Job Scope: As a Project Cost Engineer (Project Controls), you'll partner closely with Project Managers, Finance, Maintenance, Contractors, and Corporate Project Controls teams to improve project cost performance and predictability.
Primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Develop, maintain, and analyze project budgets, forecasts, and funding reports throughout all phases of project execution.
Apply Grace Project Methodology (GPM) standards and project controls best practices to support successful project delivery.
Serve as a site subject matter expert on cost factors, contractor rates, taxation considerations, industry cost trends, and progress measurement methodologies.
Collaborate with Project Managers to validate project scope, review estimates, evaluate contractor proposals, and ensure comprehensive cost planning.
Lead the development and implementation of consistent Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) methodologies that integrate with SAP reporting and schedule management tools.
Support integrated cost and schedule management through alignment of project controls processes with Microsoft Project and Primavera schedules.
Provide detailed cost and schedule impact assessments to support project change management activities and governance requirements.
Facilitate collaboration between owner and contractor teams on project cost forecasting and performance analysis.
Partner with local and corporate Project Controls teams to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.
Support the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process through strategic cost analysis and long-range capital forecasting.
Coordinate with Finance and Maintenance teams to ensure proper capital allocation, project accounting, and work order settlement processes.
Drive consistency, transparency, and accountability across a portfolio of simultaneous capital projects.
Below is the range that we in good faith believe is the potential compensation for this role at the time of this posting and is only applicable for jobs to be performed in Maryland. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Hargrove’s total compensation package for Teammates. Actual compensation will be based on education, experience, skill set and location.
Minimum Salary: $120,000.00
Maximum Salary: $140,000.00
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field is required. Equivalent combinations of education, certifications, training, and relevant professional experience in cost and/or accounting will be considered.
Certification: AACE International or Project Management Institute (PMI) certification is highly preferred.
Experience: This position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience as a Cost Engineer supporting capital projects within the refining, petrochemical, chemical, or related industrial sector.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience utilizing SAP for project cost management and reporting.
Cost portfolio management on projects of various sizes; typically, in the range of $250M - $20MM.
Sound knowledge, proven skills, and competencies in application of project cost control principles, methodologies and tools, supporting all phases of project execution, especially around Project Cost Control, Forecasting and Reporting, within a project-oriented Owner Organization. Must be able to deliver accurate cost information, reporting and guidance to management.
Ability to manage project costs using a capital stage gate methodology.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to work unsupervised.
Ability to communicate effectively at different levels of an organization.
Understanding of Earned Value Methodologies.
Ability to manage a portfolio of many simultaneous projects.
Ability to challenge the status quo.
Cost management experience with multiple foreign exchanges.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
#LI-SH1
Hargrove CultureWe work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment StatementHargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
Skills Required
- B.S. degree (or equivalent combination of high school education and relevant professional experience/certifications)
- 7+ years of relevant industrial experience in planning, scheduling, cost control and estimating
- AACE International or PMI certification
- Previous SAP experience
- Experience with MS Project or Primavera for schedule development
- Cost portfolio management experience on projects (range cited: $20M - $250M)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Excel)
- Understanding and application of Earned Value Methodologies
- Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and work unsupervised
- Analytical skills and effective communication across organizational levels
- Experience with WBS/CBS development and integration with SAP reporting
- Cost management experience with multiple foreign exchanges
What We Do
Hargrove Engineers & Constructors is a full‑service EPC firm providing engineering, procurement, construction management, controls & automation, life sciences, equipment solutions, and technical services for industrial clients. Founded in 1995 and 100% employee‑owned, Hargrove supports projects from concept through commissioning with over 2,700 teammates across 19+ offices, serving industries such as chemicals, refining, manufacturing, power, and life sciences worldwide, and delivering reliable, client-focused solutions.
