Structural Engineer

Also known as:

Civil/Structural Engineer
Engineer, Structural

Introduction

Structural engineers design the framework for large buildings such as office or apartment blocks, and other structures such as bridges and oil platforms. They make sure that a structure is stable and that it can withstand the stresses and strains that may be made on it.

Back to Top

Work Activities

Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering. Structural engineers deal with the design of the framework for large buildings and structures such as bridges, sports arenas, masts, office and apartments blocks and oil platforms. They take into account their strength, shape and function.

They make sure that a building or structure is stable and that it can withstand any forces to which it will be regularly subjected. This includes 'operational loads' such as people, equipment, machinery and traffic and 'environmental loads' such as snow, wind, water, soil and earth tremors.

Structural engineers are usually part of a design team with other professionals such as architects, quantity surveyors, building services engineers and environmental and financial consultants. Their work is office based, combined with site visits to monitor the progress of projects.

At the start of a new project, the design team looks at factors such as the environmental impact, cost and function of the structure to decide if and how a project may proceed.

If the project goes ahead, structural engineers prepare documents so that construction companies can bid for the work. Structural engineers then produce detailed designs, which are the working drawings that the contractor uses to build the structure. The process of designing structures involves choosing suitable materials such as steel, concrete, brick, timber and synthetics like plastics.

The design is then produced and the engineer makes checks and calculations to make sure that the foundations, roofs and floors are sound. Structural engineers use computer technology to analyse and model structural designs and to produce detailed drawings.

When the structure is being built, the structural engineer supervises the work of technicians and operatives on-site.

Back to Top

Personal Qualities and Skills

As a structural engineer you need to be able to analyse and solve problems. You must also be prepared to keep up to date with the latest materials, methods and techniques in design and construction.

You must work well with other members of a team, be prepared to take responsibility and adapt to changes.

Back to Top

Pay and Opportunities

Salaries vary depending on the company and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Structural engineers earn in the range of £23,000 - £27,500 a year, rising to £34,500 - £45,000. Higher earners can make around £55,000 a year, and higher salaries are possible.

Most work around 35-40 hours from Monday to Friday. However, you may have early starts and late finishes, and you may need to work some weekends, especially as deadlines approach.

You may work for firms of engineering consultants, building and civil engineering contractors, local authorities and public utility companies. Some structural engineers work in the Civil Service, in manufacturing industry and in the armed forces.

There are also opportunities to work in other countries.

Back to Top

Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant qualifications or skills and abilities gained in work in the construction industry or as an engineering technician are an advantage.

People without academic qualifications can achieve membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers via the Technical Report Route (TRR). See the website of the Royal Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for details.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Engineering) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Sponsorship for study at higher education level is available through the larger building/construction companies.

ICE Quest Scholarships are available to candidates with a conditional offer for an ICE accredited course in civil engineering.

• 15% of people in occupations such as structural engineer are self-employed.
• 9% work part-time.
• 15% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

Back to Top

New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation or countryside management.