Project Engineer - PMO - Cooma, NSW, Australia

Purpose of the Role

The Project Engineer sits within the PMO Cost Performance group and is responsible for providing Senior Project Management with accurate, consistent, reliable, and forward-looking cost information as a basis for decision making.

Working closely with the Project Controls Lead, Head of Cost Performance, Planning, AFC, and wider PMO functions, the Cost Project Engineer plays a central role in establishing and operating project cost performance systems, monitoring actual expenditure against budget, and producing the forecasting and reporting outputs that underpin sound project decisions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in a cost engineering, cost control, or project controls role on major infrastructure or construction projects.
• Proficiency in cost performance software (e.g. CATS / IDD Tech, or equivalent) and Primavera P6 (preferred).
• Strong understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles including ACWP, BCWP, and BCWS.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with cost modelling and financial forecasting.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong numerical and analytical capabilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Valid working rights in Australia.

Desirable

• Experience on large-scale civil infrastructure or major projects in Australia.
• Familiarity with SAP or equivalent ERP financial systems.
• Understanding of change management processes and their interface with cost control.
• Relevant professional certifications or memberships (e.g. AIQS, RICS, AACE).

Core Responsibilities

Cost Performance Systems

• Set up and manage CATS (IDD Tech) or similar cost performance software in line with project requirements.
• Configure and maintain the cost performance system to ensure accurate, consistent data capture and reporting.
• Support integration between cost performance systems and scheduling tools (Primavera P6).

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Develop and manage time-phased budgets aligned to the project schedule (tied to P6).
• Administer budget transfers and contingency drawdown in accordance with approved governance processes.
• Conduct budget validation to ensure integrity and alignment with the approved project baseline.

Cost Monitoring & Forecasting

• Assess and report Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP) in accordance with Earned Value (EV) principles.
• Develop and maintain cost trends and forecasts tied to productivity metrics to provide forward-looking cost intelligence.
• Prepare escalation reporting to capture and communicate inflationary impacts on project costs.

Accruals Management

• Coordinate and manage cost accruals in conjunction with the AFC function to ensure costs are accurately recorded in the correct period.
• Liaise with project teams and finance to validate accrual data and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

Cost Performance Reporting

• Prepare and distribute regular cost performance reports for Senior Project Management and key stakeholders.
• Provide clear analysis of cost variances, trends, and estimate-at-completion (EAC) against the approved budget.
• Contribute to integrated PMO reporting to support risk, change, and planning functions

The above listed authorities and responsibilities are only a guide and may change as directed by your Manager/Supervisor or as per the requirements of FGJV Management.

Core Accountabilities

• Accuracy and rigour in the production and validation of cost data and reports.
• Proactive identification and communication of cost trends, variances, and risks.
• Ability to work collaboratively across PMO functions and with project delivery teams.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet reporting deadlines.
• Solutions-focused mindset with the ability to resolve data and system issues independently.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in cost systems, processes, and reporting quality.