Job Title: Project Controls Specialist Job Description The Project Controls Specialist leads project controls processes and partners closely with internal project management teams to ensure projects are executed on time and within budget. This role sets up and manages project controls systems, oversees scheduling and cost control activities across multiple projects, and provides clear, data-driven insights that support effective decision-making. The position offers the opportunity to grow into broader project management responsibilities within a highly collaborative, career-focused environment. Responsibilities + Set up projects accurately in Enterprise Planning & Controls software and ensure all project controls data is properly configured. + Analyze project data, review logs, and run reports in Enterprise Planning & Controls software and other tools to support project decision-making. + Create and manage the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to organize project scope and deliverables. + Develop, implement, and maintain detailed scheduling reports, cost reports, cash flows, and forecasts for multiple concurrent projects. + Follow and support project execution plans to align controls activities with overall project strategy. + Lead engineering, procurement, and construction planning, scheduling, logistics, and cost control activities. + Serve as a key point of contact for technical project controls questions from the project team. + Review and approve purchase orders and related documentation, and accurately record and document changes to cost reports and forecasts. + Interface regularly with the Project Management Team and Accounting Department to review project costs, contingency usage, and to support external audits. + Review upstream prime contract change orders and downstream purchase order and subcontract change orders for accuracy and alignment with project controls. + Develop and present clear, insightful cash flow reports to project stakeholders. + Create schedules at various levels of detail and apply appropriate logic ties within the schedules. + Monitor resource loading of schedules to identify constraints and support effective resource planning. + Support and participate in Interactive Project Planning Meetings (IPPM) to align schedules and plans with project objectives. + Create schedule reports and select appropriate reporting formats tailored to stakeholder needs. + Develop, review, and analyze pre-programmed project scheduling reports and backup documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness. + Consult with the project team on schedule progress, risks, and mitigation strategies. + Analyze and evaluate schedule performance using critical path method (CPM) scheduling techniques, estimating, project cost management, and forecasting methods. + Perform schedule what-if scenarios to evaluate potential changes and their impacts on project timelines and costs. + Develop and maintain an earned value management system to track project performance against plan. + Input and validate progress measurement data and develop and maintain progress curves. + Perform material takeoffs to support cost and quantity tracking. + Perform quality checks and inspections on all project controls deliverables to ensure accuracy and consistency. + Conduct field audits to validate the accuracy of reporting and the effectiveness of project controls processes. + Assist with project forensic analysis to understand performance drivers and lessons learned. + Perform other project controls and project support duties as assigned. + Comply with all company policies, procedures, and standards in daily work. Essential Skills + Minimum of 3 years of direct project controls experience. + Experience with project controls functions such as cost control, schedule control, and document control. + Strong project scheduling experience, including development, maintenance, and analysis of project schedules. + Background in construction or engineering-related projects, with exposure to engineering, procurement, and construction workflows. + Proficiency with project controls and planning tools, including Enterprise Planning & Controls software or similar systems. + Ability to create, manage, and analyze Work Breakdown Structures (WBS). + Experience developing and maintaining cost reports, cash flows, forecasts, and progress curves. + Ability to perform cost analysis, inventory control, and project cost management. + Familiarity with critical path method (CPM) scheduling techniques and schedule what-if analysis. + Experience in developing and maintaining earned value management systems. + Strong quality control mindset with experience performing quality checks on project controls deliverables. + Ability to conduct field audits and validate the accuracy of project data and reporting. + Proficiency in data entry and maintaining accurate project documentation. + Strong project coordination and project management support skills. + Ability to obtain OSHA-10 certification. + Located in or able to work in the Lexington, KY area. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Bacheloru2019s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field, or equivalent applicable experience in lieu of a degree. + Experience with Primavera P6 for project scheduling. + Experience working in a consulting or professional engineering environment. + Strong communication skills with the ability to serve as a technical point of contact for project teams. + Ability to work effectively on multiple projects simultaneously and manage competing priorities. + Detail-oriented approach with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. + Interest in career growth, with the potential to develop from a project controls specialist into a project manager role. + Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project management, accounting, and client stakeholders. Work Environment This role operates within a consulting, professional engineering firm environment based in a downtown Lexington office with approximately 30 team members. The team maintains a close-knit, culture-driven atmosphere that is highly collaborative both within the local office and across locations nationwide. The work environment is flexible, offering a business casual dress code and a combination of office-based work and time on client sites. Team members typically work in the Lexington office and also spend 2u20133 days per week on-site with clients, including walking to nearby client offices for meetings. Any travel is generally limited to day trips to client sites. The organization is employee-focused, with an employee ownership structure, a robust backlog of work, and a strong reputation that drives repeat business. The company offers a flexible work environment, including the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the year, a competitive bonus structure, and clear pathways for career growth beyond current degree qualifications or roles. The Lexington team is described as vibrant and supportive, providing a collaborative setting where project controls professionals can build long-term careers. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, KY. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.50 - $66.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: u2022 Medical, dental & vision u2022 Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital u2022 401(k) Retirement Plan u2013 Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available u2022 Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) u2022 Short and long-term disability u2022 Health Spending Account (HSA) u2022 Transportation benefits u2022 Employee Assistance Program u2022 Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Lexington,KY. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: + Hiring diverse talent + Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection + Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes + Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, weu2019ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APACu2014with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at .
Job Title
Project Controls Specialist