Cost Engineer

Job Title: Senior Cost Engineer (Cost/Schedule/Controls Engineer III)
Job Number: 52976-1
Location: Edmonton, AB
Type: Contract – 1 year with possible extension
Shift: Mon–Fri, 8 hrs/day

Main Functions:
The Senior Cost Engineer will lead and coordinate cost engineering activities for capital projects, including detailed cost estimate development, cost control, change management, and cost reporting. This role supports both Company-operated and Operated-by-Others (OBO) projects and is responsible for ensuring that cost-related deliverables meet project Gate and Funding milestone requirements. The engineer will also prepare independent check estimates and perform benchmarking and cost validation against operator submittals. The position plays a key role in driving process improvements and standardization within the Estimating and Cost Engineering function.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive cost control systems, including budget tracking, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost reporting.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates using standardized methodologies, including probabilistic risk-based estimating where applicable.
• Lead cost analysis reviews and provide cost insights to support decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct cost assessments and provide independent validation of estimates and cost bases for Operated-by-Others (OBO) projects.
• Maintain rigorous change management and cost trending processes to manage scope, schedule, and cost impacts.
• Interface regularly with project estimators, schedulers, planners, project managers, and accounting teams to align financial and project controls.
• Support the preparation of monthly cost performance reports and management presentations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in estimating tools, cost databases, and cost engineering processes.
• Ensure alignment with internal cost engineering standards and support internal/external audits or reviews.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline; equivalent professional experience considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cost engineering, project controls, or related roles in the energy, petrochemical, or infrastructure sectors.
• Proven ability to manage and forecast costs on capital projects exceeding $50M.
• Proficient in cost control software and tools (e.g., EcoSys, SAP, Primavera, MS Excel).
• Strong working knowledge of project cost accounting and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and adapt to changing priorities.
• Certification in cost engineering (e.g., AACE CCP) is an asset.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.