closely with Project Management, Scheduling, Procurement, and Construction teams to ensure full integration of cost with project execution. The role requires an experienced professional capable of operating within a complex EPC/EPCm environment, managing multiple stakeholders, and providing clear, accurate, and timely cost visibility to both internal and client leadership teams.

Requirements

10â15 years of cost engineering or project controls experience
Proven experience on large capital projects ($500MMâ$2B+) within EPC or EPCm environments
Strong experience implementing and managing earned value management systems
Experience working across engineering, procurement, and construction phases of projects
Demonstrated experience managing cost on complex, multi-contractor projects
Experience supporting change management, claims, and commercial discussions
Strong understanding of project controls systems, cost management tools, and ERP integrations
Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership and clients
Bachelorâs degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field (required)
Strong cost control, forecasting, and financial analysis capabilities
Deep understanding of earned value management principles
Ability to integrate cost with schedule, procurement, and construction data
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure project environments
High level of proficiency in cost management systems and tools
Results-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and accountability
Proactive and able to identify issues early and drive resolution
Strong leadership presence and ability to influence project teams
Detail-oriented with a structured and disciplined approach
Collaborative and able to work across multiple functions
Commitment to safety, integrity, and ethical conduct

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional) (preferred)

Responsibilities

Manage the total installed cost (TIC) position for the project, ensuring accuracy and transparency
Ensure project cost performance aligns with client expectations and Nexus standards for cost management and reporting
Lead the development and maintenance of the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) aligned with the WBS
Establish and manage project cost baselines, budgets, and forecasting processes
Provide clear and timely reporting of cost performance, including variances, risks, and opportunities
Lead earned value management implementation and ensure alignment between cost and schedule performance
Ensure procurement commitments, subcontract costs, and vendor forecasts are accurately reflected in cost reports
Support governance processes including stage gate reviews, assurance reviews, and executive reporting
Drive integration between cost, schedule, procurement, engineering, and construction teams
Develop and maintain cost control systems, procedures, and reporting frameworks for the project
Lead cost reporting cycles (weekly, including actuals, commitments, and forecast to complete)
Perform variance analysis and provide clear explanations of cost deviations and performance trends
Implement and manage earned value metrics including CPI, SPI, and estimate at completion (EAC)
Maintain and manage the project trend log
Support the preparation and evaluation of change orders and claims
Track and report procurement commitments and subcontractor cost exposure
Develop and maintain project cash flow forecasts
Ensure alignment between cost reporting and project schedule progress
Interface with client representatives to present cost performance and key insights
Support system setup and integration with ERP and project controls tools