At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management activities and support a team in delivering clean energy projects.
- Company: Rolls-Royce SMR, pioneering low-carbon energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team making a global impact on clean energy.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and strong cost engineering expertise.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 66500 £ per year.
Location: Derby, Manchester or Warrington (Hybrid)
Salary: £50,600.00 - £66,500.00
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all through the development of world-leading Small Modular Reactor technology. At Rolls-Royce SMR, we're creating a British energy solution with global impact, helping accelerate the transition to low-carbon power generation. The Project Management Office sits at the heart of programme delivery, providing the governance, insight and controls needed to deliver one of the UK's most ambitious clean energy programmes. The team combines innovation, collaboration and technical excellence to support informed decision-making across the business.
We're looking for a Senior Cost Engineer to join our Project Management Office, reporting to a Cost Manager or Project Controls Manager. Leading cost management activities across high-value work packages and supporting a small team of cost professionals, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring robust forecasting, effective risk management and trusted cost intelligence for senior stakeholders.
We'll need you to:
- Lead the development and maintenance of cost baselines, forecasts and performance reporting
- Drive alignment between scope, schedule and cost to support successful programme delivery
- Provide strategic cost insight through variance analysis, risk assessment and scenario modelling
- Enhance cost systems, mentor colleagues and champion continuous improvement across project controls
This is a highly visible role where your ability to collaborate, influence and communicate complex information clearly will be just as important as your technical expertise.
We're particularly interested in:
- A degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Project Controls, Finance or a related discipline, alongside professional accreditation or progress towards chartership with organisations such as RICS, ICE, PMI or CICES
- Strong expertise in cost engineering, including forecasting, earned value management and cost risk analysis within complex capital projects or infrastructure programmes
- Experience using cost and project controls systems such as EcoSys, SAP, Oracle Primavera or similar platforms
- The ability to build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional collaboration across programme, engineering and commercial teams
We'll ask you about your experience of developing robust cost control frameworks, managing project cost performance, and turning data into meaningful business insight that supports decision-making.
What’s in It for You
We anticipate paying a salary of between £50,600.00 - £66,500.00, plus:
- Bonus - Performance related bonus of up to 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200, enabling you to create a bespoke package
- Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
- Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
- Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care
- Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
- £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases
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
Senior Cost Engineer - Industrialisation in Derby employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and professional growth. With competitive salaries, a robust benefits package, and a commitment to diversity, we empower our employees to thrive while tackling the global energy challenge. Our locations in Derby, Manchester, and Warrington provide flexibility and opportunities for international collaboration, making us a leading choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in clean energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Engineer - Industrialisation in Derby
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Engineer - Industrialisation in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Cost Engineer - Industrialisation, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Rolls-Royce SMR a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Rolls-Royce SMR specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Rolls-Royce SMR, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Rolls-Royce SMR want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
