Cost Engineer

Innovate; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Cost Engineer to play a pivotal role in shaping cost data for their Defence client. This hands-on analytical position blends engineering knowledge with cost modeling, requiring collaboration with design, manufacturing, and business operations teams. You will challenge assumptions and refine forecasting processes, driving transparency in cost data. If you are passionate about making a significant impact in the Defence and Space sectors, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to critical business decisions and enhance operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Educated to a HNC/HND qualification.
• Proven analytical skills with an understanding of production processes.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage detailed cost forecasts for products and systems.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver reliable and timely cost estimates.
• Provide analytical insights to support key business decisions.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Cost Estimation

Stakeholder Engagement

Manufacturing Processes

Communication Skills

Time Management

Proactive Problem Solving

Education

HNC/HND Qualification

Job description

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Talent Specialist @ Innovate | Enthusiastic and dedicated in recruiting security cleared first-class engineering/technical talent within the Space &…

As a Cost Engineer for our Defence client, working within their manufacturing department, you’ll play a critical role in shaping accurate, insightful cost data that informs business decisions across the full product lifecycle. From concept to completion, your analysis will support production planning, bid preparation, and long-term strategy.

This is a hands-on analytical role that blends engineering knowledge with cost modelling and stakeholder engagement. You’ll work closely with teams across Design, Manufacturing, and Business Operations to challenge assumptions, refine forecasting processes, and drive transparency and confidence in our cost data.

Responsibilities:

1. Create and manage detailed cost forecasts that span the full lifecycle of products and systems.
2. Evaluate production and operational data to support cost-effective design and long-term value assessments.
3. Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and commercial teams to deliver reliable and timely cost estimates.
4. Lead collaborative meetings with internal stakeholders to align on cost strategies and review data accuracy.
5. Identify opportunities to improve forecasting processes and implement more robust cost modelling techniques.
6. Provide analytical insight to support key business decisions through clear, data-driven reporting.

Skills & Experience:

1. Educated to a HNC/HND qualification.
2. Proven analytical skills with a practical understanding of end-to-end production processes.
3. An appreciation of manufacturing processes.
4. Exposure to cost estimation or cost modelling practices.
5. Strong communicator who can influence stakeholders and build relationships across functions.
6. Skilled at balancing multiple priorities and managing workload under time constraints.
7. Naturally inquisitive and proactive, with a drive to challenge data and improve outcomes.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, and Space Research and Technology

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Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom