Project Controls Engineer I - Scheduling & Cost Management

Project Controls Engineer I – Scheduling & Cost Management

Salary: $75,000–$90,000 annually

Position Overview

We are seeking a Project Controls Engineer I to support project scheduling, cost management, and performance reporting at Michigan State University's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). This position will work within the Project Controls Group supporting the Experimental Systems Division.

The successful candidate will assist in developing and maintaining project schedules, monitoring budgets, analyzing project performance, and supporting Earned Value Management (EVM) activities. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, experience with project scheduling software, and the ability to collaborate with engineering and project management teams on complex technical projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and update detailed project schedules in collaboration with task leads, Control Account Managers, and project stakeholders.
• Utilize Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project to manage project schedules, track milestones, and monitor progress against established baselines.
• Support the development and maintenance of project cost control processes, including budget tracking, expenditure analysis, and cost reporting.
• Collect, analyze, and report project cost and schedule performance data to support Earned Value Management (EVM) activities.
• Identify schedule variances, evaluate potential impacts, and recommend corrective actions or contingency strategies.
• Perform critical path analysis to identify schedule risks and opportunities for improved project execution.
• Prepare monthly project status reports and contribute to internal and external project reviews.
• Develop customized reports and perform detailed data analysis using scheduling, project controls, and Microsoft Excel tools.
• Participate in project controls meetings to review schedule performance, cost status, and project milestones.
• Assist in developing and implementing project controls procedures, reporting standards, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional technical teams to ensure project activities align with established scope, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Support compliance with applicable organizational policies, project management standards, and safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in project controls, project scheduling, cost management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience using Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project, including developing, maintaining, and reporting detailed project schedules.
• Knowledge of project cost control, schedule management, and Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including experience analyzing project data and developing reports.
• Ability to evaluate schedule and cost performance, identify variances, and support corrective action planning.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and nontechnical teams.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines with limited supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting projects funded by or subject to requirements from the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), or National Science Foundation (NSF).
• Familiarity with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and formal project management methodologies.
• Experience with Deltek Cobra Earned Value Management Software.
• Experience with Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management, including custom reporting and data analysis.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience preparing project performance reports or presentations for senior management and external review committees.
• Ability to learn and maintain complex project management or reporting software systems.

Additional Information

This position supports the Experimental Systems Division at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and involves regular collaboration with project managers, engineering teams, and other technical stakeholders.

#HRUProfessional