Lead Cost Engineer

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)

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. Competitive Benefits Nexus Engineering Group offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; company-paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage; long-term disability coverage; flexible spending account options; a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions; participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); paid time off and paid holidays; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; employee assistance and wellness programs; professional development and training opportunities; and employee referral and incentive programs where applicable. Eligibility and benefit offerings are subject to plan terms and company policies. 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 careers@nexusegroup.com.  Sponsorship & Work Authorization Nexus Engineering Group does not provide employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including CPT, OPT, or employment-based visas. Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States and must be able to maintain that authorization throughout employment without any action, filing, or sponsorship by the company. This requirement applies both at the time of hire and on a continuing basis for the duration of employment.  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.