Introduction

Brunel is currently seeking an experienced Senior Cost Engineer to join a leading organisation operating across the mining, energy and resources sectors.

Based in Perth, this position will play a key role in delivering accurate project estimates, integrated cost forecasts and financial analysis to support complex capital projects throughout their lifecycle.

What are you going to do 

Reporting to the Lead Cost Controller, you will work closely with engineering, project management, finance, procurement and contracts teams to provide reliable cost information, identify emerging risks and support informed project decisions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, review and maintain capital project cost estimates, including basis of estimate, assumptions, quantities, rates and contingency.
  • Prepare integrated cost forecasts incorporating approved budgets, commitments, actual expenditure, project progress and estimate at completion (EAC).
  • Develop cash flow forecasts, cost-to-complete assessments and scenario analysis.
  • Monitor project cost performance, identifying variances, emerging trends, risks and opportunities.
  • Apply earned value management and progress measurement techniques to assess project performance.
  • Support procurement and contracts teams with estimate reviews, tender comparisons, variations and commercial assessments.
  • Maintain accurate cost data, reporting structures and forecasting inputs across project systems.
  • Develop and improve cost reporting, dashboards and analytical tools to enhance visibility and reporting efficiency.
  • Collaborate with project stakeholders to support capital planning, cost control and financial governance.

Essential skills and knowledge

To be successful in this role, you will ideally possess:

  • 7+ years' experience in cost engineering, project estimating, cost forecasting or project controls.
  • Demonstrated experience working on complex capital projects within mining, resources, energy, engineering or infrastructure.
  • Strong experience developing capital cost estimates, including cost breakdowns, contingency and risk allowances.
  • Proven capability in preparing integrated cost forecasts, cost-to-complete assessments and estimate-at-completion reporting.
  • Sound understanding of project cost management, earned value and financial performance analysis.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with ERP and cost management systems such as SAP, PIMS or equivalent.
  • Experience with Power BI or similar reporting and visualisation tools.
  • Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate financial information to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.

What we offer 

  • Work for a tier one mining business
  • Salary sacrificing
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Corporate discounts

About Brunel:

Brunel is a recruitment and flexible workforce solution provider which connects talented people with opportunities throughout Australasia and around the world. We specialise in highly skilled roles across a variety of technical, professional, trades and craft disciplines, pairing candidates with industry-leading projects and organisations on a contract, permanent or secondment basis.

Operating in Australasia since 1997, Brunel has major bases of operation in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Port Moresby, which are further backed by the strength and reach of a truly global network spanning over 45 countries, 120 offices and 50 years of successful operation.

Brunel is proud to be equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and female candidates.

Click the link to apply or email your CV direct to Michael Shirley at m.shirley@brunel.net

Closing: 27 November 2026

Apply Now

Are you the perfect match for this vacancy? Apply in 5 minutes and let's get in touch!

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Process of your application

Application process & contact

We will now begin examining your application: We will take a close look at your application documents and ask you for additional information if necessary. If your qualifications match our requirements, we will invite you to meet us for the first time.

Project discussion with our customer

If the introductory meeting goes well for you and us, we will arrange a meeting with the customer who has the perfect project for you. This gives you the opportunity to find out more about the customer and the project.

The decision

If you enjoyed the project discussion and the customer is also convinced of your expertise, we will ask you the final and decisive question: Do you want to get started at Brunel?

Introductory conversation with Brunel

In an introductory meeting, we would like to find out more about your interests, ambitions and professional developments. At the same time, we report on working at Brunel and provide information about all career opportunities and prospects.

Welcome to Brunel

Now great times are beginning! With Brunel you have countless opportunities to help shape technological progress. You decide how your career path goes. We support you in every phase of your career. You always have security behind you: Brunel!