Project Control Specialist - Natural Gas Pipeline Projects

About RUIZ

RUIZ is a rapidly expanding Engineering, Project/Construction Management, Inspection and Surveying services firm specializing in the Utility, Energy, and Oil & Gas sectors across the United States. We pride ourselves on maintaining a professional, supportive, and rewarding work environment with a family-oriented culture that prioritizes employee growth and development.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Control Specialist to provide comprehensive scheduling and cost control support for complex natural gas pipeline and utility distribution projects from initial feasibility through project completion. This position requires a skilled professional who can develop and maintain project schedules, create accurate cost estimates, manage project budgets, and implement integrated project control systems for large-scale, multi-million dollar projects. The successful candidate will bring proven expertise in both cost engineering and scheduling methodologies, ensuring optimal project delivery and profitability while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and quality.

Key Responsibilities

Integrated Project Controls

- Develop and maintain integrated cost and schedule control systems using advanced project controls software

- Perform earned value management (EVM) analysis including cost and schedule performance indices

- Create comprehensive project control reports combining cost, schedule, and performance metrics

- Monitor project performance against baselines and identify variances and trends

Cost Estimation & Budget Management

- Develop comprehensive cost estimates for natural gas pipeline and distribution projects with budgets of $100M+

- Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and unit price analysis for pipeline construction activities

- Create conceptual, preliminary, and definitive estimates throughout project lifecycle phases

- Establish baseline budgets and cost performance measurement baselines (PMB)

- Implement and maintain cost control systems and monitor actual costs against budgets

Schedule Development & Management

- Create comprehensive project schedules for complex multi-disciplinary pipeline projects

- Develop detailed work breakdown structures (WBS) and activity networks aligned with cost breakdown structures

- Establish critical path methodologies and resource loading for optimal project delivery

- Perform critical path analysis, schedule compression studies, and what-if scenario planning

- Maintain master schedules and coordinate multiple concurrent project activities

Financial Analysis & Performance Monitoring

- Prepare detailed cost-to-complete analysis and project financial forecasting

- Generate schedule variance analysis reports and recommend corrective actions

- Create monthly financial dashboards and executive-level performance reports

- Develop and maintain integrated cost and schedule reporting systems

Change Management & Risk Analysis

- Evaluate and price change orders, scope modifications, and schedule impacts

- Support contract negotiations by providing detailed cost analysis and time assessments

- Manage contingency allocation and risk-based cost and schedule modeling

- Conduct risk analysis and Monte Carlo simulation techniques for both cost and schedule

Procurement & Vendor Support

- Coordinate scheduling for complex construction activities including HDD, river crossings, and urban installations

- Evaluate vendor proposals and conduct detailed cost/benefit and schedule impact analysis

- Monitor material and equipment costs and delivery schedules throughout project execution

Project Coordination & Communication

- Coordinate project control activities with engineers, construction crews, surveyors, and regulatory specialists

- Support project managers in stakeholder meetings with utility operators, regulatory agencies, and local governments

- Prepare comprehensive project control reports and presentations for senior management and clients

- Facilitate schedule and budget review meetings with internal teams and external stakeholders

Compliance & Documentation

- Support environmental compliance cost estimation and scheduling including NEPA coordination and permitting

- Maintain detailed project controls documentation and databases

- Develop cost estimates for specialized pipeline safety and integrity management activities

- Ensure compliance with 49 CFR 192, ASME B31.8, and related pipeline industry standards

Required Qualifications

Experience & Background

- 6+ years of combined cost estimation, cost control, and/or project scheduling experience in construction, engineering, or related industries - 4+ years of experience with natural gas pipeline, utility, or energy infrastructure projects - Proven track record of managing costs and schedules for projects valued at $10M+

- Experience with both capital projects and operations & maintenance management

Technical Expertise

- Advanced proficiency in integrated project control software (Primavera P6, Primavera Unifier, SAP, Oracle, or similar)

- Expert knowledge of earned value management principles, cost engineering methodologies, and Critical Path Method (CPM)

- Strong understanding of pipeline construction processes, materials, and associated costs and timelines

- Familiarity with 49 CFR 192, ASME B31.8, and related pipeline industry standards

- Knowledge of specialized construction techniques including HDD, micro tunneling, and live tie-ins

Financial & Analytical Skills

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field

- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial modeling and data analysis

- Strong understanding of accounting principles and project financial management

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail

Communication & Business Skills

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex financial and scheduling data

- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams

- Experience interfacing with clients, vendors, and regulatory agencies

- Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and concurrent projects

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Certifications & Education

- Certified Cost Professional (CCP) and/or Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP) certification

- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

- Professional Engineer (PE) license in relevant discipline

- Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field

- Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) certifications

Specialized Experience

- Experience with midstream and downstream natural gas facilities cost estimation and scheduling

- Experience with large electrical transmission projects including high-voltage transmission lines and substations

- Background in regulatory affairs and permitting cost development and timeline management

- Experience with international pipeline and transmission projects and currency/escalation management

- Knowledge of environmental compliance costing and remediation cost estimation

- Familiarity with pipeline integrity management program costs and scheduling

- Understanding of transmission system reliability requirements and interconnection processes

Software Proficiency

- Advanced knowledge of integrated cost and schedule management systems

- Experience with specialized estimating software (HCSS HeavyBid, WinEst, or similar)

- Proficiency in financial modeling and business intelligence tools

- Knowledge of document management and project controls integration systems

Job Details

Job Type:

Full-time

Work Location:

Remote

Benefits

- 401(k) with company matching

- Comprehensive health insurance

- Dental insurance

- Vision insurance

- Paid time off

- Parental leave

- Professional development assistance

- Retirement plan