Cost Engineer

About the Position 

We’re seeking a Cost Engineer to support large, heavy-civil infrastructure programs—including highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and airport projects delivered through both traditional and alternative methods. This role sits within the integrated Project Management Team and is critical to ensuring strong budget oversight and financial transparency across overlapping design and construction contracts. If you’ve led cost management on complex infrastructure or transit programs, are comfortable supporting multiple funding sources, and know your way around EACs, contingency tracking, and cash flow forecasting—this is a high-visibility opportunity to make a measurable impact on one of NYC’s most high-profile transit programs. 

This is a long-term, full-time, on-site position located in Manhattan, NY.  

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Review, analyze, and process invoices and payment applications. Maintain the cost management system by documenting and tracking budget changes, commitments, and expenditures. 
• Lead project- and program-level budget implementation, including oversight of contingency allocations and distributions. 
• Prepare and manage client budgets, cost forecasts, and contingency tracking. Support the full lifecycle of project cost oversight across all external partners. 
• Develop and maintain the project’s cost breakdown structure and chart of accounts. 
• Help establish standardized processes and procedures for cost control and reporting. Support initial baseline budget setup and ensure accurate transaction tracking for budgets, commitments, and actuals. 
• Monitor and investigate anomalies in budget performance and expenditures. Flag potential overruns and cost risks. 
• Generate cash flow forecasts aligned with project schedules and funding requirements. 
• Track drawdowns across multiple funding sources and produce regular and ad hoc cost reports, including EACs and variance summaries. 
• Support the change management process by tracking all potential cost impacts and maintaining up-to-date EACs that reflect trends, change orders, and deviations. 

Attributes 

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills. 
• Collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork, trust, and positive relationships. 
• Natural curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for continuous improvement. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, construction management, engineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 8+ years' work experience leading budget/cost management for large scale transit construction projects. 
• Experience working as owner’s PM/CM agent (e.g., providing program management/construction management services). 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master's degree in accounting, construction management, or engineering.   
• Active professional certifications such as CCM (CMAA), MRICS/FRICS (RICS), PMP (PMI), CCA, or CCP (AACE). 

Compensation Details 

The salary range listed for this role is $125k-$145k/year ($60-$70/hour). The final salary offered will be based on multiple factors and thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, geographic location, etc. 

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!  

• Unlimited flexible time off  
• Paid holidays  
• Paid parental leave  
• Health, dental, and vision insurance  
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care)  
• Long-term disability insurance  
• Short-term disability insurance  
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment 
• 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution  
• Formal career planning and development program  
• $2,500 annually toward professional development  
• Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend  
• Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement  
• Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian  
• Free personal financial planning services  
• Employee assistance program  
• Employee discounts  
• Employee referral bonus  

Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. #IN-LNJS

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.