Senior Methods Engineer

Laing O'Rourke; Nacton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Methods Engineer to join their Civils Works Alliance team. This role involves developing construction methodologies and leading collaborative projects for Sizewell C. Candidates should have extensive experience in civil engineering, particularly in heavy reinforced concrete and safety initiatives. Strong communication skills and proficiency in CAD tools are required. The candidate will play a key role in shaping innovative construction strategies that emphasize safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant civil engineering experience, ideally contractor-side.
• Experience in power or nuclear sectors is a plus.
• Professional membership (e.g., ICE) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the charge on 'Safe by Design' and 'Engineered Safety' initiatives.
• Develop engineering methodologies for construction method statements.
• Collaborate with design and project teams to ensure compliance and practicality.

Skills

Technical knowledge of heavy reinforced concrete

Excellent communication skills

Experience leading technical meetings

Ability to create sketches and methodologies

Competent in CAD, Revit, and Navisworks

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Tools

CAD

Revit

Navisworks

Job description

Join our cutting-edge team as a Senior Methods Engineer within the Civils Works Alliance (CWA) Permanent Works team! You'll play a pivotal role, working closely with the Nuclear Island Project/Principal Engineer to drive the success of delivering Sizewell C. Your expertise will shape the future by preparing innovative construction method statements and leading vital constructability reviews during the exciting preconstruction phase. If you're ready to make a real impact on large-scale, high-profile infrastructure, this is the opportunity for you!

• Lead the charge on 'Safe by Design' and 'Engineered Safety', partnering closely with designers and the supply chain to elevate health, safety, and wellbeing standards for everyone involved in the project.
• Navigate and champion the Civils Works Alliance (CWA) processes and procedures, ensuring seamless integration and compliance throughout.
• Develop and innovate engineering methodologies, crafting initial construction method statements that shape designers' detailed plans and form the backbone of on-site construction strategies.
• Be the construction engineering voice in key meetings and workshops, influencing constructability reviews, value engineering initiatives, and options studies to deliver smart, buildable solutions.
• Collaborate across all NNB/CWA teams, ensuring engineering solutions align with project goals, statutory requirements, and practical realities on the ground.
• Engage directly with designers to fully understand design constraints and gather essential information that guides practical, efficient construction approaches.
• Work hand-in-hand with commercial, procurement, project controls, construction delivery, and HSE teams, ensuring technical aspects are fully understood and incorporated across the project lifecycle.
• Capture and integrate lessons learned from the HPC project, driving continuous improvement and innovation in engineering methods for the SZC project.
• Challenge and refine designer proposals to de-risk solutions, uncover value engineering opportunities, reduce costs, optimize quantities, and accelerate construction timelines.
• Strong technical knowledge of heavy reinforced concrete, waterproofing, and temporary works.
• Experience leading technical meetings with designers, subcontractors, and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills across all project levels.
• Ability to create sketches, model views, and detailed construction methodologies.
• Competent in CAD, Revit, and Navisworks for 3D modelling and visualisation.
• Good understanding of Inspection & Test Plans and quality procedures.
• Familiar with collaboration tools for document and technical management.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with prefabrication, DfMA, earthing systems, craneage, and earthworks.
• Temporary works design knowledge (formwork and falsework).
• Strong problem-solving skills and environmental awareness.
• Skills in 3D modelling software like Tekla.
• Familiarity with Asite or similar platforms.
• Civil Engineering degree.
• Professional membership (e.g., ICE) preferred.
• At least 6 years of relevant civil engineering experience, ideally contractor-side.
• Experience in power or nuclear sectors is a plus.

Don't match all the criteria? We are open and always happy to hear from people with transferable skill sets and a commitment to learning.

Why SZC?

This is your chance to contribute to one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure projects, shaping the future of energy while working in a supportive, dynamic environment. Be part of a team that values innovation, safety, and sustainability at every stage of the journey—from investment to construction and beyond.

About Laing O'Rourke

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. At Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Our 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.