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Project Controls Specialist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

STV

Senior Project Controls Specialist

Fairfax, VA

$128K - $146K/yr

STV is seeking a Senior Project Controls Specialist to support the Project Controls Department in our Fairfax, VA / Washington, DC region offices. This role is designed for a highly experienced ...

Dar Group

Senior Project Controls Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a Senior Project Controls Specialist (Scheduler) to work for our PMCM group on various rail/transit CMCI projects. The candidate will support projects with clients such as ...

Dar Group

Senior Project Controls Specialist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a Senior Project Controls Specialist (Scheduler) to work for our PMCM group on various rail/transit CMCI projects. The candidate will support projects with clients such as ...

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All JobsProject Controls Specialist JobsProject Controls Specialist Jobs in Virginia

Project Controls Specialist information

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How much do project controls specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for project controls specialist in Virginia is $43.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.77 and $50.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project controls specialist?

Project Controls Specialists are professionals who monitor, analyze, and report on various aspects of project performance, such as cost, schedule, and risk. They play a key role in ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget by providing accurate data and forecasts to project managers and stakeholders. Their responsibilities typically include developing project schedules, tracking progress, managing budgets, and identifying potential issues before they impact project delivery. Project Controls Specialists often work in industries like construction, engineering, and energy, where large-scale projects require close oversight.

What does a project controls specialist do?

As a project controls specialist, you track employee performance during a project and support all managers involved with this project. In this role, you may report any problems with the project, help ensure the schedule and budget match the objectives of the project, and otherwise ensure operations conform to the plan. This is often an intermediate managerial role that works directly below the primary project manager, but above the employees who are doing most of the actual work on the project. Most project control specialists focus on large, complex projects, and may help with several different projects at the same time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project controls specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Controls Specialist, you need expertise in project management, cost control, scheduling, and data analysis, typically supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Primavera P6, MS Project, and Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), as well as relevant certifications such as PMP or AACE, is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure projects remain on track, within budget, and risks are proactively managed for successful project delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by project controls specialists when managing large-scale projects?

Project Controls Specialists often encounter challenges such as integrating data from multiple sources, maintaining up-to-date project schedules, and ensuring cost control across various project phases. Managing communication between different departments and adapting to frequent changes in project scope or timelines are also common hurdles. Proactively addressing these issues requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders.

What is the difference between Project Controls Specialist vs Cost Analyst?

AspectProject Controls SpecialistCost Analyst
CredentialsPM certifications, industry-specific trainingFinance or accounting certifications, such as CPA or CMA
Work EnvironmentConstruction, engineering, or infrastructure projectsCorporate finance, manufacturing, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in project-driven industries like construction and engineeringCommon in finance, manufacturing, and government sectors

While both roles involve financial and project data, a Project Controls Specialist focuses on overall project scheduling, risk management, and performance tracking, whereas a Cost Analyst primarily analyzes project costs and budgets. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus, with the Project Controls Specialist managing broader project controls and the Cost Analyst concentrating on cost specifics.

Is project controls a good career?

Project controls is a valuable career path that involves planning, scheduling, cost management, and risk analysis to ensure project success. Professionals in this field often use tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project and may pursue certifications such as PMI-SP or AACE certifications. It offers opportunities across industries like construction, engineering, and manufacturing with a focus on analytical skills and attention to detail.
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Project Controls Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Controls Specialist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,396 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Project Controls Specialist

Mesa Associates Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Project Management Office / Corporate Services

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

Mesa seeks a Project Controls Specialist that will work within the Project Management business unit at Mesa. This position is responsible for managing financial performance and control processes for multiple engineering projects. The Project Controls Specialist works closely with Project Managers, Program Managers, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate budgeting, forecasting, cost tracking, and reporting. This role requires a strong understanding of project accounting, financial analysis, and cost control principles. The Project Controls Specialist is expected to proactively identify financial risks, support decision-making, and contribute to the overall profitability and efficiency of the business unit. This position requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate financial insights effectively.

Responsibilities

  • Developing and maintaining project budgets, forecasts, and cost tracking systems for assigned projects.
  • Preparing monthly financial reports, variance analyses, and earned value metrics.
  • Monitoring project expenditures and identifying cost overruns, risks, and opportunities.
  • Supporting the preparation and review of client invoices and ensuring timely billing.
  • Collaborating with Project Managers to ensure financial alignment with project scope and schedule.
  • Assisting in the development of change orders and budget revisions.
  • Ensuring compliance with Mesa’s financial policies, procedures, and client requirements.
  • Participating in project reviews and providing financial insights to support project decisions.
  • Maintaining documentation for audits, internal reviews, and client reporting.
  • Supporting continuous improvement initiatives in project control processes and tools.

Competencies

  • Strong understanding of financial principles, cost control, and project accounting.
  • Advanced analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Commitment to Mesa’s safety and quality standards.

Education and Experience

Preferred:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field AND 2-3 years of related work experience.
  • PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) and/or P6 certification.

Minimum:

    • Min 6 years’ experience on-site project controls
    • Experience using SAP, Excel, Word.

    Role work arrangement

    • On-site Mon-Fri
    • Work 4x10s, 5x8s, as directed by client Lead. Possibility of working 5x10s or 6x10s.
    • Daily tasks: Submitting purchase orders, change orders, service entries, attending daily/weekly meetings, reporting status updates, attending walkdowns, reporting financials on existing purchase orders, and assisting with forecasts.

    Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.

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