Cost Engineer

Position Title: Construction Cost Engineer

Location: Glen Rock, NJ (Hybrid)

Compensation: This position offers a salary range of $100,000–$150,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits: Includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and eligibility for an annual performance bonus of 10%.

Applegreen Electric is a rapidly growing subsidiary of the Applegreen Group, focused on deploying ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure along major highway corridors. We support over 1 million charging sessions each year and operate a large and expanding network across the U.S., U.K., and Ireland. As part of one of the largest travel plaza operators with 630+ sites and 15,000 employees globally, Applegreen Electric designs, develops, operates, and maintains its own charging stations, supported by strong partnerships with leading DC fast-charging suppliers. Headquartered in New Jersey, we continue expanding nationwide to drive accessible, sustainable transportation.

Join us to drive innovation and help power the future of EV infrastructure.

www.applegreenelectric.com

Position Introduction:

We are seeking an organized and proactive Cost Engineer to manage and oversee cost control activities across multiple construction projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for tracking budgets, forecasting costs, analyzing variances, and ensuring financial accountability throughout the project lifecycle. Additional responsibilities include procurement management (issuing RFPs, bid leveling, descoping bidders, negotiating contract terms) and change order management. This role is critical to maintaining project profitability, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and supporting strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Project Cost Management

• Develop, maintain, and monitor detailed project budgets and cost reports
• Track actuals vs. budget and forecast future expenditures
• Identify and analyze cost variances; recommend corrective actions

Change Order & Risk Analysis

• Evaluate and validate change orders for cost impact and entitlement
• Collaborate with construction managers to assess scope changes
• Support risk assessments and contingency planning

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare weekly and monthly cost performance reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Present cost trends, forecasts, and project financial health to senior leadership
• Maintain clear documentation of cost-related decisions and assumptions

Procurement & Vendor Coordination

• Partner with procurement to ensure cost-effective sourcing
• Manage the RFP and award process (issue RFPs, level/compare bids, descope, negotiate terms)
• Review vendor invoices and contracts for accuracy and budget compliance

Systems & Tools

• Use cost management software and tools (e.g., Procore, Excel) to maintain accurate records
• Support integration of cost data with scheduling and project controls systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in cost engineering and/or project estimating within construction
• Highly organized; able to manage trackers and standardized processes
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency with cost control software and Excel-based financial modeling
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to advocate for the company’s interests
• Ability to visit construction sites ~once per month to deepen field understanding
• Solid understanding of construction contracts and change order processes

Preferred

• Experience with utility-scale infrastructure or energy projects.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel to project sites 1-2 times per month.

We offer:

• An opportunity to be part of the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) sector
• Professional development and opportunities for career advancement
• A collaborative and supportive team culture
• Hybrid work schedule, with 3 days per week in the office
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match of up to 4%
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account option
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Company cell phone
• Employee Assistance Program
• Earned Wage Access – Pay on Demand
• Education Assistance
• Company events, lunches, and outings
• Other Voluntary Benefits
• And an AMAZING team of people to work with!