TPO Project Controls Cost Controller

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. 

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people. 

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve. 

Job Summary

The Cost Estimator supports project cost control and EPC commercial management for high-voltage transmission and substation projects under an EPC model with an Owner’s Engineer. This role monitors actual costs against baselines, validates contractor change orders and claims, and ensures cost transparency and predictability during execution. Forecasting and estimating responsibilities are led by the Project Manager.

This role requires working on-site five days a week, with occasional time spent in the field.

Essential Functions

• Cost performance monitoring and control: Monitor actual project costs against budget baselines and forecasts; perform variance analysis to identify trends and deviations; update working forecasts in coordination with the Project Manager; produce accurate and timely monthly cost reports to support decision-making and governance.
• EPC procurement support: Provide cost input and commercial insights into EPC bid evaluations, benchmarking, and negotiations; challenge EPC pricing structures and support Contracting in validating unit costs and bid assumptions.
• Change order and claims analysis: Analyze the cost and entitlement basis for EPC change orders and claims; collaborate with the Project Manager, Owner’s Engineer and Contracting to validate submissions, identify unsupported costs, and document resolution outcomes.
• Contingency tracking and management: Maintain visibility into risk-related cost exposures and support tracking of contingency utilization; coordinate with the Project Manager to document contingency assumptions, flag trigger events, and support drawdown reviews.
• Governance support and reporting: Provide cost documentation and analytics to support project stage-gates, change control boards, and commercial governance forums; enable fact-based decision-making by contributing clear, auditable cost data.
• Should-cost development: Collect historical project information to build should-cost models for EPC packages and owner-supplied long-lead equipment (e.g., transformers, breakers) to support budgeting and contracting decisions.

Basic Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

In lieu of a degree, 6+ years of directly relevant project controls experience may be considered.

Experience

• 5+ years of project cost estimating and cost control for large-scale construction or infrastructure projects (utility, industrial, transportation, or similar)
• Demonstrated knowledge of estimating principles, work breakdown structures, and estimate classifications; experience supporting EPC bids and negotiations

Additional knowledge, skills, licenses/certifications

• Proficiency with cost estimating and project controls tools (e.g., SAP/ERP, EcoSys or PRISM, advanced Excel/Power BI/Tableau); familiarity with benchmark sources (e.g., RSMeans) and market pricing
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to build should-cost models and perform variance, trend, and unit-rate analyses
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear executive reporting; strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Knowledge of AACE practices and cost/schedule risk methods; AACE credential (CEP/CCP) preferred
• Experience in power transmission, distribution, or substation projects preferred

We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together. 
 

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type: Full Time 
Posting Start Date: 11/17/2025​
Posting End Date: 11/24/2025

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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