Cost and Scheduling Lead Irvine, CA System One is seeking a Cost and Scheduling Lead in Irvine, CA to oversee all project cost control and scheduling functions for large-scale EPC and industrial construction projects. This role ensures accurate forecasting, cost tracking, schedule development, and performance reporting throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate has strong EPC or heavy industrial construction experience and a proven background in project management, with the ability to integrate cost, schedule, and risk data to drive informed decision-making. This role offers the opportunity to lead project controls functions on high-impact industrial and EPC projects, partnering directly with executive leadership and influencing financial and operational performance from project inception through completion. Important Details: + Our client is a premier independent consulting firm that specializes in project management, planning, and execution for complex capital construction projects across global industrial sectors like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. + Employment type: Full-time, Contract opportunity through Q1 2028 + Pay rate range: $75 - $90/hr. Salary will be commensurate with experience. + Work location: Hybrid, 2 days onsite + Start date: As soon as possible + Weekly pay + Benefits after 30 days (health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, etc.) + 401k after 30 days + Job offer will be contingent on drug screen and background check Responsibilities Cost Management + Develop and maintain detailed project budgets, cost forecasts, and cash flow projections. + Monitor project expenditures, commitments, and accruals to ensure alignment with approved budgets. + Perform variance analysis and provide clear reporting on cost performance and trends. + Lead change management processes, including cost impact analysis and documentation. + Collaborate with procurement and subcontract management to track commitments and mitigate cost risk. Scheduling & Planning + Develop and maintain integrated EPC project schedules (engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning). + Lead schedule updates, critical path analysis, and recovery planning. + Conduct schedule risk analysis and scenario planning to support mitigation strategies. + Monitor progress against baseline schedules and provide performance metrics (SPI, CPI, earned value). + Facilitate schedule review meetings with project stakeholders and leadership. Project Controls & Reporting + Implement and maintain project controls systems, processes, and reporting standards. + Integrate cost and schedule data to support earned value management (EVM) reporting. + Prepare executive-level dashboards and reports for internal and external stakeholders. + Support project audits and ensure compliance with contractual and client requirements. Leadership & Collaboration + Serve as a key advisor to the Project Manager on financial and schedule performance. + Lead and mentor cost engineers and schedulers, ensuring consistency and best practices. + Partner cross-functionally with engineering, procurement, construction, and finance teams. + Support contract negotiations and review terms related to schedule and commercial risk. Required Qualifications + Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field. + Minimum 7–10 years of experience in EPC or industrial construction environments (power generation, oil & gas, manufacturing, heavy civil, etc.). + Demonstrated project management experience overseeing large, complex capital projects. + Strong knowledge of cost control, forecasting, and earned value management principles. + Advanced experience with scheduling software (Primavera P6 required; MS Project a plus). + Proficiency in cost management systems and advanced Excel skills. + Experience managing project change control processes. + Ability to analyze data and present findings to executive leadership. Preferred Qualifications + PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. + Experience with multi-site or multi-discipline EPC projects. + Familiarity with risk analysis tools (e.g., Primavera Risk Analysis, Monte Carlo simulation). + Experience working with lump sum, unit price, and reimbursable contracts. Key Competencies + Strategic and analytical thinking + Strong financial acumen + Leadership and team development + Executive-level communication skills + Detail-oriented with strong organizational capabilities + Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced industrial environment System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #LI-AM1 #M1 Ref: #195-Precision Zachry System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, CM Access, TPGS, and MOUNTAIN, LTD., are leaders in delivering workforce solutions and integrated services across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible full-time employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.