Tool Install Cost Engineer
A structured, construction-focused cost engineering role supporting tool install work in advanced manufacturing environments.
?Position Summary
The Tool Install Cost Engineer is responsible for cost validation, analysis, and project controls support for equipment installation projects within highly technical industrial facilities. This role centers on evaluating MEP and process utility modifications required for tool install, ensuring contractor pricing aligns with unit-rate agreements, and maintaining accurate cost forecasts throughout the project lifecycle.
You'll partner closely with engineering, construction, project controls, procurement, and subcontractor teams to validate scope, assess cost impacts, and support financial reporting for complex, multi-trade installation work.
Key Responsibilities
Contractor Pricing Review - Validate pricing using established unit-rate agreements and benchmark structures.
Change Request Evaluation - Assess cost impacts tied to tool install scope changes and field-driven modifications.
Cost Impact Analysis - Ensure all scope changes are accurately captured, documented, and reflected in forecasts.
Forecasting & Budget Support - Contribute to cost trending, budgeting, and schedule-driven cost analysis.
Financial Tracking - Monitor commitments, expenditures, accruals, and forecasted costs.
Invoice & Documentation Review - Validate payment applications and supporting cost documentation.
Risk & Variance Identification - Flag commercial risks, scope gaps, and cost variances.
Cost Reporting - Develop cost reports, dashboards, and executive summaries.
Contingency & Exposure Recommendations - Provide guidance on cost exposure and forecast adjustments.
Lifecycle Financial Management - Maintain accurate financial records throughout construction execution.
Scope Focus
This role supports cost analysis for installation-driven modifications to facility infrastructure, including:
Mechanical equipment connections
HVAC modifications
Chilled water/process cooling
Process piping
Utility distribution
Electrical power & distribution
Conduit/cable routing
Plumbing systems
Structural supports
Facility penetrations/restoration
Multi-trade coordination
Required Qualifications
5+ years in cost engineering, project controls, estimating, quantity surveying, or construction financial analysis.
Strong understanding of MEP systems, process utilities, and industrial construction practices.
Experience reviewing contractor pricing, change orders, and cost documentation.
Background supporting large capital construction projects.
Proficiency in Excel, cost management tools, and technical documentation review.
Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and installation requirements.
Strong analytical and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, mission-critical, pharma, or other highly technical construction environments.
Background in mechanical, electrical, or industrial construction.
Familiarity with forecasting, earned value, or project controls methodologies.
Experience with process utility systems and equipment installation projects.
Proficiency with Procore, SharePoint, and Teams.
Work Environment & Expectations
Remote role with monthly or bi-monthly travel to the project site beginning January 2027.
Travel expenses covered.
Salary range: $105K-$120K, with potential per diem.
Focused on negotiating unit-rate contracts with subcontractors (not GCs).
Must have semiconductor tool install experience (Intel, TSMC, Micron, etc.).
40-hour workweeks with PTO and benefits through the contracting organization.
Opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to IPD/lean construction methodologies.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenix, AZ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.07 - $57.70/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
