Project Controls Analyst (Cost)

About the Position

We’re seeking a Project Controls Analyst to support large, heavy-civil infrastructure programs—including highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and airport projects delivered through both traditional and alternative methods. This role focuses on cost control and financial oversight for projects funded by government agencies such as the USDOT, FAA, FTA, and state DOTs. Ideally, you’ll bring deep expertise in cost management, risk analysis, and reporting for complex, multi-phase projects. 

This is a full-time, long-term, hybrid (2 days/week on-site) position location in Oakland, CA. 

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and manage detailed project budgets and cost forecasts for government-funded infrastructure projects.


• Monitor actual costs vs. budget and analyze variances across multiple funding sources.


• Implement cost control procedures in compliance with federal and state regulations.


• Prepare cost reports and documentation required by agencies such as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and State DOTs.


• Collaborate with scheduling, procurement, and engineering teams to align cost data with project milestones.


• Support earned value management (EVM) and integrate cost and schedule performance metrics.


• Identify cost-related risks and support mitigation planning.


• Evaluate cost impacts of change orders and scope modifications.


• Interface with government clients, contractors, and internal teams to ensure transparency and accountability.


• Participate in audits, reviews, and funding agency meetings.

Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.


• Excellent multitasking and organizational skills.


• Collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork, trust, and positive relationships.


• Natural curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for continuous improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, finance, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  


• 5+ years of hands-on project controls or cost engineering experience on large (>$500M), complex, heavy-civil infrastructure projects.


• Proficiency in financial modeling and reporting.


• Proficiency with cost/schedule management tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Deltek, SAP, etc.).


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, construction management, finance, or business.


• Active professional certifications such as CCM (CMAA), MRICS/FRICS (RICS), PMP (PMI), or CCA (AACE).


• Experience with large (>$500M), complex, heavy-civil highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and/or airport projects.


• Experience with alternative delivery methods (e.g., DB, CM/GC, P3) and associated risk-allocation mechanisms.


• Familiarity with federal grant compliance and reporting standards.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Power BI, Oracle Cloud Analytics, or other dashboard KPI reporting software.

Compensation Details

The salary range listed for this role is $90k-$120k/year ($44-$58/hour). The final salary offered will be based on multiple factors and thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, geographic location, etc.

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!

• Unlimited flexible time off


• Paid holidays


• Paid parental leave


• Health, dental, and vision insurance


• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care)


• Long-term disability insurance


• Short-term disability insurance


• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment


• 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution


• Formal career planning and development program


• $2,500 annually toward professional development


• Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend


• Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement


• Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian


• Free personal financial planning services


• Employee assistance program


• Employee discounts


• Employee referral bonus

Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. #IN-LNJS

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email [email protected] for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.