Project Controls - Michels Pipeline, Inc.

About the role

The Project Controls role at Michels Pipeline, Inc. centers on safeguarding the financial and scheduling integrity of active pipeline projects from initial planning through closeout. You translate project scope into detailed, auditable budgets and schedules that guide execution. You monitor project performance daily, identifying variances and forecasting outcomes to support data-driven decisions. You coordinate with field teams and stakeholders to ensure information flows clearly and accurately across all disciplines. You serve as a trusted advisor to project managers, providing insight that keeps projects on track and within parameters. You apply your expertise to improve processes, ensuring lessons learned are captured and used to elevate future performance. You uphold the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in all project control deliverables. You contribute to a culture where meticulous planning and transparent reporting drive successful project completion.

What you'll do

Develop comprehensive project schedules and detailed cost estimates using industry standard methodologies and tools.

Maintain and control project baseline budgets, performing regular variance analysis to ensure financial predictability.

Track and report on schedule and cost performance metrics, providing clear status updates to project leadership.

Analyze project progress data to forecast future outcomes and identify potential risks or delays before they escalate.

Collaborate with project teams to reconcile plans, adjust resources, and align execution with contractual obligations.

Monitor change order impacts, documenting scope adjustments and their effects on budget and timeline.

Support the implementation and optimization of project management and cost control systems.

Perform quantitative risk assessments and what-if analyses to guide proactive decision making.

Coordinate cross-functional communication to ensure alignment between field operations and corporate reporting.

Assist in the preparation of executive dashboards, metrics, and project-specific reports for stakeholder review.

Champion continuous improvement by evaluating historical data and recommending enhancements to controls processes.

Facilitate project closeout activities, ensuring deliverables, documentation, and financial reconciliation are complete and accurate.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field.

Knowledge of accounting principles and business operations.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; familiarity with project management and cost control systems.

Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to interpret data to drive process improvements.

Collaboration and problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively in a team and independently under deadlines.

Occasional travel to project sites.

Ability to obtain and maintain project controls-related certifications as required by project needs.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice to have

Experience in pipeline construction, energy, or heavy civil infrastructure preferred.

Familiarity with Primavera P6 and earned value management practices.

Proficiency in advanced Excel, including macros or scripting for reporting automation.

Experience with Procore or similar construction management software.

Understanding of contract types, cost accounting, and incentive structures in project agreements.

Practical notes

This role is based in Houston, Texas and requires occasional travel to project sites as needed.

Employees must be able to meet project deadlines and respond to critical schedule or budget issues in a timely manner.

This position requires authorization to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Compliance with Michels policies, including safety, quality, and ethical standards, is mandatory for all employees.

Why Michels Pipeline, Inc.?

We have earned our reputation as the go-to contractor for significant projects.

We expect everyone to maintain safety before all else - regardless of your role or tenure.

We are committed to hiring the best people and giving them the best equipment.

We understand the importance of improving the nation's energy infrastructure.

We are family owned and operated.

We invest an average of $5,000 per employee on training each year.

We believe everyone is responsible for promoting safety, regardless of job title.

We are a part of the Michels family of companies - one of North America's largest, most diversified energy and infrastructure contractors.

We offer a comprehensive benefits program, including Health, Dental, Life, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) plan, Legal Plan, and Identity Theft and Monitoring Plan. Depending on your positions and location you may participate in a different benefit plan.

Why you?

You like to surround yourself with dedicated, value-driven people.

You value challenges and opportunities over a 9 to 5 job.

You learn from the past and push ahead toward the future.

You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated.

You believe that individual commitment to a group effort is key to success.

You want your work to make a difference in people's lives.

What it takes?

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field.

Knowledge of accounting principles and business operations.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; familiarity with project management and cost control systems.

Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to interpret data to drive process improvements.

Collaboration and problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively in a team and independently under deadlines.

Occasional travel to project sites.

AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability