Principal Project Controls Specialist - Estimator Role for CCP
Duke Energy CorporationAbout the role
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In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.
Principal Project Controls Specialists (PPCS) provide day-to-day analysis and evaluation of data associated with portfolios, programs and projects. PPCSs serve as a role model and expert practitioner in project controls (cost, contract, WBS, schedule, resource, etc.). PPCS perform complex aspects of individual project estimating, scheduling, change documentation and cost control while communicating program or portfolio status.
This position is expected to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with an expert knowledge and understating of project controls processes both in cost and schedule.
PPCSs provide mature technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) support where demonstration comes from extensive and diverse work experience and/or formal education. PPCSs apply advanced project controls principles to establish and maintain rigorous performance standards. As team leader, PPCS demonstrate advanced levels of application, analysis and evaluation of data. PPCSs are essential to 1) day-to-day coaching and mentoring of Project Control colleagues, 2) training and associate development in project and project controls aspects, 3) oversight of unit process and procedures, 4) understanding and application of complex project controls principles, and 5) continuous improvement and development of Project Controls systems for communicating forecasts and trends. PPCSs assure project control data collection tools, analysis, communication and reporting systems are accurate and functioning according to Enterprise policies (e.g. Financial, Risk, Supply Chain, etc) and Project Management Center of Excellence (PMCoE) requirements.
The PPCS position may lead assigned PC teams in absence of the Supervisor or Manager of Project Controls. PPCSs support multiple management and project teams of varying size and complexity simultaneously. PPCSs is a proficient expert with computer applications for analytics related to schedule, cost, and risk. PPCSs support communication of project, program and portfolio performance including interpretation of trends and forecasts. PPCSs contribute to analysis and results of project cost, forecasts, contracts, schedules, resources etc. This position is critical to the mentoring the Project Controls and Project Management teams.
Progression to this level is restricted on the basis of business need.
Responsibilities
1. Develop and Prepare Detailed Project Estimates
Experience with material take-off and or assessments. Travel to site to assess tie-in, existing infrastructure, specific site conditions etc. into estimates
Lead the preparation of comprehensive cost estimates for projects at all stages, from concept through execution.
Break down projects into work packages and assign costs to labor, materials, equipment, and indirect expenses.
Coordinate with engineering, construction, procurement, and other departments to obtain necessary data for accurate estimates.
Utilize industry-standard methodologies, tools, and databases to ensure precision and consistency in cost forecasts.
Review historical data and apply benchmarking to validate estimate assumptions and outputs.
Account for contingencies, escalation, and potential risks within the estimate structure.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Present estimate methodologies, results, and recommendations to project management and leadership.
Facilitate estimate reviews and challenge sessions with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure robust cost estimate and basis.
Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and transparent reports and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Act as the primary point of contact for estimation.
3. Review and Validation of Contractor and Vendor Estimates
Assess, validate, and challenge cost estimates submitted by contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
Benchmark third-party estimates against internal data and market trends.
Engage in value engineering exercises to optimize project scope and reduce unnecessary costs.
Ensure all contractual ob
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