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Principal Project Controls
The Principal Project Controls Specialist is a critical lead position responsible for cost management and project controls integration on major power generation construction projects. This position supports Project Managers and Project Directors on projects of varying size and complexity, leading the setup, maintenance, and analysis of project controls status including cost, contracts, WBS, schedule, and resources.
This role requires expert-level proficiency with project controls software tools and advanced analytical capabilities. The position demands deep understanding of cost forecasting, earned value management, and integration of cost-schedule data on complex engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects.
This is a field-based position supporting the Anderson Combined Cycle construction project. Power plant construction experience (Combined Cycle, Simple Cycle, Solar, or Battery) and mobilization to the field site is required.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Management & Forecasting:
Establish and maintain project cost baselines, budgets, and forecasts with high certainty on large-scale construction projects
Lead earned value management (EVM) analysis, variance reporting, and trend analysis
Integrate cost data with site activities and vendor deliverables to ensure accurate financial tracking
Manage project contingency and risk reserves
Develop cost estimates and manage monthly accruals
Maintain cost systems and generate monthly cost reports and project documentation
Project Controls Integration:
Understand phased project funding and manage roll-up of estimates into cost reports
Provide cost-schedule integration analysis to support critical path decisions
Work with field schedulers to update integrated schedules and perform impact analysis
Review and assess change orders for cost and schedule impacts
Coordinate with vendors to gather and verify cost and schedule updates through submittals, field walkdowns, and direct communication
Reporting & Communication:
Generate monthly reports and site-specific documentation for PM/PD teams
Lead project controls reviews and status presentations
Support project funding submittals with detailed cost and schedule analysis
Leadership & Collaboration:
Lead and coordinate the site project controls team
Serve as technical subject matter expert and mentor to project controls team members
Lead implementation of project controls methodologies and best practices
May supervise junior project controls staff as assigned
Support multiple projects simultaneously as required
Key skills and Experience
Demonstrated lead-level experience with complex EPC projects in power generation (Combined Cycle, Simple Cycle, Solar, or Battery construction)
Expert proficiency in cost forecasting and project controls methodologies on large-scale construction projects
High proficiency in MS Excel and cost management systems
Familiarity with Maximo and Primavera P6
Basic/Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Finance, or Business Administration AND 6 years of related work experience, OR High School diploma/equivalent AND 10 years of related work experience
Valid driver's license
Desired Qualifications
10 plus years of related work experience in addition to degree, OR High School diploma/equivalent AND 14 years of related work experience
ECOSYS administration, configuration, and management experience
Experience creating training packages and training teams on ECOSYS
Web BI and Power BI data migration experience
Familiarity with LoadSpring application
Master's degree in Project Management, Finance, or Business Administration
Professional certifications: AACE-CCC (Certified Cost Consultant), AACE-EVP (Earned Value Professional), or PMP (Project Management Professional)
Additional certifications: AACE-CEP, AACE-PSP, PMI-SP, or CAPM
Proficiency with MS Project, ECOSYS, Primavera P6, Acumen Fuse, Business Objects, Prolog, Passport, Visio, Powerplant, PeopleSoft
Strong collaborative team member with proven ability to work across functional groups
Work Location - Willingness to mobilize to field site in Anderson, SC
Working Conditions
Field Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from Project Site and mobilization is expected when field work commences.
Specific Requirements
Valid driver's license
#LI-PG1
#LI-Field
Travel Requirements
15-25%