Senior Cost Engineer

Amentum Services, Inc.; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to manage project budgets, forecast costs, and provide financial insights. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Engineering or Finance and significant experience in cost engineering. This position offers a hybrid working model, mentoring opportunities, and a competitive employment package that includes family-friendly benefits and professional development reimbursement.

Benefits

Free single medical cover

Enhanced parental leave pay

Reimbursement for professional development

Qualifications

• Education in Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• Significant experience in cost engineering or project controls.
• Proficiency in cost estimation software and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage project budgets and controlling expenditures.
• Provide financial insights and detailed analysis.
• Mentor junior cost engineers and drive cost optimization.

Skills

Cost estimation

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Education

Degree in Engineering or Finance

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Advanced Excel

Job description

Overview

Our Defence and Security teams provide design and engineering services for our nuclear and defence clients across the UK and abroad. Our team is experiencing exciting growth and long-term prospects within our established practice, and we are looking for a Senior Cost Engineer with transferable skills who is passionate about developing themselves and in meeting new challenges. We offer hybrid working with 1-2 days in the office at Westlakes, Cumbria. Occasional site visits may be necessary.

About The Opportunity

The DNWP Framework 2025 is a significant initiative aimed at addressing the UK's nuclear waste management challenges. It encompasses a £4.6 billion framework agreement that will support high-hazard risk reduction programmes on the Sellafield site. The framework will involve multiple specialist consortia to safely retrieve, treat, and store legacy nuclear waste while decommissioning obsolete facilities. The agreement will be in place for up to 15 years and will work collaboratively with suppliers at every stage, from planning to delivery. The framework replaces the Design Services Alliance and the Decommissioning Delivery Partnership, both of which are nearing expiry. The DNWP Framework is a key element of Sellafield Ltd\'s Overarching Acquisition Strategy and aims to ensure that the cleaning up of the legacy of historic operations on the site is achieved safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include managing project budgets, forecasting costs, controlling expenditures, and providing financial insights through detailed analysis, reporting, and stakeholder collaboration, requiring strong technical skills in cost estimation, project management software, and leadership to mentor teams and drive cost optimization for large projects. Key duties include budget development, variance analysis, financial reporting, risk assessment, change order review, and ensuring compliance with financial standards across the project lifecycle, from conception to close-out.

• Cost Estimation & Budgeting: Develop comprehensive cost estimates, budgets, and financial forecasts for complex projects, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business objectives.


• Cost Control & Monitoring: Track expenditures, analyse variances, and implement corrective actions to keep projects within budget.


• Financial Reporting: Prepare and present detailed financial reports (e.g., EAC, Forecast to Go, VOWD) to project teams, management, and clients.


• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement, and commercial teams to provide financial insights and support decision-making.


• Risk Management: Identify cost risks and opportunities, providing recommendations for cost optimization and savings.


• Process Improvement: Contribute to the development and enhancement of cost control procedures, tools, and systems.


• Mentorship & Leadership: Guide junior cost engineers, fostering high performance and consistent standards.

Benefits

At Amentum, we\'re not just solving problems; we\'re engineering the future. Our team is driven by an unyielding commitment to innovation, integrity, and collaboration, tackling some of the most significant challenges in science, security, and sustainability. If you\'re passionate about making a real impact and want to be part of a community that values ethical excellence, this is the place where your ambition can thrive.

Here, we believe that success comes from continuously pushing boundaries and working together to deliver on our promises. We embrace challenges with confidence and are dedicated to creating a secure and vibrant future for all.

We\’ll inspire and empower you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed – today and into tomorrow. We offer an exciting range of opportunities to develop your career within a supportive team who always strive to do the right thing for our people, clients and communities.

People are our greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent.

In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family-friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships.

Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for us. We’re happy to discuss hybrid, part-time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: In Engineering, Finance, or a related field.


• Experience: Significant experience in cost engineering, project controls, or a similar financial role, within specific industries (e.g., Engineering, Energy, Automotive).


• Technical Skills: Proficiency in cost estimation software, ERP systems (like SAP), advanced Excel, Power BI, and understanding of contract principles (e.g., NEC).


• Soft Skills: Strong analytical, communication, presentation, and leadership skills are essential.

Our Culture

Our values are built on a strong foundation of safety, integrity, and respect for every individual. People are at the heart of our mission, and we believe in supporting one another through a culture of care and collaboration.

We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. Supporting mental wellbeing and fostering a sense of connection are essential to how we work.

When we embrace different perspectives and work together, we become more innovative, more agile, and more successful.

We partner with VERCIDA, for greater online accessibility please visit www.vercida.com to view and access our roles. As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team.