Cost Engineer

Program Management | Construction Management

KKCS, a California Corporation, is a full-service construction management and program management organization. The firm has grown steadily in size and capability since its founding in 1987, and today employs more than 80 professionals in our regional offices. KKCS has attracted to its staff a full complement of highly experienced, talented, and dedicated professionals who bring a collaborative, integrated team approach to our clients’ projects.

KKCS experience includes work on rail, airports, ports, freeways, schools, universities, facilities, water, wastewater, bridges, and roadways. Our client list includes federal agencies, state agencies, regional agencies, and private clients. KKCS has broad experience and expertise in engineering design, project management, and project controls services.

The KKCS culture is rooted in the ideals of integrity, safety, and ethical business practices, which is a commitment shared by all KKCS employees throughout our offices and project sites around the country. We have a positive impact on the communities we serve by not only improving infrastructure, but also providing service at a relatively low cost to the taxpayer. This allows for more money to be available to the agencies we serve, that inevitably will be reinvested in the community. At KKCS, we value the individual employee and the importance of their contributions toward quality improvement.

Cost Engineer – LAWA - ATMP Roadways

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary Range: $118,560 – $160,160 annually
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
• 401k retirement plan with company matching contribution
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Company-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) benefits
• Company-paid long-term (LTD) insurance
• Annual tuition assistance allowance for employees
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

KKCS is seeking a qualified Cost Engineer to support the financial management of engineering and construction projects to support the Airfield & Terminal Modernization Project ( ATMP ) at Los Angeles World Airports ( LAWA ). This role is integral to the successful delivery of LAWA’s multi-billion-dollar Capital Improvement Program and requires expertise in project budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis. The Cost Engineer will work closely with project teams to ensure fiscal discipline and alignment with project goals. The position is Full-Time, Onsite (5 days/week), and in LAWA’s Los Angeles, CA (Project Office).

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor project budgets and cost performance for the LAWA Capital Improvement Program.
• Review and analyze contractor and subconsultant invoices to ensure proper alignment with the Schedule of Values.
• Allocate costs accurately to Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) codes and maintain consistency between commitments and expenditures.
• Perform cost-to-complete analysis considering staffing plans, commitments, expenditures, change orders, and trends.
• Provide financial reporting and updates to Project Management, including forecast adjustments and budget impacts.
• Develop and maintain progress reporting tools and briefing materials.
• Review task orders and interdepartmental budget allocations to confirm available funding and contract capacity.
• Reconcile bid award values, change orders, and task orders against current budgets and update forecasts accordingly.
• Maintain and update project cost data in PMWeb, including commitments, expenditures, budget transfers, and WBS structure continuity.
• Support project closeout activities and ensure cost documentation is complete for LAWA’s reporting requirements.
• Prepare journal voucher support documentation for budget transfers as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in cost engineering, project controls, financial analysis, or project management.

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with cost management and project control software (e.g., PMWeb, Primavera P6, Excel).
• Familiarity with construction processes, project delivery methods, and engineering standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Understanding of financial principles, budgeting, and forecasting best practices.

Preferred:

• Professional certifications such as Certified Cost Professional (CCP) are highly desirable.

KKCS is an equal-opportunity employer encouraging individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply