Product Development Engineering

Laing O'Rourke; Dartford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Laing O'Rourke is seeking a civil/structural or mechanical engineer to lead the development, technical analysis, and validation of new nuclear products, including planning and supporting experimental testing programmes for innovations such as couplers and rebar systems.

You will work across multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with Advanced Manufacturing and research partners to advance Steel-plate Composite systems and other technologies, helping to shape future nuclear programmes and

Qualifications

• Experience with experimental testing methods and laboratory-based testing.
• Ability to interpret test data and validate engineering performance.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving with a focus on innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, technical analysis and validation of new nuclear products.
• Plan and support experimental testing programmes for innovations such as couplers and rebar systems.
• Support long-term strategic opportunities including SC construction with Advanced Manufacturing teams.
• Develop concepts from concept through feasibility to deployment in the nuclear sector.
• Contribute to funded research projects and horizon scanning for emerging technologies.
• Assist in planning, design and delivery of demonstrator programmes for internal and external clients.

Skills

Experimental testing

Structural analysis

Collaboration across teams

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Degree in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Are you excited by the opportunity to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions?

This role combines structural or mechanical engineering expertise with innovation and research to help shape the future of nuclear construction. You\'ll be responsible for progressing concepts from early-stage development through analysis and physical testing, ensuring solutions are technically robust and aligned with nuclear requirements.

Working within our Technology & Innovation team, you\'ll play a key role in advancing emerging technologies such as novel materials, new connection methods, and Steel-plate Composite (SC) construction, while identifying and developing new product opportunities that strengthen our offering to nuclear clients. You\'ll contribute to the development of innovative products, technologies, and construction methods, helping build long-term capability and supporting future nuclear programmes, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and next-generation infrastructure.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with industry partners, research organisations, and internal teams to develop solutions that could shape the future of the nuclear sector.

What You\'ll Be Doing

• Lead the development, technical analysis, and validation of new products for nuclear applications, including planning and supporting experimental testing programmes for innovations such as couplers (PACT project) and rebar systems (HARP project).
• Provide structural engineering expertise to the development of strategic, long-term opportunities, including Steel-plate Composite (SC) construction, working closely with Advanced Manufacturing teams to help establish and enhance LOR\'s competitive advantage in this emerging area.
• Generate, evaluate, and develop innovative product concepts tailored to the specific requirements of the nuclear sector, progressing ideas from initial concept through to feasibility and potential deployment.
• Contribute to longer-term research initiatives and academic collaborations, including supporting funded research projects and undertaking horizon scanning to identify emerging technologies, materials, and methodologies relevant to nuclear construction.
• Support project delivery through technical input to advisory work for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programmes and future nuclear clients, ensuring engineering solutions are robust, practical, and aligned with client expectations.
• Assist in the planning, design, and delivery of demonstrator programmes for both internal development and external clients, helping to prove new technologies and facilitate their adoption into live projects.

What We\'re Looking For

You\'ll Also Bring

• A good understanding of construction materials and their behaviour, including reinforced concrete and steel systems, particularly in relation to performance, durability, and constructability.
• An awareness of nuclear-specific technical and regulatory requirements, or the ability to quickly develop this knowledge, including familiarity with nuclear design codes, client specifications, and assurance processes.
• The ability to support and interpret experimental testing, including understanding test design, data interpretation, and validation of engineering performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a genuine passion for innovation.
• The ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, including design, manufacturing, research partners, and clients.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Practical experience and academic exposure to experimental testing methods, including laboratory-based testing.
• Academic or research experience demonstrating analytical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to develop and evaluate new concepts.
• Strong desire for innovation and problem-solving.

Desirable Requirements

• Exposure to nuclear, highly regulated, or major infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of nuclear construction methods, particularly reinforced concrete or steel structures.
• Interest in emerging technologies such as Steel-plate Composite (SC) systems.
• Experience in product development, innovation, or R&D environments, particularly progressing concepts from research through to application.
• Familiarity with collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including design, manufacturing, and research partners.
• Progress towards professional chartership (e.g. ICE, IStructE, IMechE).

About Us

We are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O\'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O\'Rourke\'s story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme\'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email [e-mail]