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 project’s 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.
This position will be based out of the Nexus Cleveland Office with up to 25% travel to Akron, OH.
Accountabilities
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
Key Responsibilities
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
Experience
10–15 years of cost engineering or project controls experience
Proven experience on large capital projects ($500MM–$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
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field (required)
Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional) (preferred)
Competitive Benefits
Learn more about our competitive benefits in detail.
Why Nexus?
Nexus Engineering Group, a distinguished independent full-service engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) firm, provides comprehensive support to clients from concept through startup. With over a decade of demonstrated engineering and design success, Nexus stands out as the firm of choice for those valuing integrity and expertise.
At Nexus, you will be part of a talented and passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation. We foster a collaborative and engaging work environment, making it a place where you’ll enjoy contributing to impactful projects. Joining Nexus means aligning with a firm renowned for its creativity, dedication, and relentless focus on achieving client goals.
Equal Opportunity Employer & Reasonable Accommodation
Nexus Engineering Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Nexus Engineering Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualifies individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require and accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process please contact us at [email protected].
Sponsorship & Work Authorization
Nexus Engineering Group is unable to sponsor employment authorization in the United States for this position.
Third‑Party Agency Notice
Nexus Engineering Group does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external recruiters or agencies. We only engage approved third‑party partners under a written agreement initiated by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Any resumes submitted without prior authorization or a current agreement will not be eligible for placement fees and will be considered the property of Nexus Engineering Group.
What We Do
Nexus Engineering Group is a full-service, independent engineering firm focused on supporting clients’ specific project goals from concept to startup. With more than a dozen years of proven engineering and design successes, Nexus is the preferred engineering firm of choice when seeking integrity and expertise. Nexus performs best when faced with complex and demanding projects in the refining, petroleum midstream, chemical, manufacturing and utilities industries. Our teams have the talent and moxie to tackle all sizes of projects for local and international clients seeking to design, build, and construct highly technical and functional facilities. With more than 200 professionals that you’ll genuinely like working with, Nexus is more than just your typical engineering firm. Clients come to us for our expertise, creativity, passion, and relentless focus on their goals.
