Specialist Engineer - Architecture

Shape the future of architectural excellence. Build a safer, smarter built environment.

At Laing O'Rourke, we're redefining the way the UK designs and delivers the built environment. We combine digital innovation, technical excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement to create iconic places that stand the test of time.

We're now looking for a Specialist Engineer – Architecture to join our Architectural & Facades function within the Central Design and Technical Assurance team. If you're passionate about architectural detail, façade performance, and fire safety — and want to play a pivotal role in some of the UK's most prestigious developments — this is your opportunity.

The Opportunity

As a Specialist Engineer, you will guide project teams in achieving technical certainty across architectural and façade systems, with a strong focus on passive fire protection. You'll act as a trusted advisor, challenging designs, shaping internal standards, and elevating our technical capabilities across the business.

You will be embedded in a highly supportive network of experts in design, engineering, and digital delivery — and you'll have a clear development path toward becoming one of our in‑house architectural specialists.

• Provide expert guidance to Design Managers across multiple projects on architectural interfaces and performance‑critical design.
• Serve as custodian of our technical knowledge base, particularly around passive fire protection (PFP).
• Review multidisciplinary designs to ensure consistency, compliance, and buildability from concept through to handover.
• Interpret consultant reports, extracting key architectural and fire‑safety requirements.
• Lead technical discussions with consultants, manufacturers, and stakeholders.
• Create technical guidance notes, minimum standards, and lessons‑learned content for continuous improvement.
• Support testing, compliance processes, and innovation in bespoke fire‑safety solutions.
• Grow toward subject‑matter expertise in architectural systems, fire safety, systems design, and security.

What You Bring

• 12+ years of experience in architectural design, with strong exposure to facades and passive fire systems.
• Experience in both design consultancy and site‑based delivery environments.
• Deep understanding of how architectural, structural, and MEP systems interact.
• Strong working knowledge of UK Building Regulations, Approved Documents, and British/European standards.
• Familiarity with BIM coordination and digital engineering tools.
• Membership of ARB/RIBA or working toward chartership (desirable).
• A commitment to continuous learning — including willingness to pursue PFP certification within two years.

If you don't meet every requirement but believe you have transferable skills and the desire to grow, we'd still love to hear from you.

Why Laing O'Rourke?

• Work on landmark projects that shape the UK skyline
• Join a multidisciplinary team of industry‑leading specialists
• Access exceptional learning and development pathways
• Be part of a business at the forefront of modern methods of construction, sustainability, and digital engineering