what is a structural engineer?
As a structural engineer, you will work on infrastructure projects to ensure structures can withstand the stresses and pressures imposed by the environment.
Your job is to calculate the stability, rigidity and strength of each project. During planning and construction, structural engineers deal with vital calculations related to the structural elements. You have to determine the reinforcing steel necessary for a rigid concrete slab. Sometimes, your tasks involve supervising to ensure suitable materials are used to maintain the structural integrity of infrastructure projects.
You can work in private or public sectors on residential projects, offices, museums, hospitals, bridges and sports stadiums.
Would working as a structural engineer suit your skillset? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a structural engineer role.
average salary of a structural engineer
According to ONS, the average salary of a structural engineer starts at £22,000 annually for entry-level positions, while experienced structural engineers earn up to £70,000 per year. Your wages and benefits depend on your experience and certifications. For instance, senior-level engineers with professional certification earn more.
Some employers also provide additional benefits, including healthcare allowances, transport and living allowance. When you are an experienced engineer, you can become a consultant.
what factors affect your salary as a structural engineer?
Various factors can influence your compensation package, including your specific work responsibilities, education level, employer and geographical locations.
If you work for the government, your hourly rates differ from employees in the private sector.
Working on significant infrastructure projects with a substantial budget also pays more than minor projects with minimal responsibilities.
Employers in the UK also adjust the wages and benefits based on the cost of living. For example, if you reside in London, the living costs are above the average living costs in the country. Hence, your salary will reflect the higher expenses incurred in the city.
types of structural engineers
To many people, being a structural engineer means working in building construction only. While many in the profession work on buildings, you can branch out to other exciting disciplines, including:
- aeronautical structural engineer: your knowledge in designing structures that can withstand environmental rigours comes in handy in developing aircraft and space vessels. You will ensure aeroplanes are stable, safe and comfortable to use.
- nautical structural engineer: a structural engineer working in the nautical field plays a role in creating passenger vessels, boats and cargo ships. The job also involves developing non-moving structures and maintaining equipment used in oceanography.
- oil and gas structural engineers: in the oil and gas industry, you will work in a range of projects from designing and testing to inspecting equipment used to transport oil. Whether it is a pipeline or rig, the structures are vast and require the expertise of a structural engineer to work as expected.
working as a structural engineer
If you enjoy the challenge of translating architectural designs into structurally sound structures, working as a structural engineer is the perfect job. Let's dive into the typical workday of a structural engineer, career prospects and educational qualifications.
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structural engineer job description
Your duties and responsibilities may be diverse and varied depending on the employer, but they typically include:
- design: your job is to create detailed drawings for a new structure that the contractors use during construction. Aside from drawing the structures, you have to provide exact specifications on the support systems that the building requires based on the assessment of the stresses and loads it should withstand during service.
- evaluating environmental hazards: before construction commences, structural engineers must research and assess the dangers in the area like high winds, storms and earthquakes that can affect the stability and functionality of the structure. For example, when designing a building in coastal areas, you have to evaluate the strength of the waves and their impacts on the structure's stability.
- evaluating the structural integrity of old buildings: as a structural engineer, your job includes inspecting old buildings to assess if they require refurbishment. When assessing the health of an existing structure, you should determine the environmental factor that led to deterioration and recommend appropriate actions to boost the structural strength.
- selecting appropriate building material for a project: since you have extensive knowledge of the properties of various building materials, you will advise contractors on suitable materials for various projects. That also includes recommending the appropriate quantities for a structurally sound building.
- site investigation: before the construction work begins, a structural engineer inspects the site and evaluates soil samples to ensure the environment is conducive for building. If the landscape or soil may hinder project success, you can recommend soil corrections.
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work environment
As a structural engineer, you can be employed as a consultant or contractor. In consultancy, you spend most of your time generating blueprints, planning projects and writing reports in office environments. That means you work the standard weekday schedule from a desk and occasionally visit construction sites for inspections.
Working as a contractor, you spend most of the day on construction sites and handle hands-on engineering aspects. The job also includes managing onsite teams and directing activities. Your work environment depends on your employer. For instance, if you work on coastal and marine structures, you spend most of the time near water bodies.
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work schedule
Whether you are working in consultancy or as a contractor, your typical work hours are between 40 and 42 hours a week. If you go to the office, your workday will start at 8 am and end at 6 pm.
You occasionally have to work overtime, including weekends and evenings, when you have a pressing deadline. Most employment opportunities are full-time positions, but if you value a good work-life balance, there are many employers that will allow you to work part-time, too, especially in consultancy firms.
Your job also involves travelling since you have to visit project sites weekly or daily to monitor progress. Do you like to experience new cultures and environments? Revel in a change of scenery? If you work for a multinational company, overseas travel for conferences and meeting clients is part of your job requirements too.
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job outlook
Structural engineering is a rewarding career with exciting prospects. You can specialise in various fields like aeronautics, nautical engineering, forensic engineering (where you investigate structural failure) or civil engineering that involves constructing bridges or other transportation infrastructure and their planning.
Specialism expands your opportunities and boosts your job prospects. Alternatively, improve your expertise and become a senior-level engineer or move into consultancy to provide services to insurance companies and disaster relief agencies.
Most multinationals have a clear career progression for structural engineers, but you can branch out at any level and become self-employed or teach in academic institutions. Given the wide range of opportunities and sectors available to structural engineers, the forward momentum of your career is entirely in your hands!
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advantages of finding a structural engineer job through randstad
Finding your structural engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a structural engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
To kick-start your career in structural engineering, you need the following educational qualifications:
- university: you gain qualifications to become a structural engineer by completing an undergraduate degree in structural, civil or architectural engineering. To enrol for an undergraduate degree, you need 2 or 3 A levels, including maths and science. After a degree course, you can join a graduate trainee scheme to gain experience.
- college: if you have 1 or 2 A levels, you can complete a Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in civil engineering and work as a trainee structural engineer for on-the-job training.
- apprenticeship: joining on-the-job training with a construction firm is an excellent way to get your foot in the door. The apprenticeships are open to school leavers above 16 years with 4 or 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C). You are expected to work at least 30 hours a week and attend college. When you complete the apprenticeship degree in civil engineering, you can undertake professional training and become a structural engineer.
- certification: gaining certifications in structural engineering allows you to practice as an engineering professional and obtain chartered status. You need a master's degree from an accredited institution, and you can take the membership exam with The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).
skills and competencies
Aside from educational qualifications, you need these technical skills, soft skills and competencies for a successful career in structural engineering:
- organisation skills: you need organisational skills to design a structure and provide a process for actualising the project. With organisation, you can allocate work to the construction crew and ensure the structures are built according to the specifications.
- analytical skills: when determining the viability of a building project and the environmental hazards, you need analytical skills. The ability to evaluate facts and figures will help you make sound decisions on dealing with some problematic structures.
- maths and computer skills: it is essential to have exceptional mathematical skills to calculate the material quantities needed to complete a construction project. Aside from calculation, your job also involves designing using drawing software like AutoCAD and data analysis using spreadsheets. Your computing and maths skills will help you ensure accuracy in your designs by factoring in the environmental elements that could affect structural stability.
- problem-solving skills: your problem-solving skills come in handy when finding solutions to faulty building plans and existing structures with issues. From studying the underlying cause of the structural problems, you can formulate a solution and recommend the refurbishment needed.
- leadership skills: as a structural engineer, you will work alongside a construction team, and you need leadership skills to lead the team. Aside from ensuring the projects are delivered within the timeline, you need to keep the crew motivated and supervise to avoid mistakes during construction.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a structural engineer.
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what is the average salary of a structural engineer?
In the UK, structural engineer salary ranges from £22,000 to £70,000 based on experience and educational qualifications. As you increase your experience and reach senior levels in your career, your salary will increase. A chartered status also boosts your earnings and increases your job prospects. Want to learn more about working as a structural engineer? Then check out this article.
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why do you need a structural engineer?
If you are carrying out renovations or making changes in your house that could alter its stability, you need a structural engineer. For instance, removing the walls and chimney or working on extension projects like loft conversions and internal wall modification requires the expertise of a structural engineer. Infrastructure projects like bridges and stadiums also need structural engineers to ascertain the rigidity of the structures. Want to learn more about working as a structural engineer? Then check out this article.
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do structural engineers get paid well?
Structural engineers are paid depending on their level of experience and the complexity of the projects. Besides, some are employed on a contractual basis, and their hourly wages will differ from those of full-time employees. Want to learn more about working as a structural engineer? Then check out this article.
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how much does a structural engineer cost?
The cost of a structural engineer relies on the project scope, size and responsibilities. For instance, if the engineer needs to visit the sites to supervise construction, it can be costly compared to desk-based calculations. Want to learn more about working as a structural engineer? Then check out this article.
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what engineer makes the most money?
A petroleum engineer makes the most money in the UK with an average salary of £50,282 for entry-level positions, while experienced engineers earn approximately £136,700. Nuclear and chemical engineers also make a lot of money. Want to learn more about working as a structural engineer? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a structural engineer vacancy?
Applying for a structural engineer job is easy: create a randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
