Cost Engineer – Project Controls & Commercial

About the Company

KPC International has been operating since 2001 and supports clients worldwide with engineering and scientific expertise in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors. The business focuses on plant facility start-up, covering strategy and planning, execution, and readiness for operations. Its work contributes to the delivery of important products for patients.

Role Overview

This opportunity is for a Cost Engineer who will work across project controls and commercial activities. The role sits close to senior leadership and is centered on managing project cost performance, shaping commercial decisions, and supporting complex life sciences projects with high value and technical depth.

What You Will Do

• Monitor project spend across labour, materials, and subcontracted work, then build forecasts, variance reviews, and cost reporting that reflect actual progress. Work with engineering and CQV teams to spot risks early and apply practical cost-control measures.
• Contribute to fixed-price and reimbursable proposals by creating detailed cost models for CQV, CSV, Utilities, HVAC, and Process workstreams. Use past project data to improve pricing accuracy, competitiveness, and margin assumptions.
• Maintain and update internal rate cards so they stay in line with current market conditions and contractor pricing. Offer pricing guidance based on labour availability and wider market movements.
• Present clear updates on cost performance, margin outlook, and forecasts, while improving the way cost data is tracked and reported through tools such as Excel, Smartsheet, and Power BI. Help standardize reporting and strengthen collaboration between teams.

Experience and Skills

The ideal candidate will bring 5–10+ years of experience in Cost Engineering, Project Controls, or Commercial functions. Experience in pharmaceuticals, biotech, or life sciences is strongly preferred. You should understand the full engineering delivery lifecycle, from design through CQV and handover, and have hands-on experience supporting fixed-price bids and building cost models. Advanced Excel is essential, along with solid capability in cost modelling, forecasting, and variance analysis. Strong commercial judgement, strategic thinking, the confidence to question assumptions, and the ability to influence stakeholders are all important. Experience with Power BI or Smartsheet would be an advantage.

Culture and Equal Opportunity

KPC International promotes an inclusive workplace where employees can expand their skills, perspective, and impact. The company is an equal opportunity employer.

Additional Information

This role is based in Ireland and is a full-time, onsite position.

Reference tag: LI-BC1.