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Senior Cost Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cost Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Cost research, data collection, parametric cost estimating, cost and schedule estimating, life ... Education Bachelor's degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or the sciences.

Senior Cost Accountant

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$76K - $100K/yr

Marvin is hiring a Senior Cost Accountant to support the financial management of our Roanoke ... For more than a century, we've been at the forefront of designing, building, and engineering ...

Senior Cost Accountant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$71K - $89K/yr

Position Summary The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for leading plant cost accounting ... This position partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Human Resources, and ...

Senior Cost Accountant

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$76K - $100K/yr

Marvin is hiring a Senior Cost Accountant to support the financial management of our Roanoke ... For more than a century, we've been at the forefront of designing, building, and engineering ...

Senior Cost Accountant

Roanoke, VA

$80K - $99K/yr

Marvin is hiring a Senior Cost Accountant to support the financial management of our Roanoke ... For more than a century, we've been at the forefront of designing, building, and engineering ...

Senior Cost Accountant

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

Marvin is hiring a Senior Cost Accountant to support the financial management of our Roanoke ... For more than a century, we've been at the forefront of designing, building, and engineering ...

Overview We are seeking a Data Center Senior Cost Manager to join our Mission-Critical Data Center ... Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related field ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Cost Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$96.2K

$138.3K

How much do senior cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cost engineer in Virginia is $96,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,300.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior cost engineer do?

A Senior Cost Engineer is responsible for estimating, monitoring, and controlling project costs to ensure that a project is completed within its approved budget. They analyze project drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare accurate cost estimates and budgets. Additionally, they monitor actual project expenditures, identify variances, and provide recommendations to mitigate cost overruns. Their expertise helps organizations maximize profitability and reduce financial risks throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior cost engineer?

A Senior Cost Engineer should have a solid background in cost estimating, project controls, and financial analysis, usually supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Proficiency with cost management software such as SAP, Primavera, or CostX and certifications like AACE’s CCP are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that set professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure accurate cost forecasting, risk management, and efficient collaboration, which are essential for delivering projects on time and within budget.

How does a senior cost engineer typically collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders during a project's lifecycle?

A Senior Cost Engineer works closely with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to monitor budgets, forecast costs, and identify potential financial risks throughout a project's duration. Regular meetings and reporting ensure all stakeholders have up-to-date information on budget status and any deviations. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as the Senior Cost Engineer often provides recommendations to optimize costs and align spending with project objectives. This role is pivotal in keeping projects financially on track and requires balancing technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Senior Cost Engineer vs Cost Estimator?

AspectSenior Cost EngineerCost Estimator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; often certifications like AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP)Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; certifications like AACE CCP are common
Work EnvironmentInvolved in project budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis during project executionPrimarily focused on preparing detailed cost estimates during project planning and bidding phases
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in construction, engineering, and infrastructure projects for cost managementCommonly employed in bidding, proposal development, and project planning in similar industries

The Senior Cost Engineer and Cost Estimator roles share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. However, the Senior Cost Engineer typically oversees cost control during project execution, while the Cost Estimator focuses on preparing initial project cost estimates. Both roles are vital in project planning and management within construction and engineering industries.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Cost Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Cost Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Cost Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,215 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Senior Cost Analyst

Tecolote Research

Arlington, VA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Overview
We are seeking applicants possessing a strong quantitative background with an emphasis in Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition cost estimating analysis, familiarity with various cost analysis models and tools, and strong analytical, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Individual should be highly motivated with a strong work ethic, ability to work autonomously or in a team environment, with excellent communication, quantitative, research and analytical skills to provide cost estimating/analysis and budget analysis and execution support for Air Force acquisition programs.
Responsibilities
Individual will perform a variety of cost analysis. Work may include:
  • Cost research, data collection, parametric cost estimating, cost and schedule estimating, life cycle cost analysis, cost estimating relationship and model development, cost risk analysis, project forecasting and risk assessment, cost-benefit analysis, and software cost estimating.
  • Individual will interface, brief, and coordinate program status and reviews with senior Air Force leadership on at least a quarterly basis.
  • Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000/Year, DOE

Skills Required
  • Must have 10 years of demonstrated cost estimating experience, demonstrated experience collecting and normalizing cost, technical, and programmatic data, and the ability to lead teams.
  • Must have 10 or more years of experience in at least one of the following commodity areas: Space and Launch, Missiles/Munitions, Aircraft/UAV, ICBM, C4I, O&S, and/or Weapon System Software.
  • Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel, Word, and Power Point) and experience in cost modeling and cost analysis is required. ACEIT (Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools), Power BI, R, Python, and/or MS Access proficiency is a plus.
  • Candidates will also possess analytical and problem solving skills with an in-depth knowledge of cost estimating to include experience with cost estimating methodologies, cost estimating relationship development, cost model development, validation and normalization techniques, risk analysis, business case analysis and cost benefit analysis.
  • Experience in preparing cost estimates, assessing cost and budget impacts of program alternatives, and preparing and presenting applicable program documentation and briefings are a plus.
  • Experience with data science methods and techniques is a plus.
  • Familiarity with Cost and Software Data Reports (CSDRs) is a plus.
  • Applicants must have a final security clearance (Secret level or higher). Top Secret level or TS/SCI level clearance for the Space and Launch commodity is a requirement while for the other commodities is a plus.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Working from other Tecolote office locations can be discussed.

Education
Bachelor's degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or the sciences.