Cost Engineer

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and analytically rigorous Cost Engineer to join our dynamic project controls team in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. In this role, you will take ownership of project cost management, driving budget performance and ensuring financial accountability across all phases of our engineering, procurement, and construction initiatives. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to deliver transparent, accurate cost reporting and drive informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional who thrives in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment and is committed to supporting project success through meticulous cost management, strategic analysis, and continuous process improvement.

• Take ownership of cost tracking, commitments, actuals, and incurred costs against approved budgets, ensuring accuracy and transparency across all project phases
• Monitor and analyse cost performance throughout engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning stages, identifying variances, trends, and emerging risks
• Validate invoices, progress claims, and contractor payment applications against work performed with rigorous attention to detail, supporting cost claim management and dispute resolution
• Prepare comprehensive weekly and monthly cost reports, including detailed cost summaries, variance analysis, and forecast updates tailored to stakeholder requirements
• Proactively highlight cost trends, deviations from budget, and potential risks to project stakeholders, supporting strategic decision-making and mitigation planning
• Lead the preparation of cash flow forecasts and cost-to-complete analyses, applying advanced forecasting methodologies to guide project planning and resource allocation
• Evaluate and analyse change notices, change orders, and emerging trends, assessing their cost impacts and supporting change management processes
• Assess cost implications of scope changes, schedule delays, and productivity variances, providing data-driven recommendations to project leadership
• Maintain accurate change management logs and ensure strict alignment with established project controls procedures and governance frameworks
• Lead Earned Value Management (EVM) calculations and drive integration between cost and schedule metrics, ensuring alignment across project controls disciplines
• Conduct in-depth analysis of cost and schedule variances, preparing performance indices (CPI, SPI) and trend forecasts for stakeholder review and strategic planning
• Collaborate strategically with planning teams to ensure accurate progress measurement, cost tracking, and integrated project controls
• Maintain and optimise project cost databases with meticulous attention to data accuracy, integrity, and accessibility
• Lead implementation and optimisation of cost control software and tools, including Excel, ERP systems, and project controls platforms, driving process improvements and system enhancements
• Develop and maintain advanced cost tracking templates and reporting dashboards to enhance visibility, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement
• Work closely with project managers, discipline leads, procurement teams, and contractors to validate cost information and resolve discrepancies
• Participate actively in project progress meetings, providing strategic cost insights and supporting collaborative problem-solving at all organisational levels
• Support internal and external audits related to cost control, demonstrating transparency, organisational excellence, and regulatory compliance
• Mentor junior cost engineers and support the development of cost control team capabilities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence

Qualifications

**Required Qualifications:**

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in cost control, cost engineering, or project controls
• Extensive experience working on large-scale EPC/EPCM projects in mining, oil & gas, energy, infrastructure, or industrial sectors
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, complex formulas, and sophisticated dashboard development
• Demonstrated expertise with cost control systems such as Prism, EcoSys, SAP, Oracle, or similar enterprise platforms
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with exceptional attention to detail and data integrity
• Comprehensive understanding of project progress measurement, forecasting methodologies, and change management processes
• Advanced proficiency in Earned Value Management (EVM) principles, calculations, and strategic applications
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with proven ability to present complex cost data clearly to diverse stakeholders
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively while effectively supporting multiple stakeholders and project teams
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated capability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands in fast-paced environments
• Strategic problem-solving mindset with capability to analyze cost trends, identify root causes, and recommend data-driven solutions
• Resilience and adaptability when working in dynamic, complex project environments**Preferred Qualifications:**

• Master's degree in a related field
• Experience mentoring junior cost engineers or leading cost control teams
• Proven expertise in invoice validation, payment application review, and cost claim management
• Advanced knowledge of forecasting methodologies and cost-to-complete analysis techniques
• Extensive experience with multi-discipline industrial projects and complex, matrix-managed EPC/EPCM environments
• Track record of supporting internal and external project audits and regulatory compliance reviews
• Professional certification in project management or cost engineering (PMP, AACE, or equivalent)
• Experience implementing or optimizing cost control systems and process improvements

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.