Entry Level Cost Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

First Dunes is a luxury construction management firm specializing in high-end residential and coastal projects across Long Island. We manage complex projects from concept through completion and are actively building the internal systems and infrastructure to support our growth.

This is not a traditional entry-level position. We are hiring the founding member of our Project Controls department — someone who will begin by owning the work directly and ultimately help build and manage the team beneath them.

Title: Project Controls Engineer — Cost & Schedule Location: Great Neck, NY (Hybrid)

• 2–3 days/week in office
• 2–3 days/week visiting active job sites across Long Island

Type: Full-Time

This role sits at the intersection of construction operations, financial tracking, and project reporting. You will work closely with project managers, ownership, clients, and lenders to maintain accurate visibility into project costs, schedules, and field progress.

Your responsibility is to understand — at all times — what work has been completed, what remains, how the schedule is tracking, and what it all costs.

• Visit active job sites weekly to quantify work completed by trade and scope
• Verify material deliveries and labor progress against project schedules
• Document field progress through photos, notes, and percent‑complete reporting
• Identify schedule risks and cost variances in real time and communicate them to the PM team

• Maintain and update project budgets, schedules, and cost tracking systems
• Produce weekly progress reports for project managers, clients, and lenders
• Track purchase orders, subcontractor billings, and material orders
• Assist with client and lender draw requests and progress billing
• Review vendor invoices against verified field progress
• Maintain vendor compliance documentation (insurance, contracts, licenses)
• Build and maintain cost databases across multiple active projects

• Document and improve internal processes as the department grows
• Help identify opportunities for offshore coordination and operational support
• Participate in future hiring and team development
• Grow into management responsibilities overseeing cost engineers and coordinators

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Recent graduates and early-career professionals (0–3 years experience) are encouraged to apply

• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Comfortable working both in the field and in an office environment
• Ability to understand construction drawings, schedules, and building systems
• Strong written communication and reporting abilities
• High attention to detail and follow‑through
• Interest in long‑term career growth and operational leadership

• Internship or coursework in construction management, estimating, or project controls
• Familiarity with Buildertrend, Procore, PlanGrid, or similar software
• Exposure to AIA billing, lender draw schedules, or construction reporting
• Interest in AI tools, automation, and operational systems
• Long Island‑based or willing to relocate

• Project Controls Engineer: $62,000–$68,000
• Senior Cost Engineer (Year 2): $72,000–$82,000
• Director, Project Controls (Years 3–4): $90,000–$110,000
• VP, Estimating & Project Controls (Future Growth): Compensation and equity discussion based on performance

• Mileage reimbursement for field visits
• Direct mentorship from ownership and executive leadership
• Clear advancement path into department leadership
• Professional development support (AIA, LEED, certifications, etc.)

Most companies hire into an existing department. At First Dunes, you will help build the Project Controls function from the ground up.

This role offers significant ownership, visibility, and long‑term growth potential for someone who wants more than a traditional architecture or construction support position.

We are also actively developing AI‑assisted operational systems for scheduling, cost tracking, reporting, and field documentation. This role will be directly involved in shaping how those systems integrate into the future of construction management.

If you want to help build a modern construction company — not just work inside one — we want to hear from you.