Cost Engineer

Mventech; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Mventech Group is seeking a Cost Engineer to develop and maintain capital and operating cost estimates for mining and mineral processing studies from Concept through DFS. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, engage with vendors, and uphold transparent, defendable estimates and databases.

Role focuses on Technical Studies and EPCM projects, with opportunities to improve estimating tools and methodologies, and to contribute to financial models and study planning across Southern

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering/quantity surveying/cost engineering degree or equivalent.
• Cost engineering certification (AACE or equivalent) will be advantageous.
• 5–10 years' experience in mining, mineral processing or EPCM estimating.
• Experience developing study-level capital and operating cost estimates.
• Experience obtaining and evaluating vendor quotations.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Understanding of estimating classifications (Class 5 to Class 2) will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop Class 5 to Class 2 capital cost estimates per recognised practices.
• Prepare operating cost estimates for mining and mineral processing projects.
• Develop estimate basis documents and reports.
• Quantify engineering, procurement and construction costs.
• Develop estimating assumptions and cost factors.
• Prepare estimate accuracy assessments and contingencies.

Skills

Capital cost estimating

Operating cost estimating

Quantity take-offs

Equipment costing

Estimating methodologies

Cost benchmarking

Cost databases

Vendor management

Budget pricing

Financial awareness

Education

BEng, BTech, National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Cost Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CostX

Power BI

SQL

Power Query

Microsoft Access

SharePoint

Microsoft Excel (Advanced)

Microsoft 365

Job description

Role Description

The Cost Engineer is responsible for the development, coordination and continuous improvement of capital and operating cost estimates for multidisciplinary mining and mineral processing studies from Concept through Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). The role supports study teams by developing accurate, transparent and defendable estimates, maintaining estimating tools and databases, and engaging with vendors and suppliers to obtain budget pricing. The primary focus of the role is the Technical Studies Business Unit, with limited support provided to other engineering functions as business requirements permit.

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Estimating:

• Develop Class 5 to Class 2 capital cost estimates in accordance with recognised estimating practices.
• Prepare operating cost estimates for mining and mineral processing projects.
• Develop estimate basis documents and estimate reports.
• Quantify engineering, procurement and construction costs.
• Develop estimating assumptions and cost factors.
• Prepare estimate accuracy assessments and contingencies.

Vendor Engagement:

• Engage with equipment suppliers and service providers to obtain budget quotations.
• Coordinate RFQs during study phases.
• Evaluate vendor submissions.
• Maintain supplier relationships.
• Develop and maintain vendor pricing databases.

Cost Databases & Benchmarking:

• Develop and maintain estimating databases.
• Maintain equipment cost libraries.
• Update labour, material and productivity factors.
• Benchmark estimates against previous studies and industry data.
• Improve estimating methodologies and tools.

Study Delivery:

• Provide estimating support to Concept, PFS and FS studies.
• Support engineering disciplines during estimate development.
• Participate in engineering reviews and value engineering workshops.
• Develop cost inputs for financial models.
• Assist with estimating reviews and peer reviews.

Commercial Support:

• Support proposal preparation and budget estimates.
• Prepare ROM estimates for new opportunities.
• Assist with study planning and execution strategies.
• Provide limited estimating support to other business units where capacity allows.

Role Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Qualifications:

• BEng, BTech, National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Cost Engineering or a related discipline.
• Cost Engineering certification (AACE or equivalent) will be advantageous.

Experience:

• 5–10 years' experience in mining, mineral processing or EPCM estimating.
• Experience developing study-level capital and operating cost estimates.
• Experience obtaining and evaluating vendor quotations.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Understanding of estimating classifications (Class 5 to Class 2) will be advantageous.

Technical Competencies:

• Capital cost estimating.
• Operating cost estimating.
• Quantity take-offs.
• Equipment costing.
• Estimating methodologies.
• Cost benchmarking.
• Cost databases.
• Vendor management.
• Budget pricing.
• Financial awareness.

Software Skills:

Essential:

• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Microsoft 365

Advantageous:

• CostX or similar estimating software.
• Power BI.
• SQL/database management.
• Power Query.
• Microsoft Access.
• SharePoint.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Exceptional analytical ability.
• Strong numerical aptitude.
• Attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness.
• Problem-solving.
• Planning and organisation.
• Effective communication.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Accuracy of study estimates.
• Timely delivery of cost estimates.
• Vendor quotation turnaround.
• Database accuracy and maintenance.
• Estimate quality and consistency.
• Proposal support.
• Continuous improvement of estimating tools.

Why Join Mventech Group?

At Mventech Group, you will work alongside experienced engineers and consultants on complex, high-impact projects across the mining and resources sector. We invest in our people through structured mentorship, exposure to multidisciplinary EPCM (engineering, procurement, and construction management) work, and clear pathways for professional registration and career progression.

As a growing firm, we offer the agility and visibility of a smaller practice combined with the calibre of projects typically associated with major consultancies. You will contribute directly to decisions that shape project outcomes, build close working relationships with clients, and see the tangible impact of your work on sites across Southern Africa and beyond.

We are committed to technical excellence, integrity, and continuous learning. If you want to grow your career while helping to shape the future of mining and resources consulting, we would like to hear from you. Innovate Design Consult.