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 using Earned Value Management, and collaborating closely with project managers to provide insights and early warnings on project status. The position offers an opportunity to develop foundational project controls skills within a supportive, hybrid work environment at Confidential Client.
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.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking an Entry Project Controls Specialist to support project delivery and provide schedule, cost, and performance insight for engineering projects. You will work closely with Project Managers and project teams to collect progress data, maintain schedules and forecasts, and produce routine performance reports that enable informed project decisions.
- Support compliance with internal procedures and applicable federal/government regulations.
- Gather project progress information from project managers and team members to update and monitor projects of basic complexity.
- Evaluate and update schedule dates, percent complete, resource requirements, subcontractor commitments and project accruals.
- Review schedule progress and resource productivity with supervision to ensure accuracy.
- Develop time-phased project cost and resource forecasts; validate project costs and update requirements as needed.
- Monitor progress of project deliverables and document the impact of scope or schedule changes to baselines.
- Perform performance reporting using Earned Value Management (EVM) and generate earned value reports for basic projects.
- Conduct basic financial analyses (variance, risk, profit/loss) and prepare routine financial and status reports.
- Maintain and analyze integrated critical-path schedules for portions of routine projects or portfolios of smaller projects (under supervision).
- Use document management protocols to store and retrieve project documentation.
- Raise early warning signals and discuss observations with supervisors and project managers.
Skills & Abilities
- 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 including budget development, project planning, control and assurance practices, and basic finance/accounting concepts.
- Familiarity with Enterprise Project Portfolio Management tools (for example, Primavera).
- Basic knowledge of Project Performance/cost control tools (for example, EcoSys).
- Experience or willingness to learn Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; strong organizational skills to prioritize multiple tasks.
- Good written and verbal communication skills; able to interact with varying levels of staff and external vendors.
- Strong teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal skills; able to adapt in fast-paced environments.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- 0+ years of directly related experience (entry-level).
- Domestic and/or international travel may be required; estimated travel up to 10% or less.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Primavera P6 or equivalent scheduling tools.
- Project management coursework or formal certification (e.g., CAPM, PMP coursework).
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range (good-faith estimate for Fort Wayne, IN): USD $68,224 – USD $112,570 per year.
- Additional compensation: discretionary bonuses may apply.
- Confidential Client follows fair and equitable compensation practices; final salary is determined by role, experience, skills, certifications, and location.
Location & Work Model
- Location: Fort Wayne, IN.
- Work model: role may offer hybrid arrangements depending on project needs (refer to hiring team for details).
- Travel: up to 10% (approximate).
Additional Information
- Background checks (criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc.) and drug testing may be required where applicable. Background checks are typically conducted after a conditional offer.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position in the United States (No H-1B or TN sponsorship).
- Agency note: third-party vendor placements must follow the client’s vendor/placement agreement process.
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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