Cost Engineer

Morson Talent; Dumfries; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Cost Engineer for a long-term contract until February 2027. The role involves comprehensive cost management support, including forecasting, performance analysis, and post-contract activities. Candidates should have significant experience in a project-based setting and relevant professional qualifications. Hybrid working model available, requiring 2 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification required.
• Membership in a relevant professional body preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills needed.

Responsibilities

• Report to Project Manager for service delivery.
• Manage project change controls and baseline.
• Conduct post-contract cost management activities.

Skills

Project-based environment experience

Cost engineering background

Earned Value Management knowledge

Post-contract administration experience

Risk management understanding

Education

ACMA or equivalent qualification

Membership in ACostE, AACE, RICS

Job description

Overview

Cost Engineer Long-Term Contract (Until February 2027)

• Rate: £55.60 per hour
• Working hours: 4 days per week (37.5 hours total)
• Hybrid working: 2 days based in Hunterson office, 2 days remote
• Location: Chapelcross Power Station, Annan DG12 6RF

Our client is a leading engineering consultancy that provides services to the nuclear sector.

As a Cost Engineer, you ll provide comprehensive cost management support including cost forecasting, performance analysis, change control, and post-contract cost activities ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Report to the Project Manager for service delivery and to the Function Lead for functional standards.
• Participate in project reviews, audits, and self-assessments to maintain compliance.
• Prepare and manage project change controls and baseline management.
• Establish and implement effective cost capture, coding, and reporting structures (Work Orders, POs, CBS).
• Align project controls with contractual obligations, driving improvements where needed.
• Manage time bookings, charge codes, and resource tracking for accurate cost allocation and forecasting.
• Track manpower productivity and provide actionable insights to project leadership.
• Conduct post-contract cost management activities including payment certifications, Compensation Events (CE), and contract close-out.
• Validate and analyse supply chain cost data to support accurate forecasting.
• Prepare and maintain ETC, ACWP, and CPI reports.
• Support Value Engineering studies and cost efficiency initiatives.
• Prepare and maintain Baseline Change Proposals (BCP), sanction proposals, and Basis of Estimate (BoE) documentation.
• Participate in cost studies and benchmarking exercises.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and training within the project controls team.

Education / Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. ACMA, ACostE Incorporated, or equivalent experience)
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. ACostE, AACE, RICS)

Experience / Knowledge

• Significant experience in a project-based environment
• Strong background in cost engineering, management accounting, or cost management
• Demonstrable knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) and reporting techniques
• Experience with post-contract administration (NEC, ICE, JCT, FIDIC)
• Solid understanding of risk management, cost/schedule integration, and performance analysis
• Skilled in identifying, analysing, and solving complex project cost challenges

Please note, all candidates will gain BPSS Clearance prior to starting.

For more information, please contact Scarlet Wilson.