Cost engineer

Cost engineer
Location:Fife, Scotland

Your Role in the Team
We are looking for a  highly skilled Cost Engineer with 8–15 years of experience to join our project team. In this role, you will be instrumental in delivering accurate, data-driven cost estimates and project controls support across a diverse portfolio of capital projects. From early concept through execution, your insights will shape project planning, budgeting, and delivery strategies. What You’ll Be Doing
Cost Estimation & Optimization

• Develop detailed cost estimates across all project phases: concept, feasibility, and execution.
• Analyze project scope and specifications to identify cost-effective solutions.
• Drive cost optimization and value engineering initiatives.

Cost Control & Reporting

• Prepare and present cost reports, forecasts, and variance analyses to project team and leadership.
• Monitor project budgets and track actuals against baselines, flagging deviations.

Project Controls & Scheduling

• Collaborate with planning teams to align cost estimates with project schedules and milestones.
• Integrate cost data into project controls systems and tools.

Risk Management & Benchmarking

• Conduct cost risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Benchmark project costs against industry standards to ensure competitiveness.

Procurement & Vendor Support

• Support procurement by evaluating vendor proposals and providing cost insights.
• Assist in contract evaluations to ensure alignment with budget expectations.

Data & Systems Management

• Maintain and enhance cost databases and estimation tools.
• Leverage data analytics to identify trends and improve forecasting accuracy.

Collaboration & Communication

• Engage with stakeholders across engineering, procurement, and finance to ensure alignment.

What You Bring
Technical Qualifications

• 8–15 years of experience in cost engineering, preferably in the energy, oil & gas, or infrastructure sectors.
• Proficiency in cost engineering tools (e.g., AspenTech, ACCE, SAP, Oracle, Excel).
• Strong understanding of project controls, scheduling, and forecasting methodologies.

Analytical & Strategic Skills

• Advanced data analysis and financial modelling capabilities.
• Experience in performance reporting, KPI tracking, and scenario planning.
• Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive implementation.

Soft Skills & Mobility

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting project organizations (not just shutdowns/turnarounds).
• Proven track record on mega projects or complex capital programs.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory frameworks in the energy sector.

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.