Duke Energy Corporation

Principal Project Controls Specialist - Anderson Combined Cycle Project

Duke Energy Corporation$110K — $130K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related technical discipline AND 6+ years of relevant work experience, OR High School diploma/equivalent AND 10+ years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated EPC construction project controls and cost management experience in power generation, industrial, or heavy civil projects.
  • Strong proficiency in advanced Microsoft Excel and project cost management systems.
  • Working knowledge of Primavera P6 and schedule-cost integration.
  • Power generation construction experience (e.g., Combined Cycle, Solar, Nuclear) is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Establish and maintain project cost baselines, budgets, and performance measurements for large-scale EPC construction projects.
  • Lead earned value management (EVM) analysis and variance reporting.
  • Integrate cost data with contractor progress and field activities for accurate financial reporting.
  • Develop Estimate at Completion (EAC) forecasts and manage project contingencies and risk reserves.
  • Generate monthly cost reports and documentation for project leadership.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for project controls at the construction site and provide leadership across the project team.
  • Communicate project performance trends, cost variances, and forecast changes to project leadership.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for relocation assistance as applicable.
  • Field-based role, enhancing practical experience and field engagement.
  • Significant collaboration with cross-functional teams, enhancing networking and professional development.
  • Exposure to major EPC projects, boosting career growth and visibility in the industry.
Full Job Description
Important Application Submission Information
In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 16, 2026

Summary

The Principal Project Controls Specialist serves as the Site Project Controls Lead for the Anderson Combined Cycle Project and is responsible for overall project cost management, forecasting, reporting, and integration of project controls functions during active EPC construction.

This position is primarily focused on project cost management, forecasting, earned value management, contractor cost tracking, change management, and project controls integration.

Direct EPC construction project controls experience is required. Candidates should have hands-on experience with cost management, forecasting, earned value management, contractor change management, and project controls execution during active construction.

This is a field-based position supporting the Anderson Combined Cycle construction project. Candidates must have direct experience with the following:
  • Demonstrated experience supporting active EPC construction execution.
  • Demonstrated experience with cost forecasting, earned value management (EVM), accruals, Estimate at Completion (EAC) forecasting, contractor change management, contingency management, and project performance reporting.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining contractor forecasts, commitments, accruals, and Estimate at Completion (EAC) projections.
  • Working knowledge of schedule integration and project controls best practices.


Required: ability and willingness to mobilize to the Anderson Combined Cycle Project site in Anderson, SC.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Management & Forecasting
  • Establish and maintain project cost baselines, budgets, forecasts, and performance measurements for large-scale EPC construction projects.
  • Lead earned value management (EVM) analysis, variance reporting, and trend analysis.
  • Develop and maintain Estimate at Completion (EAC) forecasts and cost performance metrics.
  • Integrate cost data with contractor progress, field activities, and vendor deliverables to ensure accurate financial reporting.
  • Manage project contingency, risk reserves, and forecasted drawdown requirements.
  • Develop cost estimates, monthly accruals, and cash flow forecasts.
  • Review and validate contractor costs, forecasts, invoices, and earned value performance metrics on behalf of the project team.
  • Maintain project cost systems and generate monthly cost reports and project controls documentation.


Project Controls Integration
  • Serve as the Site Project Controls Lead for the project.
  • Understand phased project funding and manage roll-up of estimates and forecasts into project controls reports.
  • Provide cost-schedule integration analysis to support execution planning and critical path decision-making.
  • Partner closely with project schedulers to analyze schedule impacts and associated cost implications.
  • Review and assess EPC contractor change orders and associated cost and schedule impacts.
  • Coordinate with contractors and vendors to gather and verify cost and schedule updates through submittals, field walkdowns, and direct communication.
  • Support project funding requests and forecast updates through detailed cost and schedule analysis.
  • Ensure alignment and integration across cost, schedule, change management, risk, and reporting functions.


Reporting & Communication
  • Generate monthly reports and site-specific documentation for Project Managers and Project Directors.
  • Lead project controls reviews and status presentations.
  • Support project funding submittals with detailed cost and schedule analysis.
  • Communicate forecast changes, cost variances, risks, and project performance trends to project leadership.
  • Support development of executive-level reporting and project performance summaries.


Leadership & Collaboration
  • Serve as the primary project controls point of contact for the project site.
  • Serve as the project's primary cost management and forecasting lead.
  • Provide functional leadership and coordination of project controls activities across the project team.
  • Partner with Project Managers, Project Directors, field construction leadership, contractors, and project stakeholders to support project execution.
  • Serve as the project's subject matter expert for cost management, forecasting, and project controls best practices.
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to project controls personnel as appropriate.
  • Support implementation and continuous improvement of project controls methodologies, processes, and reporting standards.
  • Support multiple projects simultaneously as required.


Key Skills and Experience
  • Demonstrated experience serving as the lead cost management or project controls resource on active EPC construction projects, including ownership of forecasting, EVM, contingency management, contractor change management, and executive project performance reporting.
  • Strong cost management and forecasting expertise, including EAC development, accruals, cash flow forecasting, and cost performance analysis.
  • Experience evaluating contractor change orders, assessing cost and schedule impacts, and supporting commercial and change management processes.
  • Working knowledge of schedule integration, risk management, and project controls best practices.
  • High proficiency in advanced Microsoft Excel, cost forecasting models, and project cost management systems.
  • Familiarity with Primavera P6 and schedule-cost integration.
  • Power generation construction experience (Combined Cycle, Simple Cycle, Solar, Battery, Nuclear, or similar industrial construction) strongly preferred.


Basic/Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related technical discipline AND 6 plus years of relevant related work experience,

OR High School diploma/equivalent AND 10 plus years of relevant related work experience in lieu of a degree.

NOTE: The required years of minimum work experience should be relevant EPC construction project controls, cost engineering, or cost management experience supporting power generation, industrial, energy, heavy civil, or other large capital construction projects.

Desired Qualifications
  • 15+ years of EPC construction project controls, cost engineering, or cost management experience.
  • Experience serving as a Site Project Controls Lead, Cost Lead, Cost Manager, Lead Cost Engineer, Senior Project Controls Specialist, or equivalent senior project controls role on major EPC construction projects.
  • Power generation construction experience (Combined Cycle, Simple Cycle, Solar, Battery, Nuclear, or similar industrial construction environments).
  • Experience supporting project controls activities through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
  • Experience with project controls systems including ECOSYS, Primavera P6, Power BI, Web BI, LoadSpring, Acumen Fuse, or similar enterprise project controls applications.
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Professional certifications such as AACE-CCC, CCP, EVP, CEP, PSP, PMP, PMI-SP, or equivalent industry certifications.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including development and maintenance of complex cost models, forecasting tools, and reporting dashboards.
  • Strong collaborative team member with proven ability to work across project management, construction, engineering, procurement, contractor, and startup organizations.


Work Location & Conditions

Anderson Combined Cycle Project - Anderson, SC
  • This is a field-based role embedded within the project construction team. Daily interaction with construction management, EPC contractors, field engineering, project schedulers, and project leadership is expected.
  • Work will be performed primarily from the project site, and mobilization is required when field work commences. Regular presence in construction areas, project offices, contractor coordination meetings, and field execution planning meetings is expected.


Specific Requirements
  • Valid driver's license


#LI-PG1

#LI-Field

Travel Requirements
15-25%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)
Yes

Represented/Union Position
No

Visa Sponsored Position
No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

About Duke Energy Corporation

Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Its Electric Utilities and Infrastructure business unit serves approximately 7.5 million customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest.

Duke Energy Corporation Careers

Join the dynamic team at Duke Energy Corporation, a leader in sustainable energy, where innovation, leadership, and diversity drive success. As one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States, there has never been a better time to explore job opportunities with us. Work You’ll Do At Duke Energy, your work will directly contribute to shaping the future of energy across the nation. Our commitment to sustainable, reliable power is matched by our dedication to our team's professional growth and development. Lead in an Environment Focused on Innovation and Sustainability Duke Energy is at the forefront of integrating renewable energy and cutting-edge technology to meet tomorrow's energy needs. Join a team where your innovative ideas can flourish and where you are part of leading the charge toward a cleaner energy future. Transform Your Career with Unmatched Opportunities With a wide range of career paths, from engineering to customer service, Duke Energy offers job opportunities that cater to diverse skills and ambitions. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, you'll find a culture that supports your career aspirations. Internship Programs and Professional Development Start your career journey through Duke Energy’s internship programs designed to give you real-world experience and insights into the energy sector. Our programs help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional employment, enhancing your resume and preparing you for future hiring opportunities. Be Part of a Great Team Duke Energy’s commitment to diversity and inclusive culture makes it a great place to work. Our team is our strength, and we thrive on the creativity and different perspectives that each member brings. Enjoy benefits that support both your professional and personal life, as you collaborate with talented professionals dedicated to making a difference. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with Duke Energy’s extensive training and development programs. From leadership development to technical skills enhancement, we provide the tools you need to succeed. Our commitment to your growth ensures that your career is always moving forward. Explore Discover how Duke Energy is leading the way in renewable energy solutions and how our workforce is pivotal in driving this change. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey with Duke Energy? Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and join a company that values what you bring to the table. SEARCH DUKE ENERGY JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Duke Energy Corporation. By joining Duke Energy, you’re not just getting a job—you’re gaining a career where you can truly make a difference.
Learn more about Duke Energy Corporation
Size
27,605 employees
Market Cap
$79 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
5 Year Trend
+2%
Revenue
$23.8 billion
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