Entry Project Controls Specialist
The Entry Project Controls Specialist supports project teams by monitoring schedules, budgets, and performance metrics to ensure projects stay on track and within budget. This role involves data gathering, financial and schedule analysis, reporting, and compliance with federal regulations, working closely with project managers to provide insights that facilitate informed decision-making. The position offers an opportunity to develop foundational project controls skills within a collaborative and supportive environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Entry Project Controls Specialist to join a project controls team supporting engineering projects based in Cheektowaga, NY. This entry-level role helps track schedule, cost, and performance data to keep projects on time and on budget. You will work closely with project managers and technical teams to gather progress, prepare reports, and support forecasting and earned value analysis.
What You’ll Do
- Support compliance with internal procedures and applicable federal/government regulations for projects of basic complexity.
- Collect project progress data from managers and teams; update schedule dates, percent complete, resource needs, subcontractor commitments, and accruals.
- Develop time-phased cost and resource forecasts and validate project cost data.
- Monitor deliverable progress and report schedule/cost performance using Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques.
- Perform routine financial analyses (variance, risk, P&L) and prepare standard financial reports.
- Document and assess impacts of changes on cost and schedule baselines.
- Under supervision, develop and maintain integrated critical path schedules for portions of routine projects and smaller project portfolios.
- Generate, review, and discuss earned value and status reports with supervisors and project managers; flag early warning signals.
- Use document management protocols to store and retrieve project documentation.
- Support ad hoc project control tasks as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent additional directly related experience (0 years of experience considered).
- U.S. Citizenship is required for this position due to federal contract requirements and/or eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance.
- Entry-level knowledge of project management methodology, budget development, planning, controls, and basic finance/accounting concepts.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; strong organizational skills and the ability to balance priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Good written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact professionally with teammates, vendors, and clients.
Skills & Abilities
- Entry knowledge of Enterprise Project Portfolio Management tools (e.g., Primavera).
- Basic familiarity with Project Performance tools (e.g., EcoSys).
- Ability to prepare and present routine reports and analyses.
- Team-oriented, adaptable, and able to manage shifting priorities.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow document control procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Primavera P6 or equivalent scheduling tools.
- Project Management coursework or relevant certification (PMI, CAPM, etc.).
Compensation & Location
- Location: Cheektowaga, NY (local/worksite; hybrid arrangements may apply).
- Pay range: USD $68,224 — USD $112,570 per year (good-faith estimate for this location and role).
- Amount of travel required: 10% or less.
- Visa sponsorship: Not available for this role in the United States.
Other Important Information
- This role may require background checks and/or drug testing in accordance with Confidential Client policy and applicable law. Background checks are generally conducted after a conditional offer is extended.
- Confidential Client is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Final pay will depend on experience, education, role responsibilities, and other lawful factors.
- Agency applicants: Confidential Client requires signed placement agreements to accept agency submissions; unsolicited resumes sent directly will be considered the property of Confidential Client.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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