Lead Cost Engineer at Nexus Engineering Group Inc – Cleveland, Ohio

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.

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

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

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field (required)

Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional) (preferred)

Strong cost control, forecasting, and financial analysis capabilities

Deep understanding of earned value management principles

Ability to integrate cost with schedule, procurement, and construction data

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure project environments

High level of proficiency in cost management systems and tools

Results-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and accountability

Proactive and able to identify issues early and drive resolution

Strong leadership presence and ability to influence project teams

Detail-oriented with a structured and disciplined approach

Collaborative and able to work across multiple functions

Commitment to safety, integrity, and ethical conduct