Cost Engineer Jobs

If you have a sharp eye for detail and a passion for numbers, Cost Engineer jobs provide a rewarding career path within Scotland’s thriving engineering, construction, and manufacturing industries. Combining technical understanding with commercial insight, Cost Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that complex engineering projects are delivered efficiently, on budget, and to the highest standards.

At Stafffinders, we work alongside leading employers, connecting experienced professionals and emerging talent with cost engineering roles that suit their skills, ambitions, and career goals. Whether you’re looking to join a major infrastructure project, a growing manufacturing firm, or a specialist consultancy, we can help you find the ideal opportunity.

What Does a Cost Engineer Do?

A Cost Engineer is responsible for analysing, forecasting, and managing the financial aspects of engineering projects. From early cost estimation through to project completion, they ensure that all financial elements, including materials, labour, and equipment, align with the project’s technical and commercial objectives.

Typical duties of a Cost Engineer include:

• Preparing detailed cost estimates and budgets for engineering projects.

• Monitoring project expenditure and forecasting future costs.

• Conducting cost-benefit analyses to support decision-making.

• Collaborating with engineers, project managers, and procurement teams.

• Reviewing contracts, bids, and financial documents for accuracy.

• Identifying potential cost risks and recommending mitigation strategies.

• Producing regular cost reports and presenting findings to management.

• Ensuring compliance with financial and contractual standards.

Cost Engineers act as the financial link between engineering and project management, ensuring technical excellence is achieved within financial constraints.

Skills and Qualities for Cost Engineer Jobs

To excel in a Cost Engineer role, you’ll need a strong blend of technical knowledge, analytical ability, and financial awareness. Employers look for professionals who can combine engineering understanding with commercial thinking to support project success.

Key skills and attributes include:

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.

• Excellent understanding of project cost control and estimation techniques.

• Proficiency in software such as Excel, SAP, or cost management tools.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, plans, and technical data.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Commercial awareness and understanding of contract management.

A degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Project Management is often required, and professional accreditation (such as with the Association for Project Management (APM) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)) can enhance your career prospects. Experience working within energy, construction, or manufacturing sectors is also highly valued.

Training and Career Progression

Cost Engineer jobs offer excellent long-term progression opportunities, both within project delivery and senior management roles. As you gain experience, you can take on greater responsibility across larger and more complex projects, or specialise in key industries such as renewable energy, civil infrastructure, or oil and gas.

Career paths for Cost Engineers often include:

• Senior Cost Engineer

• Cost or Commercial Manager

• Project Controls Lead

• Head of Project Management

• Operations or Finance Director

Further professional training in cost control, risk analysis, or project leadership can help you stay competitive in Scotland’s evolving engineering sector and advance into higher-level positions.

Take control of your next career move, explore Cost Engineer jobs with Stafffinders today and discover exciting opportunities across Scotland’s growing engineering sector.