AECOM

Cost Manager

AECOM$100K — $120K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of cost management, project controls, or program controls experience or equivalent education/experience.
  • Preferred: Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of experience in large-scale federal projects.
  • Experience as lead cost manager for large infrastructure programs.
  • Advanced knowledge of earned value management (EVM) and cost forecasting.
  • Familiarity with project scheduling principles and critical path methodology.
  • Experience with Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) and cost management software.
  • Professional certifications such as CCP, PMP, or PSP.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cost management and project controls for complex federal programs.
  • Develop and manage program controls strategies with Program Managers.
  • Oversee cost management services, including capital cost tracking and performance reporting.
  • Supervise project controls personnel and sub-task managers.
  • Establish relationships with federal clients and stakeholders.
  • Monitor financial performance in line with budgets and contracts.
  • Develop cost control procedures and performance measurement methodologies.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Life insurance and AD&D coverage.
  • Disability benefits and paid time off.
  • Flexible work options and well-being resources.
  • Employee assistance programs and business travel insurance.
  • Retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase options.
  • Service recognition awards.
Full Job Description
AECOM is seeking an experienced Cost Manager to support large-scale federal programs and capital infrastructure projects. This role will be responsible for leading project controls and cost management functions across complex programs, ensuring successful delivery through effective cost tracking, forecasting, change management, performance monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder coordination. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in federal project environments, program controls, capital planning, scheduling integration, and financial performance management. This position can be located in several cities, including: Robles Junction, AZ; Sonoita, AZ; Casa Grande, AZ; Indio, CA; and San Diego, CA.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee cost management and project controls activities for complex federal programs and capital projects.
  • Partner with Program Managers to develop, implement, and manage program controls strategies, processes, and delivery objectives.
  • Manage and coordinate cost management services including capital cost tracking, program services cost management, funding oversight, forecasting, and performance reporting.
  • Lead and supervise project controls personnel and sub-task managers responsible for delivering program control services.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal clients, stakeholders, project teams, and funding agencies.
  • Monitor program and project financial performance, ensuring alignment with approved budgets, forecasts, and contractual requirements.
  • Develop and implement cost control procedures, reporting standards, and performance measurement methodologies.
  • Evaluate project performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Provide guidance and corrective action recommendations when project performance deviates from established objectives.
  • Support change management and scope control processes, including evaluation of potential impacts to cost, schedule, and project execution.
  • Review and analyze project controls data from project management information systems and other automated reporting tools.
  • Lead root cause analyses and stage-gate reviews to assess project performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
  • Coordinate issue resolution activities and facilitate communication across multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Support the integration of cost management, scheduling, resource planning, risk management, and performance reporting functions.
  • Promote continuous improvement initiatives through technology adoption, innovation, standardization of work processes, and enhancement of project controls tools.
  • Provide leadership in the development and maintenance of program controls best practices and quality standards.


Qualifications

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of cost management, project controls, or program controls experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of cost management, project controls, or program controls experience supporting large-scale federal projects and programs.
  • Experience serving as the lead cost manager or project controls lead on large, complex infrastructure, transportation, environmental, water, energy, or facilities programs.
  • Advanced knowledge of earned value management (EVM), cost forecasting, budgeting, risk analysis, and performance measurement techniques.
  • Expertise in project scheduling principles, critical path methodology, resource loading, and schedule analysis.
  • Experience utilizing Project Management Information Systems (PMIS), cost management software, and enterprise reporting platforms.
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP), or similar credentials.
  • Strong leadership, client management, communication, and team development skills with a demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary project controls teams.


Additional Information
  • Sponsorship is not available for this position


At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

About AECOM

AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world's built, natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 150 countries and had revenue of $8.0 billion during the 12 months ended March 31, 2014.

AECOM Careers

Join AECOM, a premier global team of professionals dedicated to delivering infrastructure and environmental solutions. At AECOM, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and diversity, making it an ideal place for ambitious individuals looking to advance their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At AECOM, you will be part of a dynamic team that thrives on challenges and is passionate about making a positive impact on the world. Our projects range from building sustainable cities to creating efficient transportation systems, offering a variety of job opportunities to apply your skills and grow professionally.

Explore AECOM’s Diverse Opportunities

Whether you are seeking an internship, a full-time position, or a leadership role, AECOM offers a spectrum of career paths across multiple disciplines. Our global presence provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and networking, allowing you to shape your career path in ways only limited by your imagination.

Innovate and Lead

Join a company where innovation and leadership go hand in hand. AECOM is a place where you can lead critical projects, influence strategies, and deliver solutions that contribute to our clients' success. Our leadership and diversity training ensure that you have the tools to lead effectively and inclusively, fostering an environment where all ideas are welcomed and explored.

Be Part of a Great Team

AECOM’s culture is centered on collaboration and excellence. Work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, benefiting from a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enhance your professional development. Our team’s diversity fuels creativity and drives innovation, making AECOM a breeding ground for new ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

AECOM is dedicated to your long-term career development. With access to cutting-edge projects and leading-edge technology, your skills will stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry. Our comprehensive benefits support your health, well-being, and financial security, ensuring you and your family are taken care of.

Join Our Team

Discover the array of job opportunities at AECOM by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for professionals who are curious, creative, and driven to excel.

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Keep up to date with industry trends, career tips, and AECOM news through our careers blog. Engage with us on professional networking platforms to stay informed about new openings and company updates.

Prepare for Your Future

Ready to advance your career at AECOM? Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and connect with us to find out how your aspirations align with our goals. At AECOM, your potential is limitless.

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AECOM: Where Careers Grow

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Learn more about AECOM
Size
51,000 employees
Market Cap
$11.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$200.8 million
Founded
1990
5 Year Trend
-6.3%
Revenue
$13.3 billion
NASDAQ

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