Senior Cost Engineer

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Brentford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government organization in the UK is looking for a Senior Cost Controller to join the Business Management team. This hybrid role requires managing project costs and establishing accurate cost data for infrastructure programs. The ideal candidate will have a professional qualification, experience in project controls, and strong relationship-building skills. Benefits include a 9-day working fortnight, 270 hours holiday, and a market-leading pension scheme.

Benefits

9-day working fortnight

270 hours holiday

Market-leading pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in Project Controls or a similar Cost role on major construction projects.
• Strong analytical skills for variance and root cause analysis.
• Ability to develop benchmarking data.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of project costs.
• Implement procedures and processes.
• Prepare cost reports with trend analysis.

Skills

Relationship-building skills

Stakeholder engagement skills

Team motivation and development abilities

Education

Professional qualification with chartered or equivalent status

Tools

Cost tools

Excel

IT systems

Job description

Time left to apply: End Date: August 31, 2025 (30+ days left to apply)

Job requisition ID: R24307

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity, we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment, as high application volumes may close the role before the deadline.

We need a Senior Cost Controller to join our Business Management team at AWE.

It’s an exciting time to join us, with scope for progression and work on fascinating projects. (And don’t forget, every second Friday off!)

Location: Hybrid and flexible working, with our offices based in Berkshire RG7 4PR. Onsite presence required up to 3 days per week.

Salary: Starting at £49,830, negotiable based on skills and experience.

We welcome applications even if you don’t meet every point below but feel the role and AWE are a great fit for you.

What’s exciting is:

You will join during a pivotal moment in one of the UK’s most complex infrastructure programs, supported by significant government investment.

As a Senior Cost Engineer, you will manage all aspects of project costs, working with various partners. Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills are essential. Responsibilities include establishing, developing, and maintaining accurate cost data, forecasts, performance analysis, earned value, cash flows, and monthly reports on Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP).

A typical day may include:

• Implementing procedures, processes, and systems.
• Managing capacity and deployment within the Business Management team.
• Preparing, monitoring, and controlling forecasts and budgets, including change control.
• Interrogating systems and performance to determine actual expenditure and project accruals.
• Assessing supplier Payment Applications.
• Preparing cost reports with trend analysis and early warnings.
• Conducting variance analysis (SPI, CPI), root cause analysis, and providing narratives and recommendations.
• Establishing the Project Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) and preparing cost studies using historical data.
• Developing benchmarking data.
• Providing trend data and recommendations to the Project Manager.
• Tracking workforce productivity and resource usage versus plans.

Candidate requirements include:

• Professional qualification with chartered or equivalent status.
• Experience in Project Controls or a similar Cost role on major construction projects.
• Proficiency with Cost tools, Excel, and IT systems.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Team motivation and development abilities.

Benefits include:

· 9-day working fortnight – every other Friday off.

· 270 hours holiday.

· Market-leading contributory pension scheme, contributing 9%-13% of pensionable pay.

Details available on the 'Working at AWE' page and the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Important information:

• Security clearance is required; funding provided by AWE. Must be a UK resident for the past 5 years for SC clearance, 10 years for DV.
• Please inform us of any adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
• Interviews are typically conducted via Teams in a single stage.

(Note: Recruitment managed internally; agencies please refrain from applying.)

#LI-SM

Next steps:

We value diverse skills and perspectives. Even if you don’t meet every criterion, if you believe you are a good fit, please apply. We focus on potential, values, and transferable skills.

Apply promptly to avoid missing out, as applications may close early if high volume is received.

Security clearance requirements: UK residency for the past 5 or 10 years, depending on clearance level.

We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, respecting GDPR, and ensuring equal opportunity.

Please note: You must be a British Citizen to apply.

About AWE

If you seek a role with impact and challenge, join us at AWE. We are starting a major program to develop a replacement warhead for the UK’s deterrent, alongside ongoing projects like the Trident program and other innovative capital projects. Learn more on our website.

Can't find a role today? You can:

• Introduce yourself via the link on the top right of this page.
• Sign up for job alerts by creating an account and selecting alerts.

Service Leavers, Veterans, and Reservists: Visit Early Careers for opportunities.