Senior Cost Estimation Specialist

2 weeks ago

Canberra n Capital Territory, Australia 82 Degrees North Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year

Summary

Bring your expertise in cost modelling to one of Australia's largest Federal Government programs – where your analysis directly shapes billion-dollar decisions

A Federal Government client is seeking experienced
Project Cost Estimation Specialists (Level 3 – Advanced Practitioners)
to support long-term program management activities. This is a Canberra-based opportunity offering a 12-month engagement (with possible extension), providing high-level cost modelling, assurance, and analysis across major government initiatives.

About the area

The successful candidates will join a strategic program team responsible for assessing the affordability, feasibility, and financial sustainability of new capability investments. The team provides independent cost estimation, cost assurance, and total cost of ownership modelling to inform decision-making and prioritisation of future projects.

Job Details

  • Role:
    Project Cost Estimation Specialist (Level 3 - Advanced Practitioner)
  • Location:
    Brindabella Business Park - Canberra, ACT
  • Engagement:
    Initial 12 months with extension options
  • Estimated Start Date:
    September 2025
  • Clearance:
    NV1 Security Clearance is required
  • Work pattern:
    Primarily on-site

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop new project cost estimation models using government-endorsed tools (e.g CCT, ACEIT, TruePlanning)
  • Conduct cost risk and uncertainty analysis to support decision-making
  • Revise and update existing financial models to reflect scope or specification changes
  • Provide cost briefs, assurance reports, and ad-hoc financial analysis to stakeholders
  • Mentor APS staff on costing methods, estimation techniques, and data maturity
  • Engage with stakeholders to validate assumptions and present financial outcomes

Essential requirements:

  • Proven expertise with
    CCT, ACEIT, or TruePlanning parametric costing tools
    .
  • Strong knowledge of
    total cost of ownership (TCO) modelling
    .
  • Demonstrated experience in
    independent cost estimation and cost assurance
    .
  • Ability to evaluate methodology credibility, completeness, and validity of estimates.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable requirements:

  • Experience in
    large-scale Federal Government program costing
    .
  • Familiarity with financial risk analysis and uncertainty modelling.
  • Peer-review and mentoring capability in cost estimation practices.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.

Experience Level

Advanced Practitioner (Level 3) - Senior professional with deep technical expertise and leadership in cost estimation practices

Closing Date of Submission

This role will close on Wednesday, 03 September 2025.

Note: Please do not apply if you do not currently have Permanent Residency / Australian Citizenship. We will be unable to progress your application, and we do not currently offer working VISA employment programs

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