At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost estimating and control for groundbreaking energy projects.
- Company: Join UKAEA, a leader in fusion energy innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 25 days leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of clean energy.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost management for large projects and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 71815 - 71815 £ per year.
About us
Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
About the Job
Join UKAEA's Portfolio Management Office (PfMO) and play a key role in delivering some of the UK's most complex and ambitious programmes. As a Senior Cost Engineer, you'll provide expert cost estimating, forecasting and cost control across high-value projects ranging from major infrastructure to cutting-edge science and engineering initiatives. Working closely with programme managers, finance teams and technical specialists, you'll help ensure projects are delivered with robust financial control, informed decision-making and industry-leading cost management practices. You'll also lead and develop a team of Cost Engineers while driving continuous improvement across the organisation's project delivery capability.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead cost estimating, forecasting and cost control activities for complex programmes and projects.
- Develop and maintain robust project budgets, cost baselines and financial forecasts.
- Partner with programme teams and Finance to deliver accurate reporting, variance analysis and estimate-at-completion forecasting.
- Provide expert advice on cost management, estimating strategies and project controls throughout the project lifecycle.
- Integrate cost, schedule and risk information to support effective project planning and decision-making.
- Analyse performance trends, identify opportunities for improvement and champion best practice in cost management.
- Lead, coach and develop a team of Cost Engineers, supporting both technical and professional growth.
- Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and senior leaders.
- Support strategic resource planning and contribute to the continuous development of UKAEA's project delivery capability.
What You'll Bring
- Extensive experience delivering cost estimating and cost control for large, complex projects or programmes (typically £100m+).
- Strong knowledge of cost management methodologies, forecasting and financial reporting.
- Experience presenting cost and budget information to senior stakeholders and project governance boards.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience leading, developing and managing high-performing teams.
- A recognised project management qualification (e.g. APM PMQ, APMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner or equivalent).
Benefits
A full list of benefits can be found here and highlights include: £71,815 salary inclusive of specialist allowance, Up to 7% corporate performance bonus, Final salary defined benefits pension scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution, 25 days annual leave, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank Holidays, 3 days of site closure over Christmas break, Flexible working options plus family-friendly leave provisions.
Our commitment to ED&I
UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.
Senior Cost Engineer employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
UKAEA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose in the pursuit of clean energy solutions. As a Senior Cost Engineer, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options, all while contributing to groundbreaking projects that shape the future of energy. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, UKAEA provides a unique opportunity for professionals to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Engineer
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Cost Engineer, 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 UK Atomic Energy Authority 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 UK Atomic Energy Authority 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 UK Atomic Energy Authority
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with UK Atomic Energy Authority, 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 UK Atomic Energy Authority 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.
