Senior Temporary Works Design Engineer

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

Job summary

Laing O'Rourke in Dartford is seeking an experienced Senior Design Engineer to deliver high-quality temporary works designs for construction projects. You will work with internal design teams and stakeholders, ensuring effective integration with overall engineering solutions.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, have strong design experience, and be proficient in Eurocodes and structural analysis software. This position also involves mentoring junior engineers and contributing to innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Experience applying Eurocodes in design of structures.
• Proficient in structural analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Produce and check temporary works designs and calculations.
• Ensure compatibility between temporary and permanent works.
• Mentor junior engineers in structural analysis and design.

Skills

Structural analysis and design software

Eurocodes

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Chartered Engineer status (or working towards)

Tools

CAD/BIM software

Temporary works systems

Job description

Senior Design Engineer (Temporary Works/Structures)

Do you enjoy solving complex structural engineering challenges and developing innovative solutions that enable safe, efficient construction? Are you experienced in delivering robust, well‑considered designs and proficient in structural analysis and design software?

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Engineer to join our Europe Hub Temporary Works Design team. The role offers the opportunity to deliver high‑quality engineering solutions across a diverse portfolio of construction and infrastructure projects, while contributing to innovation, technical excellence, and the development of future talent.

The Role

You will play a key role in delivering safe, efficient, and coordinated temporary works designs that support major construction and infrastructure projects. Working closely with permanent works designers, internal design teams, and project delivery teams, you will ensure temporary conditions are fully integrated into the overall engineering solution while maintaining design intent and construction efficiency.

You will also contribute to technical innovation and emerging technologies, challenge conventional approaches where appropriate, uphold high engineering standards, and support the development of junior engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce and check temporary works designs, calculations, drawings, and specifications, ensuring structural integrity and clearly defined design assumptions.
• Apply first‑principles engineering to develop innovative, buildable solutions that support safe construction methodologies and value‑engineering objectives.
• Design in accordance with Eurocodes across a range of structural materials, including steel, reinforced concrete, and timber.
• Provide technical support to project, tender, and construction teams.
• Identify, assess, and communicate design risks, residual risks, constraints, and safety‑critical elements.
• Interface with permanent works designers and stakeholders to ensure compatibility between temporary works, construction methodology and the permanent design.
• Undertake design reviews and independent checks, maintaining high standards of technical assurance.
• Mentor and support junior engineers in structural analysis, design, and engineering best practice.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and technical excellence across the team.

About You

• Degree qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards chartership) is desirable.
• Strong design experience within a construction, contractor, or design consultancy environment.
• Demonstrable experience applying Eurocodes in the design of steel, concrete, and/or timber structures.
• Proficient in structural analysis software and comfortable working within CAD/BIM‑based design environments.
• Strong understanding of structural behaviour, load paths, stability, and the application of sound engineering judgement.
• Knowledge of construction sequencing and methodology and its influence on structural behaviour.
• Experience in temporary works design, or transferable experience from complex permanent works design.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with proprietary temporary works systems, including falsework, formwork, and shoring, is advantageous.
• Knowledge of geotechnical design principles, including excavation support and working platforms, is advantageous.

What You'll Bring

You will bring a design‑led mindset, combining strong analytical capability with practical construction awareness. You will be comfortable engaging with complex engineering problems, thinking out of the box, challenging assumptions, and developing solutions that are technically robust, buildable, and integrated with the wider project objectives.

Join us and help shape a culture of high performance, inclusion, innovation, and sustainable growth.