Structural engineers are primarily concerned with designing and constructing buildings and structures that are safe and capable of withstanding the elements to which they will be exposed, as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings. The job is very closely related to that of civil engineer.
Key tasks include:
preparing reports, designs and drawings
making calculations about loads and stresses
selecting appropriate construction materials
providing technical advice
obtaining planning and/or building regulations approval
liaising with relevant professional staff such as architects
monitoring and inspecting work undertaken by contractors
administering contracts
managing projects
inspecting properties to check conditions/foundations.
Most structural engineers work either for construction/engineering consultancies where they focus on designing structures and tend to work in an office environment or for contractors, where they will oversee the construction of the structure, working on site. Most engineers will specialist in a type of project (or infrastructure), such as bridges or buildings. See a list of the main specialisms here.
Working hours for consultant structural engineers are typical office hours, with some overtime to meet deadlines; engineers working on site tend to have longer hours and shift work.
Find out what you could earn as a graduate and experienced structural engineer here.
Typical employers of structural engineers
Construction/engineering consultancies
Construction/engineering contractors
Utility companies
Local authorities
Central government organizations.
Vacancies are advertised by Target jobs, by university careers services, by recruitment agencies, via professional bodies such as the Institution of Structural Engineers, and in national newspapers and magazines such as Target jobs Engineering, IBSEN Journal, Construction News and New Civil Engineer, as well as their online equivalents.
Keyskills: technical structural engineering masonry civil design project management structural design architecture design eit