Senior Cost Engineer

QinetiQ Group plc; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ Group plc in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to support complex projects across bids and delivery. You will implement tailored cost engineering solutions, develop estimates and BoE documentation, and provide specialist cost engineering advice across programmes.

The role requires leading intricate projects (LCM 4), applying quantitative cost risk analysis, and contributing to risk management, governance, and data reporting.

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering cost engineering across bids, projects and programmes.
• Knowledge of Basis of Estimate (BoE) documentation and estimates development.
• Eligible for SC clearance (minimum).

Responsibilities

• Drives best practice in cost engineering for bids, projects and programmes.
• Develops and maintains high‑quality estimates and BoE.
• Produces reports on cost engineering data to support decisions.
• Leads very complex projects (LCM 4) on cost solutions.
• Applies quantitative cost risk analysis models and interprets outputs.
• Supports risk management, scheduling and governance activities across programmes.

Skills

Cost engineering

Cost estimation

Risk analysis

Data analysis

Project lifecycle understanding

Education

MSc/BA/BSc in Engineering/Math/Physics

Tools

Cost engineering tools

Job description

Will focus on supporting very complex (LCM 4) Projects at all stages of project lifecycles from bidding and throughout delivery, including completing cost engineering analyses activities and assurance. This role involves the implementation of tailored cost engineering solutions across bid, project, and programme environments. Responsibilities include supporting the development of estimates and Basis of Estimate (BoE) documentation, conducting cost and risk analysis, managing and maintaining cost engineering tools, and providing specialist cost engineering advice. The role also contributes to risk management and scheduling activities across programmes. In addition, it provides guidance and support to enabling functions and capability leads, ensuring the effective application of cost engineering principles and best practices throughout the organisation. Your responsibilities will include:

• Drives best practice, application and implementation of cost engineering in support of delivering bids, projects and programmes
• Working closely with project teams to develop and maintain high-quality estimates, and basis of estimate, using a range of cost engineering methods and techniques
• Produce reports on cost engineering data to support effective decision making
• Supports project teams and the business understand the broader cost engineering approaches and provide recommendations
• Lead and guide very complex projects (LCM 4) on solving complex problems and implementing appropriate cost engineering solutions
• Develop and implement Cost Assessment and Analysis such as Quantitative Cost Risk Analysis (QCRA) models and interpret the outputs Applies detailed/in-depth knowledge and experience of cost engineering, understanding the full project lifecycle, Expert in the application of quantitative analysis techniques
• Understanding of wider project management and controls techniques, trends and tools, with knowledge of associated areas, such as governance and assurance, benchmarking, data analysis and reporting, change control, cost control/reporting, supply chain development
• Commercial and financial awareness in the project environment is desirable, One of: ACosE Certification, ICEAA Certification, MSc, BSc or BA in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics etc., Membership of an appropriate professional organisation e.g. SCAF, ICEAA, ACostE

We value difference and we don't have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you. This role is 37 hours per week and is based out of our Boscombe Down or Bristol facilities on a hybrid working pattern of 3 days per week on average, onsite.

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we're not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as a Senior Cost Engineer at either the Bristol or Boscombe Down facilities, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

The QinetiQ facility in Bristol is part of the company's broader operation focused on defence and technology innovation. The site houses a diverse team of engineers, scientists and technical professionals who bring expertise to various projects ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Boscombe Down MOD Boscombe Down is a unique operational site featuring the longest military runway in the UK. Primarily focusing on providing testing, evaluation and support services for aviation and aerospace systems. Renowned for its extensive flight-testing capabilities the site plays a vital role in the UK's aviation defence contributing to the development, testing and airworthiness of military aircraft enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum. UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)