UK Atomic Energy Authority
Senior Cost Engineer
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Senior Cost Engineer – Portfolio Management Office (PfMO)
About Fusion & UKAEA
Fusion—the process that powers the sun and stars—is a leading candidate for carbon-free, clean energy, and UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is at the forefront of making fusion a reality. By partnering with industry and research organisations, UKAEA aims to bring fusion energy to the grid by developing tomorrow’s power plants and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
About the Role
Join UKAEA’s Portfolio Management Office (PfMO) to drive complex, high-impact programmes. As a Senior Cost Engineer, you’ll:
- Provide expert cost estimating, forecasting, and control for major infrastructure and cutting-edge science/engineering initiatives.
- Collaborate with programme managers, finance teams, and technical specialists to ensure robust financial discipline, informed decisions, and industry-leading cost management practices.
- Lead a team of Cost Engineers and enhance UKAEA’s project delivery capability through continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead cost estimating, forecasting, and control for multi-million-pound projects (£100m+).
- Develop and maintain project budgets, cost baselines, and financial forecasts.
- Partner with programme teams and Finance to deliver accurate reporting, variance analysis, and estimate-at-completion forecasts.
- Provide strategic cost advice, including methodology selection and project controls.
- Integrate cost, schedule, and risk data to support project planning and decision-making.
- Analyse performance trends and champion best practices in cost management.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Cost Engineers, fostering professional and technical growth.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships with internal/external partners, including suppliers and senior leadership.
- Contribute to strategic resource planning and enhance UKAEA’s project delivery excellence.
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Job Requirements
- Extensive experience in cost estimating and control for large, complex projects (£100m+).
- Proficiency in cost management methodologies, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Ability to present to senior stakeholders and governance boards with clear cost insights.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with experience in multidisciplinary stakeholder management.
- Team leadership experience in developing and mentoring high-performing Cost Engineers.
- A recognised project management qualification (e.g., APM PMQ, APMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner, or equivalent).
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Benefits
Built around flexibility and rewards for impact:
- Base salary: £71,815 (inclusive of specialist allowance)
- Up to 7% corporate performance bonus
- Final salary defined benefits pension scheme (21.5% employer contribution equivalent)
- 25 days annual leave, 2.5 privilege days, and 8 Bank Holidays
- 3-day Christmas site closure
- Flexible working and family-friendly leave
Full benefits details available here.
UKAEA’s Commitment to ED&I
"Clean energy for all" is our mission, and we want the diverse talent needed to make it happen. UKAEA is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, ensuring fair representation in our workforce.
We especially encourage applications from people underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with all appointments made on merit. Further information available here.
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