At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive materials innovation and sustainability in construction projects.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in sustainable engineering and construction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovative solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of sustainable construction.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Materials and 5+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: National (Dartford preferable)
Are you ready to shape the future of sustainable construction? At Laing O'Rourke, we're transforming the way buildings and infrastructure are engineered, manufactured and constructed. Sustainability is central to that transformation, and we're committed to embedding it into every key business and project decision by 2032. We're looking for a Senior R&D Engineer (Materials) to help accelerate materials innovation and decarbonisation across our European business. This is an exciting opportunity to bridge strategy, innovation and project delivery, turning emerging material solutions into practical, lower-carbon outcomes on live projects.
Working closely with colleagues across Sustainability, R&D, Engineering and Project Delivery, you'll collaborate with clients, designers, supply chain partners and industry experts to influence design decisions, embed innovative materials and support Laing O'Rourke's science-based decarbonisation targets.
Role Responsibilities
- Supporting the development of materials decarbonisation strategies and Scope 3 carbon reduction roadmaps.
- Researching, evaluating and implementing innovative, lower-carbon material solutions.
- Working with project teams, clients and designers to embed sustainable materials into work-winning, design and delivery.
- Collaborating with supply chain partners, technical specialists and academic organisations to identify and scale new technologies.
- Supporting the development of new products, technical guidance, best practice and training.
- Bridging innovation and delivery by piloting and embedding new materials into standard practice.
What we're looking for
- A degree (or equivalent technical qualification) in Engineering, Materials or a related discipline.
- At least five years' experience in engineering, materials, technical design or project delivery.
- A strong understanding of sustainable construction and materials decarbonisation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
- Strong engineering judgement and systems thinking, balancing sustainability, cost, buildability and technical performance.
- Membership of, or progress towards, a recognised professional institution is desirable, as is experience implementing innovative materials in practice.
We are looking for a collaborative and curious engineer who enjoys solving complex challenges. You combine innovative thinking with a pragmatic approach, build strong relationships across diverse teams and are passionate about helping transform the construction industry through sustainable materials.
If you think you meet the requirements for the role, please let us know.
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 resourcingteam@laingorourke.com
Senior R&D Engineer in Dartford employer: Laing O'Rourke
Laing O'Rourke is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the dynamic environment of Stansted. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to lead impactful projects within the aviation sector, all while being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Engineer in Dartford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior R&D Engineer role you’re after at Laing O'Rourke.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Engineer in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior R&D Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Laing O'Rourke a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Laing O'Rourke specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Laing O'Rourke, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Laing O'Rourke want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.