Cost Engineer

Cost Engineer – Long-Term Contract (Until February 2027)

• Rate: £55.60 per hour
• Working hours: 4 days per week (37.5 hours total)
• Hybrid working: 2 days based in Hunterson office, 2 days remote
• Location: Hunterson A, West Kilbride, Ayrshire, KA23 9RA

Our client is a leading engineering consultancy that provides services to the nuclear sector.

As a Cost Engineer, you’ll provide comprehensive cost management support — including cost forecasting, performance analysis, change control, and post-contract cost activities — ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Report to the Project Manager for service delivery and to the Function Lead for functional standards.
• Participate in project reviews, audits, and self-assessments to maintain compliance.
• Prepare and manage project change controls and baseline management.
• Establish and implement effective cost capture, coding, and reporting structures (Work Orders, POs, CBS).
• Align project controls with contractual obligations, driving improvements where needed.
• Manage time bookings, charge codes, and resource tracking for accurate cost allocation and forecasting.
• Track manpower productivity and provide actionable insights to project leadership.
• Conduct post-contract cost management activities including payment certifications, Compensation Events (CE), and contract close-out.
• Validate and analyse supply chain cost data to support accurate forecasting.
• Prepare and maintain ETC, ACWP, and CPI reports.
• Support Value Engineering studies and cost efficiency initiatives.
• Prepare and maintain Baseline Change Proposals (BCP), sanction proposals, and Basis of Estimate (BoE) documentation.
• Participate in cost studies and benchmarking exercises.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and training within the project controls team.

Education / Qualifications:

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. ACMA, ACostE Incorporated, or equivalent experience)
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. ACostE, AACE, RICS)

Experience / Knowledge:

• Significant experience in a project-based environment
• Strong background in cost engineering, management accounting, or cost management
• Demonstrable knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) and reporting techniques
• Experience with post-contract administration (NEC, ICE, JCT, FIDIC)
• Solid understanding of risk management, cost/schedule integration, and performance analysis
• Skilled in identifying, analysing, and solving complex project cost challenges

Please note, all candidates will gain BPSS Clearance prior to starting.

For more information, please contact Scarlet Wilson.