Project Controls Specialist – (Remote)

Full-Time Role

Location

Houston, TX

Remote role. Must live in the Houston, TX area. Occasional travel to project sites and client locations as needed

Reports To

Project Controls Manager / Director of Project Controls / Project Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking a Project Controls Specialist to join our team. This role requires expertise in scheduling, cost management, and forecasting for large-scale capital construction projects. The Specialist will oversee schedule development and cost control functions, proactively identify and mitigate risks, and collaborate closely with senior leadership, engineering, procurement, and construction teams to drive on-time, on-budget project delivery.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of critical project controls functions within a growing organization that manages some of the largest capital construction projects in the U.S.

About the Company

For over 30 years, our client's organization has been an industry leader providing Project Management Solutions to their clients on their Capital Construction Projects. Focusing in the Utilities, Oil, Gas, Water and other Large Construction Projects, their Project Controls Professionals have worked on some of the largest Capital Construction Projects throughout the U.S.

They are Certified as a Federal Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and State of California Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SB/DVBE).

Key Responsibilities

·       Develop, maintain, and manage project schedules across engineering, procurement, and construction phases using Primavera P6 (and other tools as needed)

·       Serve as subject matter expert in scheduling methodologies, critical path management, earned value management (EVM), and cost forecasting

·       Conduct schedule and cost variance analyses, identifying risks and recommending corrective actions or recovery plans

·       Track and report project performance against baseline budgets, forecasts, and schedules

·       Prepare detailed cash flow forecasts, budget vs. actual reports, and trend analyses to support project leadership and client reporting

·       Integrate change orders, scope changes, and claims into schedules and cost forecasts; assess impacts on project budget and timeline

·       Support the development of cost-loaded schedules and link resource planning to project budgets

·       Provide reporting dashboards for both schedule and cost metrics to project leadership, clients, and stakeholders

·       Mentor junior project controls staff on best practices for schedule and cost control functions

·       Collaborate with contractors, subcontractors, and vendors to align project schedules and budgets with overall program objectives

Qualifications & Skills

·       Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Finance, or related field

·       5+ years of progressive project controls experience (scheduling + cost management large-scaleprojects in utilities, oil, gas, water, or infrastructure

·       Proficiency with Primavera P6

·       Demonstrated ability to integrate scheduling and cost controls, including earned value management (EVM)

·       Strong experience in cost forecasting, variance analysis, and budget vs. actual reporting

·       Ability to prepare cash flow projections and support project financial planning

·       Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams

·       Track record of working with client representatives and project leadership on schedule and cost matters

·       Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

·       Experience in pipeline, utility, power, or midstream EPC projects

·       Background in claims analysis, dispute resolution, and forensic schedule/cost analysis

·       Professional certifications such as PMI-Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP), AACE PSP/CCP, or equivalent

·       Experience mentoring or training junior project controls staff

Reporting & Deliverables

·       Executive-level dashboards integrating schedule and cost performance

·       Monthly / weekly reports highlighting schedule and cost variances, risks, and mitigation strategies

·       Look-ahead schedules (30 / 60 / 90 day plans)

·       Forecasts for cost, cash flow, and resource allocations

·       Change-order impact assessments with risk scenarios and recovery plans

·       Historical and as-built schedule and cost documentation

Working Environment & Travel

This is a remote role with collaboration across engineering, procurement, and construction functions through virtual platforms. Occasional travel to project sites and client locations may be required. Regular virtual interaction with project leadership, cross-functional teams, and client stakeholders.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 – $145,000 annually (based on compensation based on experience, seniority, and location)

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, PTO, and professional development opportunities and bonus based on company performance.

Disclaimer:
This job description provides only a summary of the typical functions associated with this role and is not intended to represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities, tasks, or duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties assigned may differ from those outlined, and additional duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes to the jobholder’s responsibilities or activities implemented by our clients that differ from those described herein.

SmartHire is posting this position on behalf of our client, and the salary range provided is determined by the client. Actual compensation offered will depend on various factors determined by the hiring company, including candidate qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity considerations. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes in salary, benefits, or bonuses made by our clients.