2026 Structural Engineer Summer Placement

Laing O'Rourke group; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Structural Engineer for a summer placement in Nottingham. This unique opportunity involves working on precast technical solutions, designing structural solutions, and collaborating on innovative projects to achieve sustainability goals. Candidates should be studying Civil or Structural Engineering with at least a 2:2 degree classification. The program emphasizes professional development and practical experience in the industry.

Qualifications

• Studying a degree course with a clear route to professional accreditation.
• Strong evaluation and critical thinking skills.
• Commitment to achieving professional accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Designing and checking structural solutions for precast products.
• Providing value engineering to balance safety, cost, and sustainability.
• Supporting tender and pre-construction teams with structural input.

Skills

Strong numeracy and literacy skills

Flexibility to work away if required

Education

Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering

Degree classification 2:2 or higher

Job description

This role does not provide sponsorship

We're looking for bright and committed graduates who will bring energy, new ideas and a fresh perspective to help us become the recognised leader and transform the construction and engineering industry.

ROLE OVERVIEW

At Laing O'Rourke, we're not just building projects – we're shaping the future of construction. Our Explore Manufacturing facility is Europe's most advanced precast concrete centre, where cutting-edge engineering meets sustainable innovation. This is your chance to join a team that's driving change across the UK construction industry.

Take a look inside our facility: Watch here

We're looking for a Structural Engineer summer placement to join our growing Precast Technical Solutions (PTS) team – part of the Explore Manufacturing Design Centre.

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Be at the forefront of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) in the UK.
• Work on bespoke precast solutions across building structures, facades, and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with production and bid teams to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable designs.
• Play a vital role in helping us achieve our net zero carbon target by 2050.

Your work will directly influence the way projects are designed, manufactured, and delivered – creating safer, faster, and greener construction methods.

KEY DELIVERABLES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES OF A SITE ENGINEER

• Designing and checking structural solutions for precast products – from manufacture and lifting to installation.
• Providing value engineering to balance safety, cost, and sustainability.
• Supporting tender and pre-construction teams with structural input.
• Innovating in materials and design to reduce carbon and waste.
• Working across disciplines to develop products that meet client needs while maximising efficiency.
• Become a graduate member of the ICE or IStructE and work towards Chartership.

LOCATION

Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (Worksop)

Degree Subjects

Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering

Professional Accreditation

Institute of Civil Engineering - ICE

The Laing O'Rourke Graduate Development Programme - what can you expect?

Our graduate programme is designed to embrace and develop your capabilities. Most importantly, you will be encouraged to continue learning throughout your career. You will be stretched, challenged and supported by a business that views your personal development and the achievement of professional accreditation as a priority.

Our programme will give you the practical experience, technical learning and professional development while being part of some of the most exciting construction and infrastructure projects in the UK.

Our Application Process

We are committed to providing a clear and supportive recruitment journey. Here is what you can expect when applying for one of our graduate opportunities:

• CV Submission Submit your CV for review. We will assess your application against the entry criteria for the role you are applying for.
• Online Assessment You will complete a series of assessments designed to understand how you approach workplace situations, your preferred ways of working, as well as exercises to evaluate your critical thinking and numerical reasoning skills.
• Video Interview At this stage, you will be invited to record responses to two questions set by our hiring team. You will have sufficient time to prepare and ensure you present yourself confidently.
• Assessment Centre Our in-person assessment centres, held at a LOR office, provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills through a combination of individual tasks, short interviews, and group activities. This is also a chance to experience our culture first-hand.
• Outcome We aim to provide feedback and communicate the outcome of your assessment centre within two weeks.

Entry requirements

We are looking for graduates who meet the following criteria:

• Studying a degree course with a clear route to professional accreditation
• Studying or have obtained a Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering degree
• Your degree classification should be 2:2 or higher
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills
• Flexibility as you may be required to work away

Accessibility and Support

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support with your application, or at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Graduate Development Programme will commence in September 2026