Principal Engineer – Power (Substation Build)
AKA: Lead Engineer, Chief Engineer
Location: High Marnham UK (Near Lincoln) – Project-based with further national opportunities
Sector: Power / Major Infrastructure
Type: Full-time, Permanent
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.
What is a Principal Engineer? Think number 2 on a project at delivery stage. You are the go to, subject matter expert for all Civils and Structural deliverables. You look after a team of Project, Senior, Section and Site Engineers. Sitting with the senior leaders on the project.
We are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership on high-value substation projects, supporting delivery teams from early design through construction and commissioning.
The 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
You will provide technical leadership across engineering methods, procedures and standards, ensuring they are fit for complex project environments. You will collaborate with design teams to resolve interface issues, challenge solutions constructively and improve buildability, safety and efficiency.
You will influence quality processes at project and business level, supporting audits, specifications and right-first-time delivery. You will contribute expert input into construction methods, materials, products and systems, identifying opportunities for value engineering, innovation and waste reduction.
You will support the safe selection and implementation of temporary works, lifting operations and specialist construction systems. You will also play an active role in developing and mentoring engineers, sharing best practice and contributing to technical guidance and training.
What we're looking for
You will have strong experience in civil or structural engineering within major infrastructure or power environments, with confidence operating as a technical authority on complex projects.
You will bring experience of influencing engineering delivery, strong construction and temporary works knowledge, a quality-focused mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively with designers, clients and subcontractors. A passion for innovation, digital engineering and continuous improvement is essential.
A relevant engineering qualification is required, supported by strong practical experience. Chartership or progress toward chartership is desirable.
Why join us?
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 driving 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.
The project is based at High Marnham near Lincoln. It offers long term career prospects in one of the Uks largest and fastest growing sectors. Apply today to get further information and speak with the Talent acquisition team.
Don't match all of the criteria? We are open to transferable skills. If you have the core competencies, we can bridge some of the gaps for you.
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.
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
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