Cost Engineer in Derby

Location: Manchester, Warrington or Derby with Hybrid Working available.

Why this role matters

We’re building something that has never been done before — and we need you to help make it happen. As a Cost Engineer at Rolls‑Royce SMR, you’ll play a key part in ensuring our projects are delivered accurately, responsibly, and efficiently. Your work will directly influence how we plan, forecast, and deliver one of the UK’s most exciting clean‑energy programmes.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you’ll take ownership of cost control and analysis across key areas of our programme. Day-to-day, you’ll get involved in activities such as:

• Maintaining and updating project budgets and forecasts
• Tracking actuals, commitments and accruals
• Supporting change control assessments and cost impact analysis
• Ensuring cost data aligns with schedule and project controls
• Raising PRs, managing POs, and reviewing supplier applications
• Preparing monthly cost reports and dashboards
• Collaborating with planners, commercial colleagues and Work Package Managers
• Contributing to continuous improvement and supporting our cost systems and tools

What you’ll bring

We don’t expect you to tick every box — if you meet around 75% of the requirements, we’d still love to hear from you. Success in this role looks like:

• Strong understanding of cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and change processes
• High proficiency in cost reporting and variance analysis (Excel, Power Query or similar)
• A detail‑orientated and accountable approach to your work
• The ability to build strong relationships and collaborate across multi‑disciplinary teams
• Experience in cost engineering or project controls, ideally in infrastructure, energy or nuclear
• Familiarity with tools such as SAP, EcoSys or Primavera
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset

Qualifications & training

Essential:

• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance or related fields
• Progress toward a recognised professional accreditation (e.g., RICS, APM, CICES, PMI)
• Advanced proficiency in cost data management and analysis tools

Desirable:

• Training in cost control, estimating or forecasting
• Exposure to NEC/FIDIC contracts
• Experience with change control and performance reporting

What success looks like in this role

You’ll know you’re thriving when:

• Cost data is accurate, consistent, and delivered on time
• Forecasts reflect the latest, best-known view
• Monthly reporting lands smoothly and informs confident decisions
• You build strong partnerships across the project
• You contribute to system and process improvements
• You support high standards of internal controls and audit compliance

Key measures & scope

Potential line management of up to 3 Assistant Cost Engineers. Close collaboration across project controls, planning, commercial, engineering and supplier teams.

Reward & benefits

Salary: £42,000 - £55,150

Benefits allowance: £2,200

Bonus: Up to 12.5%

Holiday: 28 days + bank holidays

Pension: Standard Rolls‑Royce SMR pension 12%

Other benefits: 6x life assurance, 50% income protection, £250 new joiner payment

Flexible working options available

Inclusion & accessibility

We value the unique perspectives and experiences that everyone brings. We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace where you can be yourself and thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage — from application to interview to your day‑to‑day work — we’re here to support you.

Security & checks

This role requires BPSS clearance. As part of the offer process, we’ll carry out standard background, security and financial checks. These are never assessed in isolation — individual circumstances and role context are always taken into account.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check