Cost Engineer

Job Title: Cost Engineer – Transport & Infrastructure

Location: London, United Kingdom

Employment Type: Full-time | Hybrid (on-site/client-facing where required)

The Opportunity

A leading consultancy delivering complex infrastructure projects across the UK is seeking a skilled Cost Engineer to join its growing London team. This role sits within the transport and infrastructure division, supporting a major client on a high-profile capital programme.

You’ll work as part of a collaborative pre-construction team responsible for providing robust cost planning, estimating, and commercial assurance across a portfolio of projects. With clear pathways for development and the opportunity to take ownership of key deliverables, this is a great opportunity for a detail-oriented, ambitious professional with a background in civil engineering or infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Cost Engineer and Head of Estimating by ensuring cost plans and estimates align with client standards and delivery expectations.
• Develop and maintain accurate cost plans, estimates, and supporting documentation that can be assured both internally and externally.
• Work autonomously or collaboratively to deliver consistent, high-quality cost outputs for major pre-construction programmes.
• Provide quantification support, undertake measurement exercises, and help maintain an up-to-date cost database to inform benchmarking and value engineering.
• Take ownership of portions of the estimating process, including change control, budget tracking, and supporting procurement strategy development.
• Liaise with stakeholders across planning, commercial, procurement, and delivery teams to gather input and ensure estimates reflect the full scope of works.
• Present cost estimates and justifications to senior internal and client stakeholders in a clear, structured, and commercially astute manner.
• Mentor junior members of the estimating team and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Strong infrastructure background – ideally in civil engineering, highways, rail, or utilities.
• Previous experience in a cost engineering, estimating, or commercial role (main contractor or consultancy).
• Proficient in Excel and other cost modelling tools.
• Confident presenting to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and a methodical approach to cost management.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in Candy Estimating Software and/or CostX (RIB) for digital quantification and estimating.
• Familiarity with AACE’s Estimate Class system or other industry-standard estimating frameworks.
• Chartered or working towards chartership (RICS, CICES, ICE, CIOB, etc.).
• Experience working on pre-construction phases of major infrastructure programmes.
• Ability to travel or work flexibly based on project requirements.

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects with high visibility.
• A clear career progression path and support toward chartership or further development.
• Collaborative, forward-thinking culture with space to contribute and lead.
• Competitive salary and benefits package tailored to your experience.
• Hybrid working and a strong commitment to work-life balance.