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- Tasks: Lead engineering for major power infrastructure projects and mentor a team of engineers.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in innovative construction and engineering.
- Benefits: Long-term stability, clear career progression, and a supportive culture focused on safety and sustainability.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge digital techniques and enhance your career.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the UK's power network and drive innovation in construction.
- Qualifications: Strong civil or structural engineering experience with a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: High Marnham UK (Near Lincoln) – Project-based with further national opportunities
Sector: Power / Major Infrastructure. Type: Full-time, Permanent.
Overview
Be part of one of the largest upgrades to the UK power network in decades. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape complex power infrastructure while influencing engineering standards, innovation and delivery excellence across major projects.
Role
As a Principal Engineer, you will act as a recognised technical authority, working closely with project leadership, design managers, clients and supply chain partners. You will guide engineering decisions, ensure buildability and safety are embedded in designs, and influence quality standards across permanent and temporary works. You will support delivery of substation civil and structural works including foundations, structures, steelwork, cladding and associated non-HV mechanical and electrical interfaces, while helping drive innovation, digital engineering and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership across engineering methods, procedures and standards, ensuring they are fit for complex project environments.
- Collaborate with design teams to resolve interface issues, challenge solutions constructively and improve buildability, safety and efficiency.
- Influence quality processes at project and business level, supporting audits, specifications and right-first-time delivery.
- Contribute expert input into construction methods, materials, products and systems, identifying opportunities for value engineering, innovation and waste reduction.
- Support safe selection and implementation of temporary works, lifting operations and specialist construction systems.
- Play an active role in developing and mentoring engineers, sharing best practice and contributing to technical guidance and training.
What We're Looking For
- Strong experience in civil or structural engineering within major infrastructure or power environments, with confidence operating as a technical authority on complex projects.
- Experience influencing engineering delivery, strong construction and temporary works knowledge, a quality-focused mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively with designers, clients and subcontractors.
- Passion for innovation, digital engineering and continuous improvement is essential.
- Relevant engineering qualification is required, supported by strong practical experience.
- Chartership or progress toward chartership is desirable.
Benefits
You'll work on nationally significant power infrastructure with long-term stability and clear progression. You'll have real influence over how projects are engineered and delivered, within a supportive, forward-thinking culture focused on safety, sustainability and professional development. This is a chance to work with Laing O'Rourke and drive innovation to push construction into a new era and way of working. Utilise the latest digital techniques and DFMA methods to enhance and future-proof your career.
EEO Statement
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.
Principal Engineer / Chief Engineer employer: Laing O'Rourke
Contact Detail:
Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer / Chief Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the power and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project experience. Think about how you can showcase your leadership skills and innovation mindset. We want to see how you can influence engineering standards and drive projects forward!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company culture and values. When you apply through our website, make sure to tailor your approach to show how you align with their mission. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in making a difference in the power sector!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We appreciate candidates who show enthusiasm and professionalism, so let them know you’re excited about the opportunity to shape the future of power infrastructure!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer / Chief Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your civil or structural engineering background, especially in major infrastructure projects, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about innovation and digital engineering. Share specific examples of how you've influenced engineering delivery in past roles to grab our attention!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Engineer, you'll be leading teams. Make sure to mention any experience you have in mentoring or guiding engineers, as this is key for us when considering candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Stuff
As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in civil and structural engineering. Brush up on the latest industry standards and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about your field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team of engineers, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in mentoring and guiding others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, resolved conflicts, or improved processes. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of a number 2 on a project.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Innovation
Innovation is key in this role, so think about how you've driven change in previous positions. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've implemented new technologies or methods that improved efficiency or safety. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking mindset.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to construction methods, materials, and safety standards. Review common challenges faced in substation builds and think about how you would approach them. This preparation will help you answer confidently and show your problem-solving skills.