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Project Controls Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System One

Project Controls Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

$111K - $174K/yr

Project Controls Specialist Location: Houston, TX Type: Contract Compensation: $124,400 - $150,138 annually Contractor Work Model: Onsite - onsite Project Controls Specialist Responsibilities

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How much do project controls specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for project controls specialist in the United States is $43.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.06 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Project Controls Specialists?

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 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.

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Project Controls Specialist jobs near you

Project Controls Specialist

Accurate Engineering Solutions LLC

Englewood, CO • On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Project Controls Specialist

 

We are searching for a Project Controls Specialist to join our team in our Denver, Colorado location. The Project Controls Specialist supports the Project Manager in controlling the projects, predicting and promptly suggesting corrections, improving actions in line with corporate procedures and working instructions. Supports company’s financial accounting by preparing reports and controlling activities ensuring they are carried out efficiently, effectively and in line with best practices.

 

The general responsibilities are as follows:

 

  • Performs as project controller, programing and managing project data, thereby providing progress and cost management during project execution.  
  • Prepares and maintains the project cash flow in accordance with all project execution requirements
  • Provides computer input and performs analytical review of reports generated.
    • Accumulates and accesses historical data, such as performance experience, for use in maintaining a realistic basis for future planning and forecasting.
    • Routinely provides accurate cost documenting and leads the cost distribution process for capital projects.
    • Develops and maintains critical path logic networks and bar charts utilizing this information.
    • Analyzes, evaluates, and forecasts current status against an established baseline schedule.
    • Insures accuracy and completeness of master data including resource information; project activity, and coding; enterprise project structure;
    • Prepares graphs, diagrams, and other exhibits to illustrate cost status and forecast requirements for project management and client.
    • Performs analytical review and arithmetic checks of cost reporting documentation.
  • Participates in the development of the work breakdown structure, interfacing with Procurement, Engineering, and Finance Departments.
    • Prepares and processes input to the cost control system for all cost reports.
    • Develop an effective project plan template that can be utilized for schedule development, schedule control, and critical path analysis.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Associate or Bachelor’s Degree with specialized course work in business or any equivalent combination of related education and experience.

 

5 – 8 years of progressively responsible business, office, project management, project controls- related experience; experience in dealing with high-level clients and project managers with demonstrated ability for independent judgment; multi-tasking and prioritization skills; ability to adapt, and overcome obstacles with an eye for solutions.

 

Familiarity and ability to use CRM and/or ERP software/SAP (especially SAP PS module).  Must be proficient in a standard scheduling tool such as or similar to, Primavera (P6)/Primavera Online (P8) or Microsoft Project.  Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook Calendar, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Must be proficient in coordinating and management of basic office systems. Knowledge and skill in working with modern office terminology, procedures, equipment, and records management.

 

Knowledge of research methods and techniques, general math, and English composition.