The Operational Cost Engineer will be responsible for developing, analyzing, and managing detailed labor and operational cost models for complex manufacturing and construction projects. This role works closely with Operations, Estimating, Engineering, Production, and Project Management teams to transform high-level estimates into detailed labor-loaded operational plans consisting of craft-specific manpower allocations, production hours, installation sequencing, crew loading, and productivity models.
The Operational Cost Engineer serves as a critical bridge between estimating and operations by ensuring project budgets, labor assumptions, production capabilities, and installation strategies align with actual operational execution.
This position is heavily focused on production analytics, labor modeling, installation planning, and operational forecasting across fabrication, precast, modular construction, detention equipment, security electronics, and field installation environments.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Labor Modeling
- Convert conceptual or high-level labor estimates into detailed operational labor models.
- Break down total estimated labor hours into: Craft-specific labor allocations, Crew compositions, Man-hours by phase, Shift requirements, Production rates, Installation sequences, Work packages, Area-specific labor forecasts
- Develop labor-loaded production and installation plans for manufacturing and field operations.
- Analyze production assumptions and validate operational feasibility with field and manufacturing leadership.
Estimating & Project Controls Support
- Assist estimating teams during bid development by creating detailed labor and operational cost models.
- Validate estimating assumptions against actual operational capabilities and project schedules.
- Develop labor forecasting tools and productivity benchmarks.
- Identify labor risk areas, production constraints, and cost drivers during preconstruction and execution phases.
- Support earned value analysis and labor performance forecasting.
Production Forecasting & Reporting
- Develop: Labor histograms, Crew-loading forecasts, Installation curves, Production schedules, Operational dashboards, Manpower forecasting models
- Maintain operational cost tracking systems and labor databases.
- Support integration of labor and productivity data into ERP/project management systems such as CMiC, Procore, Primavera, or similar platforms.
- Prepare executive-level operational cost and productivity reporting for leadership teams.
Continuous Improvement
- Develop and maintain standardized labor calculation methodologies across projects and facilities.
- Assist with process improvement initiatives focused on: Labor efficiency, Production optimization, Crew utilization, Installation planning, Manufacturing throughout, Forecasting accuracy
- Participate in post-project reviews and lessons learned meetings to improve future estimating and operational performance.
Experience Required:
- Construction operations: 5 years (Preferred)
- Cost engineering: 5 years (Preferred)
- Operational estimating: 5 years (Preferred)
- Labor forecasting: 5 years (Preferred)
- Strong understanding of: Construction trades, Labor forecasting, Production workflows, Manufacturing operations, Installation sequencing, Craft manpower planning
- Technical skills required:
- Experience with ERP/project management systems such as CMiC, Primavera, Procore, or similar.
- Microsoft 365
- Technical Skills preferred:
- Experience in one or more of the following industries is strongly preferred:
- Modular construction
- Precast concrete manufacturing
- Detention equipment construction
- Security electronics
- Industrial manufacturing
- Large-scale commercial construction
- Multi-trade installation environments
Education Required:
- Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Project Controls, Finance, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent field operations or manufacturing experience may be considered.
Core Competencies
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and schedule commitments
- Proactive problem-solving mindset and strong attention to detail
- Demonstrated initiative and commitment to continuous improvement