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Posted 02 August, 2026

Cost Engineer

Progressive Recruitment
Slough, ENG, GB Full Time

Job Description

Cost Engineer

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Location: Reading
Duration: 26 Weeks
Start: ASAP (subject to clearance)
IR35: Inside IR35

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Overview

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We are seeking an experienced Cost Engineer to join a major programme based at AWE Burghfield. Working within the Project Controls team, you will be responsible for cost planning, cost control, forecasting, change management, risk management and financial reporting, helping ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets and contractual requirements.

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Key Responsibilities

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  • Develop and maintain project baseline budgets, cost breakdown structures (CBS) and control account plans.
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  • Monitor actual costs, commitments, accruals and forecasts.
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  • Produce Estimates at Completion (EACs), variance analysis and financial performance reports.
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  • Deliver Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting and performance measurement.
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  • Manage cost risk, contingency allowances and change control processes.
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  • Support project reviews, governance reporting and stakeholder decision-making.
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  • Ensure alignment between project schedules, cost plans and contractual requirements.
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  • Contribute to continuous improvement of project controls processes and reporting systems.
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Essential Experience

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  • Proven experience in Cost Engineering, Cost Control, Project Controls or Quantity Surveying.
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  • Experience managing project budgets, forecasts and financial performance reporting on major projects.
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  • Strong Earned Value Management (EVM) knowledge.
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  • Experience with cost risk management, contingency control and change management.
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  • Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle.
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  • Excellent analytical, reporting and stakeholder management skills.
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Desirable

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  • Experience within Nuclear, Defence, Infrastructure, Construction or Energy sectors.
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  • Knowledge of NEC, FIDIC, JCT or similar contract forms.
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  • Experience with quantitative risk analysis and cost modelling.
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  • Familiarity with ERP and project management systems.
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Qualifications

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Essential

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  • HNC (or equivalent) in Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline.
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Desirable

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  • Degree in a relevant subject.
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  • ECITB Level 5 Diploma (or equivalent) in Cost Engineering.
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  • Professional membership such as ACostE, APM or RICS.
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Clearance & Requirements

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  • Must be eligible for SC Clearance.
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  • Candidates may start on BPSS, provided SC clearance is in progress.
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  • Must have lived and worked in the UK continuously for the last 5 years.
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  • CSCS/ECS card required prior to start.
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Working Pattern

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  • Full-time site-based role.
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  • 66 hours per week.
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  • 11 shifts on, 3 shifts off.
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Additional Benefits

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  • Workers travelling more than 30 miles to site will receive:
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    • £100 per day Per Diem (Umbrella)
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Please click here to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.

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To find out more about Progressive please visit

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