Project Temporary Works Design Engineer

Laing O'Rourke; Dartford; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Laing O'Rourke is seeking a Project Engineer for the Temporary Works Design Office in Dartford. You will design, review and deliver temporary and permanent works solutions, producing drawings and specifications while advising on buildability and value engineering.

The role requires a civil/structural engineering degree, plus substantial temporary works experience and proficiency in CAD, BIM, and FE analysis. You will lead and mentor junior engineers on live projects.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• A professional qualification such as CEng, MICE or MIStructE is preferred for third‑party certification requirements.
• Significant experience in temporary works design and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop temporary works designs and engineering solutions across complex projects.
• Produce drawings and deliverables using CAD, BIM and 3D modelling.
• Provide technical input into tenders, construction methodologies and project planning.
• Mentor and develop junior design engineers.

Skills

Temporary works design

FE analysis

3D modelling

CAD & BIM

Communication skills

Mentoring juniors

CPD commitment

Cost optimization

Education

Civil or Structural Engineering degree

Professional qualification such as CEng, MICE or MIStructE

Tools

CAD

BIM

Structural analysis software

Job description

Project Engineer – Temporary Works

Location: Dartford

Department: Engineering & Design
Job Type: Full-time

Shape the engineering behind some of the UK's most challenging construction projects.

We are looking for a Project Engineer to join our Temporary Works Design Office, supporting the delivery of safe, efficient and innovative temporary and permanent works solutions across live projects and tenders. This role will involve producing drawings, calculations and specifications, while providing buildability, construction methodology and value engineering advice to project teams.

The successful candidate will have a strong technical background, with experience designing in mainstream structural materials including steelwork, reinforced concrete and timber using Eurocodes. Knowledge of geotechnical design, proprietary falsework, formwork and shoring systems would be highly beneficial.

You'll play a key role in taking designs from concept through to delivery, while also providing technical leadership and supporting the development of junior engineers.

What you'll be doing

• Develop and deliver temporary works designs and engineering solutions across a range of complex projects.
• Design solutions using structural steel, timber and reinforced concrete, applying relevant industry standards and guidance.
• Consider all relevant loading conditions, including temporary stability during construction, erection, dismantling and demolition.
• Provide technical input into tenders, construction methodologies and project planning.
• Work closely with permanent works designers and Principal Designers to ensure temporary works methodologies are fully coordinated.
• Produce design information, drawings and deliverables using CAD, BIM, 3D modelling and other engineering software.
• Apply value engineering and innovative approaches to develop safe, efficient and economical solutions.
• Undertake design risk assessments, identify residual risks and ensure appropriate safety information is communicated to project teams and customers.
• Carry out design checks and independent reviews, ensuring the appropriate level of checking is applied according to project complexity and construction risk.
• Provide technical support to construction teams throughout the project lifecycle, including site inspections where required.
• Provide geotechnical engineering advice relating to ground retention, temporary slopes, excavations, working platforms, haul roads and reinforced earth.
• Manage design resources, including the use of external design suppliers where appropriate.
• Support, mentor and develop junior design engineers, helping them build their technical capability and professional careers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including the use of software, automation and improved engineering processes.
• Maintain your professional development and keep up to date with relevant legislation, standards, technical guidance and industry developments.

You'll bring:

Aprofessional qualification such as CEng, MICE or MIStructE is required to support third‑party certification requirements for schemes involving organisations such as Network Rail, Highways authorities, London Underground and National Grid.

• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Significant experience in temporary works design and engineering.
• Strong knowledge of relevant design standards, legislation and industry guidance.
• Experience designing in steel, timber and reinforced concrete.
• An understanding of construction methodologies and temporary stability.
• Experience with structural analysis, FE analysis and/or 3D modelling.
• Good knowledge of CAD and BIM systems and engineering software.
• Experience undertaking design checks and reviewing the work of others.
• An understanding of CDM, design risk management and construction safety.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to develop cost‑effective engineering solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to work with designers, estimators, planners, project teams, clients and site teams.
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior engineers would be advantageous.
• A commitment to maintaining CPD and developing your technical knowledge.

Why join us?

This is more than a design role. You'll have the opportunity to work on challenging and high‑profile construction projects, solving complex engineering problems and seeing your designs translated into real‑world construction.

You'll be part of a collaborative engineering environment where technical expertise, innovation and continuous improvement are valued, with opportunities to develop both your technical career and leadership capability.

About Us

Laing O'Rourke 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 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 if you would like to opt in to this scheme and let us know if you require any adjustments for the interview process.

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