Cost Engineer (FIFO) – Mining & Process Projects

About the role

The Cost Engineer will provide comprehensive cost engineering services for a major greenfield processing plant in Papua New Guinea, supporting the site team with cost forecasting, baseline cash‑flows, variance analysis and mentoring junior cost controllers.

Key responsibilities

• Develop integrated cost control plans, ensure WBS‑to‑Cost Breakdown Structure integrity and manage invoice approval workflows.
• Track progress using Earned Value Management (CPI/SPI), analyse variance root causes and recommend recovery actions.
• Coordinate with scheduling, procurement and accounting to resolve schedule conflicts, assess commercial risks and evaluate variation order requests.
• Produce high‑accuracy cost performance updates, S‑curves and cash‑flow adjustments for the Project Controls Manager.
• Supervise, mentor and guide junior cost controllers and administrators to maintain consistency and data integrity.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Quantity Surveying or Engineering with financial control coursework.
• 7–10 years of experience in construction/engineering project management and contractor cost management.
• Direct experience on large (> US$500 million) mining, heavy‑construction or energy process projects.
• Proven ability to lead owner’s cost teams (5–10 resources) and external contractor cost teams.
• Expertise in financial modelling, cost control engineering, scope and change management, and quantitative risk analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Earned Value Management and integrated data systems.
• Relevant certifications such as PMP, AACE or CIMA are desirable.

Required skills

• Financial modelling
• Cost control engineering
• Scope management
• Change management
• Quantitative risk analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Integrated data systems