Cost Control Engineer - Mechanical Construction

JH Kelly

Cost Control Engineer - Mechanical Construction

Boise, ID 83701

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At JH Kelly, we're hiring a Cost Control Engineer to join our mechanical construction team in Boise, working on a high-profile project. This isn't a back-office number-crunching roleit's for a problem-solver who thrives on delivering real-time cost intelligence to keep field teams and leadership aligned. If you're an Excel wizard, a Power BI enthusiast, and someone who instinctively builds better systems to drive project success, this is your chance to be a game-changer.

About Us

Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse with a legacy of tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we're an industry leader driven by an award-winning team known for safety, quality, and a tight-knit, dynamic culture. Want to dive into our story? Visit

Who We're Looking For

You're a highly motivated, process-driven professional who loves turning complex data into clear, actionable insights. You're proficient in Excel, Power BI, and CPM scheduling, with a curiosity to keep learning and optimizing. You're professional yet grounded, earning credibility with both field crews and project leadership through accuracy and urgency. If you're passionate about construction, wired to leverage digital tools, and driven to make your PM's day easier with insights delivered when they matter most, you're the kind of problem-solver we need.

What You'll Do

As our Cost Control Engineer, you'll be the central hub for project cost intelligence, linking cost, schedule, scope, and production to drive real-time decisions. Working closely with the Senior Project Manager, you'll use tools like Power BI, Excel, and Primavera P6 to deliver clarity and impact. This role is about analysis, automation, and collaboration.

Pay Range

Salary range: $35-$60 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. (Non-Exempt)

Here's what you'll tackle:

Cost & Progress Tracking

Aggregate and analyze cost data, earned quantities, and schedule curves from multiple systems to provide a clear picture of project performance.

Update and maintain budgets in the ERP system, incorporating changes from change orders (CORs), purchase orders (POs), and subcontracts.

Support the Project Manager in building accurate monthly cost forecasts and validating cost-to-complete reports.

Ensure financial data is precise, timely, and aligned with project realities.

Schedule & Resource Alignment

Cross-reference CPM schedules, pull plans, and manpower plans to ensure alignment with actual field progress.

Support resource-loaded schedule development by aggregating and applying unit rate data to model extractions.

Analyze the impact of design changes or field adjustments on cost, time, and productivity curves.

Keep schedules and resources in sync to prevent bottlenecks and drive efficiency.

Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination

Review and validate vendor and subcontractor invoices against actual progress and field reports for accuracy.

Track purchase orders and subcontract change orders, ensuring timely and accurate reconciliation.

Maintain clear communication with vendors and subcontractors to support smooth financial workflows.

Reporting & Automation

Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards and data models for cost, productivity, and earned value tracking, iterating based on field and leadership feedback.

Enhance reporting workflows using Excel (Power Query/DAX), Power BI, Stratus, Bluebeam, and Revizto to deliver clear, actionable insights.

Continuously optimize cost control systems by integrating data sources, automating workflows, and experimenting with innovative ways to improve efficiency.

Explore concepts like gamification or decision science to make data more engaging for field teams.

What You Bring

Experience: 5+ years in mechanical or industrial construction cost control, project engineering, or project management.

Skills: High proficiency in Excel (including Power Query and DAX), Bluebeam, and Power BI; strong understanding of CPM scheduling and Primavera P6; familiarity with ERP systems and production tracking methodologies (quantity surveying, rules of credit).

Mindset: Proactive, process-driven, and curious, with a passion for solving field problems through data and automation.

Personal Attributes: Professional, credible, and urgency-driven, with the ability to work shoulder-to-shoulder with field teams and leadership.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience in complex construction projects.

Preferred: Experience with mechanical trades or self-perform MEP contractors; proficiency in Navisworks or Revizto; background in high-tech, semiconductor, or large industrial projects; comfort with SQL queries and logic models.

Physical Requirements

This role requires frequent transitions between office and construction field settings. In the office, you'll sit for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks like typing and using a mouse. In the field, you'll stand and walk for long periods on uneven terrain, climb stairs, kneel, crouch, crawl to inspect tight spaces, and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for reading plans, inspecting work, and communicating on-site. You'll work outdoors in various weather conditions, adhere to site-specific dress codes, and wear PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots). Flexibility to travel between job sites and work outside regular hours is required. Reasonable accommodations are available to support individuals with disabilities.

Pay Range

Salary range: $35-$60 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. (Non-Exempt)

Why JH Kelly?

Join a family-oriented team with a century-long legacy of excellence and a passion for building projects that matter. Based in Boise, you'll work on a high-profile mechanical construction project, collaborating with field teams and leadership to drive efficiency and success. This role offers the chance to leverage cutting-edge tools, make a real impact, and grow as a key contributor in a dynamic, award-winning environment.

Ready to Drive Project Success?

If you're a data-savvy problem-solver who thrives on delivering actionable insights and building smarter systems, we want to hear from you. Apply now and show us how you'll turn data into decisions that power our projects.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Tell us how you've used data to solve problems, streamline processes, and support project teams in the past. Please also confirm your availability to work full-time on-site at our Boise, ID location.

JH Kelly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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