Pipe Layer

Milton Keynes
3 weeks ago
Create job alert

Pipe Layer x2 – HS2 Project
Location: Milton Keynes
Project: HS2 Infrastructure Works
Start Date: 23rd January
Duration: 8–10 Months
Orbital Recruitment are currently recruiting 2 experienced Pipe Layers for a long-term role on a major HS2 project in Milton Keynes. This is an excellent opportunity for skilled operatives with strong deep drainage experience to secure consistent work on a high-profile infrastructure scheme.
Pay & Hours


  • £24 – £26 per hour (dependent on experience)

  • Monday to Friday

  • 07:00 – 17:00

  • Long-term work available (8–10 months)

The Role
As a Pipe Layer, you will be responsible for carrying out deep drainage and pipeline installation works as part of a groundworks gang. You will be expected to work to a high standard, ensuring all installations meet specification, safety, and quality requirements.
Key responsibilities include:


  • Installing drainage and pipework systems to line, level, and gradient

  • Working within deep excavations and trenches

  • Assisting with backfilling, compaction, and associated groundworks

  • Working closely with the Lift Supervisor, Slinger, and plant operators

  • Ensuring all works are completed in line with drawings and site specifications

  • Maintaining high standards of health & safety and site housekeeping

  • Adhering to HS2 safety, environmental, and quality procedures at all times

Essential Requirements


  • Proven experience working as a Pipe Layer on civils or infrastructure projects

  • Strong background in deep drainage and pipe laying

  • Experience installing large-diameter drainage systems

  • Ability to read and work from drawings and levels

  • Experience working safely in deep excavations

  • HS2 experience is advantageous, but not essential

  • Must be able to pass HS2 medical, drug & alcohol testing, and site induction

  • Right to work in the UK

  • Reliable, hard-working, and able to work as part of a team

What’s on Offer


  • Competitive hourly rate of £24 – £26 per hour

  • Long-term, stable work on a flagship HS2 project

  • Consistent weekday hours

  • Professional, well-managed site environment

  • Ongoing support from Orbital Recruitment

Apply Now
If you are an experienced Pipe Layer looking for long-term work on HS2, we want to hear from you.
Apply now or contact Jon Roome for further details on (phone number removed)

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Pipe Fitter

Mechanical Technician

Orbital Welder

Lifting Supervisor

Slinger Signaller

Mechanical Fitter

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

The Skills Gap in UK Space Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

The UK space sector is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing high-tech industries in the world. From Earth observation and satellite communications to space robotics, launch systems and deep-space exploration, the breadth of opportunity is enormous. The UK Government’s ambition to capture a significant share of the global space economy has driven investment, policy support and a wave of innovative companies — both established and start-up. Yet despite strong academic programmes and a pipeline of graduates with relevant degrees, employers in the UK space sector consistently report a persistent problem: Many graduates are not prepared for real-world space industry jobs. This is not a matter of intelligence or motivation. Rather, it reflects a growing skills gap between what universities are teaching and what employers actually need from space professionals. In this article, we’ll explore why that gap exists, what universities are doing well, where they fall short, what employers want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build thriving careers in the UK space sector.

UK Space Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

The UK space sector is no longer a niche reserved for astronauts and rocket scientists. It is a broad, fast-growing industry covering satellites, Earth observation, navigation, telecoms, space data, launch services, space sustainability and defence-related capability. That breadth creates genuine career opportunities for professionals switching careers in their 30s, 40s or 50s — especially in roles where delivery, quality, operations, safety, regulation and customer outcomes matter as much as pure engineering. This article gives you a UK reality check: what space jobs actually look like, which roles are realistic for career switchers, what skills UK employers value, how long retraining tends to take and whether age is a barrier (usually far less than people fear).

How to Write a Space Industry Job Ad That Attracts the Right People

The UK space sector is growing rapidly. From satellite manufacturing and launch services to Earth observation, space data, communications and downstream applications, organisations across the UK are hiring engineers, scientists, software specialists and operations professionals to support increasingly complex space missions. Yet many employers struggle to attract the right candidates. Space industry job adverts often receive very few applications, or attract candidates whose experience does not align with the realities of space programmes. At the same time, experienced space professionals frequently ignore adverts that feel vague, over-ambitious or disconnected from how space projects actually operate. In most cases, the issue is not a lack of talent — it is the clarity and quality of the job advert. Space professionals are systems-focused, risk-aware and highly selective. A poorly written job ad signals weak programme maturity and unrealistic expectations. A clear, well-written one signals credibility, technical seriousness and long-term intent. This guide explains how to write a space industry job ad that attracts the right people, improves applicant quality and positions your organisation as a credible employer in the UK space sector.