Senior Cost Engineer

QinetiQ Limited; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ Limited is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to join our team at either the Bristol or Boscombe Down facilities, where you will work on very complex projects across the full lifecycle, delivering cost analyses, estimates and BoEs, and applying cost engineering best practices. This 37-hour per week role follows a hybrid pattern with approximately three days on-site.

Eligibility for SC clearance is required, and the salary ranges from £57,375 to £63,750 depending on experience and

Qualifications

• Experience across the full project lifecycle: bid to delivery.
• Proven ability to develop high-quality estimates and BoE documentation.
• Expert in applying quantitative analysis techniques to cost problems.

Responsibilities

• Drives best practice and implementation of cost engineering for bids, projects and programmes.
• Develops and maintains high-quality estimates and basis of estimate.
• Produces reports on cost data for informed decision making.
• Guides project teams on cost engineering approaches and recommendations.
• Leads complex projects (LCM 4) with cost engineering solutions.
• Develops Cost Assessment and Analysis, including QCRA models.

Skills

Cost engineering

Cost estimation

Quantitative analysis

Basis of Estimate (BoE)

Cost risk analysis

Governance and assurance

Data analysis

Change control

Scheduling

Education

ACosE Certification

ICEAA Certification

MSc/BA/BSc in Engineering/Mathematics/Physics

Professional membership (SCAF/ICEAA/ACostE)

Tools

Cost engineering tools

Job description

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Package: £57,375 - £63,750 (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits

Role ID: SF20739

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 Role

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

Essential experience of the Senior Cost Engineer :

• 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

Desirable qualifications for the Senior Cost Engineer :

• 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.

Bristol

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.