Sindhu Parkavi Pandiaraj
Project Controls Manager
Chicago,IL
Summary
Project Controls professional with experience supporting transportation design and construction programs for DOT and commuter rail agencies. Expertise in cost management, schedule development, forecasting, change control, risk tracking, and public agency reporting. Experience working in federally funded project environments with strong understanding of FTA-aligned documentation, budget reconciliation, and schedule oversight. (Open to Relocate).
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
5
5
Certificates
Work History
Project Control Manager
Lakeshore Engineering, LLC
Chicago, Illinois
02.2024 - Current
- Provide project controls support for transportation infrastructure projects including DOT and rail programs.
- Manage cost tracking systems supporting DOT-funded projects.
- Assist in maintaining cost structures aligned with Standard Cost Categories (SCC) principles.
- Prepare cost forecasts, budget updates, and cash flow projections across design and construction phases.
- Reconcile contractor invoices with approved budgets and maintain contingency drawdown logs.
- Support financial reconciliation between project management systems and agency financial systems of record.
- Develop and update integrated project schedules using Primavera P6 and MS Project.
- Support development of Program Master Schedule (PMS) integrating design, utility coordination, procurement, and construction activities.
- Review contractor baseline and monthly schedule updates to ensure alignment with contract requirements.
- Identify schedule variances and recommend corrective actions to maintain on-time delivery.
- Track change orders and maintain change control logs with cost and schedule impact assessments.
- Coordinate with design and construction teams to assess impacts of scope changes.
- Maintain documentation in preparation for audits and public agency reporting. Support infrastructure projects including bridge inspections and rail track realignment (NICTD South Bend Track Realignment).
Assistant Project Manager / Safety Inspector
Francis Construction Group
Chicago, Illinois
10.2023 - 12.2023
- · Developed baseline schedules and monitored milestone adherence.
- · Assisted in contractor schedule validation and progress tracking.
- · Supported change management processes and maintained project logs.
- · Conducted compliance audits to ensure adherence to contract and regulatory requirements.
- · Coordinated cost and schedule documentation between stakeholders.
FCA Project Management Intern – Property Condition Assessments
CBRE Group Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Conducted Property Condition Assessments (ASTM E2018).
- Prepared capital improvement cost estimates and long-term reserve projections.
- Assisted with budget forecasting and asset management reporting for institutional and public clients.
Project Architect
King Structures, India
India
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Developed job cost budgets and tracked cost performance.
- Performed cost estimating using RS Means and prepared budget forecasts.
- Assisted with subcontractor bid evaluation and budget negotiations.
- Managed submittals, RFIs, change orders, and contract documentation.
- Monitored estimate-to-actual cost variance and improved forecasting accuracy.
- Coordinated with municipal agencies for code compliance and permitting approvals.
Education
Master of Engineering - Architectural Engineering
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL08.2023
Bachelor of Architecture - Architecture
Anna University
India05.2020
Timeline
Project Control Manager
Lakeshore Engineering, LLC
02.2024 - Current
Assistant Project Manager / Safety Inspector
Francis Construction Group
10.2023 - 12.2023
FCA Project Management Intern – Property Condition Assessments
CBRE Group Inc.
10.2022 - 04.2023
Project Architect
King Structures, India
01.2020 - 06.2021
Master of Engineering - Architectural Engineering
Illinois Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Architecture - Architecture
Anna University
Skills
Project Controls Software: Primavera P6 MS Project Procore Bluebeam ProjectWise
Cost Management Tools: RS Means Budget Forecasting Cash Flow Analysis Cost Reconciliation
Design & Engineering Tools: AutoCAD MicroStation Revit
Documentation & Reporting: Microsoft Excel (Advanced) Cost Tracking Logs Change Order Logs Risk Registers
Certification
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
Availability
Available all the days including Saturday and Sunday.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Project Controls
- FTA Standard Cost Categories (SCC) Support
- Cost Management & Forecasting
- Budget Reconciliation (PMIS vs Financial Systems)
- Program Master Schedule (PMS) Development
- Primavera P6 Scheduling
- Transportation Design & Construction
- Claims & Change Order Analysis
- Cash Flow Projections
- Audit-Ready Documentation
- Public Agency Coordination (DOT, Transit Authorities)
- Project Management Oversight (PMO) Support