Assistant Cost Engineer

Rolls-Royce plc; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 7%

29 days holiday + public holidays

Pension scheme 6% employee / 13%‑emloy

Job summary

Rolls-RoyceSMR is seeking an Assistant Cost Engineer to join our Cost & Estimating team with offices in Warrington, Derby or Manchester. You will support cost data collection, validation, and analysis, maintain cost logs and accruals, and contribute to monthly performance reporting across projects.

You will develop expertise in cost engineering tools and processes, with a degree or equivalent in Engineering/Finance/Construction, strong numerical skills, and a curious, adaptable mindset.

Qualifications

• Degree, HND, apprenticeship or equivalent in Engineering, Finance, Construction.
• Strong numerical and data-handling skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Curious and adaptable with enthusiasm for learning new systems and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Support the collection, validation, and analysis of project cost data.
• Assist with maintaining cost logs, change registers, accruals, and budget updates.
• Contribute to the production of cost reports, dashboards, and monthly performance reporting.
• Develop expertise in cost engineering tools, systems, and project controls processes.

Skills

Excel

Numerical skills

Data handling

Analytical mindset

Adaptable

Education

Engineering/Finance/Construction degree

Tools

Cost engineering tools

Job description

Assistant Cost Engineer Based from one of our offices in Warrington, Derby or Manchester. Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology.

The Cost & Estimating team plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of our SMR programme. Partnering across projects and functions, the team provides the cost intelligence, controls, and reporting needed to support informed decision‑making and programme performance. In this context, we are looking for an Assistant Cost Engineer to support our Cost Engineering team, reporting to a Cost Manager or Project Controls Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to build foundations in project controls, develop specialist cost engineering expertise, and contribute to one of the UK’s most ambitious clean energy programmes.

You’ll need to:

• Support the collection, validation, and analysis of project cost data
• Assist with maintaining cost logs, change registers, accruals, and budget updates
• Contribute to the production of cost reports, dashboards, and monthly performance reporting
• Develop expertise in cost engineering tools, systems, and project controls processes

As you can see, this is a pivotal development opportunity where you’ll bring an analytical mindset, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement, as well as:

• A degree, HND, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in Engineering, Finance, Construction, or a related discipline
• Strong numerical and data‑handling skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• A curious and adaptable approach, with enthusiasm for learning new systems and techniques
• Knowledge of project, engineering, finance, or construction environments, gained through work experience, internships, placements, or similar opportunities

We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements. The role is location‑flexible with attendance at company offices and project locations as required.

Pay Range: £30,000.00 - £39,375.00

• £30,000.00 - £39,400.00 with a benefits allowance of £2,200
• Annual bonus opportunity of up to 7%
• 29 days holiday plus public holidays
• Membership of our excellent pension scheme 6% employee to 13% employer contributions
• Structured development, professional training opportunities, and the chance to build a career within a rapidly growing clean energy business

Why join us?

• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Application Process

• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check

What we offer

At Rolls‑RoyceSMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivating you to continue achieving. Our rewards and benefits scheme are designed for employees to have complete control. By providing complete autonomy, you can focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s investments, insurances or wellbeing, it’s in your hands. Work is an activity, not a place. We understand due to commitments and lifestyle; the world of work has evolved beyond the 9 – 5. Whether it’s varied hours or hybrid working, our flexible working arrangements make it possible for employees to achieve a true work life balance.

Your career journey at Rolls‑RoyceSMR: We don’t just want you to contribute, we want you to grow. We have open dialogue with our employees to understand their ambitions for their career and set plans to achieve them. Whether it’s helping you obtain formal qualifications or pairing you with a mentor, Rolls‑RoyceSMR will provide you with a fulfilling career.