Product Development Engineering

Laing O'Rourke; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Laing O\'Rourke in the United Kingdom seeks an engineer to turn innovative ideas into real-world nuclear construction solutions. The role blends structural/mechanical engineering with research to advance concepts from concept to testing and deployment.

You will work in Technology & Innovation on novel materials, connection methods, and Steel-plate Composite (SC) systems, supporting SMR and next-generation infrastructure programmes, and collaborating with industry partners and clients.

Qualifications

• Understanding of construction materials and their behaviour, reinforced concrete and steel systems.
• Experience with experimental testing methods and data interpretation.
• Analytical thinking and problem solving with a passion for innovation.
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams (design, manufacturing, research, clients).

Responsibilities

• Lead development, analysis, and validation of new products for nuclear applications.
• Plan and support experimental testing programmes for innovations (PACT, HARP).
• Advance concepts from concept to feasibility and deployment.
• Support long-term research initiatives and horizon scanning for emerging technologies.
• Provide technical input to SMR programmes and future nuclear clients.
• Assist in planning and delivery of demonstrator programmes.

Skills

Material behavior

Analytical thinking

Collaborative work

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Civil/Structural/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

• 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).

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’.

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].