Project Controls Engineer

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

We are currently hiring a Project Controls Engineer! This role will be responsible for providing detailed conceptual estimates from pre-construction schematic and design documents and detailed construction estimates from construction plans and specifications. Project scopes are generally less than $50 million or for designated components on large, complex projects.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Cost Estimation and Budgeting

• Develop and implement the project controls execution plan, ensuring alignment with cost management best practices
• Participate in the project estimating process, ensuring that project cost estimates align with contractual requirements and scope.
• Defining and structure the Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) in financial and progress systems.
• Ensure cost coding system is properly applied, and information flow is correct and complete

Cost Tracking and Monitoring

• Establish and maintain cost control systems to track actual expenditures against budgets and commitments.
• Analyze and interpret cost trends, performance metrics, and cost variances.
• Monitor actual progress vs. planned progress, including engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, and commissioning status.
• Provide timely and accurate Cost and Progress Measurement Data, ensuring the accuracy of project cost forecasting

Earned Value Management (EVM) & Progress Measurement

• Demonstrate understanding and application of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles for measuring project performance.
• Set up and maintain the progress measurement system, ensuring accurate tracking of project milestones and deliverables.
• Ensure that Issued for Construction (IFC) quantity take-offs are properly tied to turnover systems.
• Audit quantity take-offs and reported installed quantities for consistency with project progress reports.

Forecasting and Financial Control

• Develop and maintain the cost forecasting system and cost reports, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Prepare project cash flows and cost spread analysis.
• Undertake monthly cost forecasting and trend analysis, identifying deviations and proposing corrective actions.
• Monitor and analyze committed costs, actual vs. budget performance, and cost productivity metrics.

Change Management and Risk Control

• Support change management efforts, including developing cost estimates for change verification.
• Monitor variations from the original scope of work, capturing and assessing related impacts on costs and schedule.
• Assist with contract amendments, ensuring cost implications are properly documented and managed.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare and present project cost reports and variance analysis reports to project stakeholders.
• Support accounting with cost-to-billings reconciliations and invoicing reviews.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on cost and progress measurement data to management.
• Generate spreadsheet and PowerBI analysis reports for cost and progress management review.

Procurement and Subcontractor Cost Management

• Work closely with procurement and subcontract management teams to verify progress and earned value against invoices received.
• Ensure the cost coding system is properly applied and information flow is complete.
• Monitor cost commitments related to material procurement and subcontractor services.
• Support the Subcontract Management team in tracking variations and processing accruals.

Compliance and Best Practices

• Adhere to internal project control processes and ensure compliance with industry cost management best practices.
• Ensure that financial processes align with contractual requirements and project scope.
• Participate in the closeout report data collection, ensuring lessons learned and cost control insights are documented for future projects.
• Support the professional development of junior project controls personnel, providing mentorship and guidance.

Education:

• Bachelor s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or related field required and 4+ years of related experience or completion of an Associates degree and 5+ years of related experience. Where related experience is defined as experience in cost control, project controls, or financial management in an engineering, construction, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and project financial controls.
• Proficiency in cost control, planning and ERP software and tools (e.g., Primavera P6, SAP, Excel, PowerBI).
• Strong proficiency in PowerBi, including data integration, DAX and creating dashboards.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide cost-saving recommendations.
• Strong analytical and logic skills with the ability to maintain a high degree of precision on detailed work.
• Ability to efficiently manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously under time constraints.
• Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards.
• Developed skills (written, oral, and listening) to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build successful and lasting relationships.

APPLY TODAY!

Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.