Cost Engineer (Rail / Civil Infrastructure)

AECOM; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Cost Engineer to join a large-scale rail infrastructure programme in the UAE. You will support cost management and financial control, ensuring budgets, forecasts and changes are tracked accurately and reported clearly.

You will work closely with planning, commercial and delivery teams to provide leadership with cost information necessary for decision making, including cost forecasts, EACs and variance analysis.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in cost engineering, cost control or commercial support on design/construction projects.
• Solid budgeting, forecasting, cost reporting and change control knowledge.
• Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience with cost management software such as Primavera Unifier, EcoSys, Cleopatra or similar.
• Clear written and verbal communication for presenting cost data to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, maintain and monitor project budgets, cost plans and cost breakdown structures.
• Track actual and committed costs against budget and forecast, analyse variances.
• Develop and update cost forecasts, including EAC and cash flow projections.
• Assess cost impact of change requests and support the change management process.

Skills

Cost engineering

Budgeting

Forecasting

Excel proficiency

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Related discipline (Construction Management or QS)

Tools

Primavera Unifier

EcoSys

Cleopatra

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are looking for a Cost Engineer to join a large-scale, multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure programme. You will support the programme's cost management and financial control, making sure budgets, forecasts and changes are tracked accurately and reported clearly. The role works closely with planning, commercial and delivery teams, and gives project leadership the cost information they need to make decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, maintain and monitor project budgets, cost plans and cost breakdown structures
• Track actual and committed costs against budget and forecast, and analyse and explain variances
• Develop and update cost forecasts, including estimate-at-completion (EAC) and cash flow projections
• Assess the cost impact of change requests and variations, and support the change management process from submission to approval
• Maintain cost control systems, databases and financial records, and keep data accurate and auditable
• Produce periodic cost reports and dashboards for project and programme management
• Work with planning teams to align cost and schedule data, including earned value analysis where applicable
• Coordinate with commercial and delivery teams on cost-related matters, risks and opportunities
• Support audits, reviews and continuous improvement of cost control procedures

Essential Requirements

• At least 5 years' experience in cost engineering, cost control or commercial support on design and/or construction projects
• Solid working knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, cost reporting and change control processes
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and advanced Excel proficiency
• Experience with cost management software (e.g. Primavera Unifier, EcoSys, Cleopatra or similar)
• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to present cost data to non-specialist stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience on projects of significant scale and complexity, ideally infrastructure or transport
• Rail project experience
• Middle East experience, particularly in the UAE
• Familiarity with earned value management (EVM) and with FIDIC or NEC contract forms
• Experience with reporting and visualisation tools such as Power BI

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Membership of a professional body (e.g. AACE, RICS, ICE) is an advantage

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options,well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.