Introduction

Structural engineering is the creation of a supernature – a reflection of a nation’s culture – to meet human requirements. Structural engineering is concerned with assessing the structure’s immediate loads and demands, as well as any expected future changes, to guarantee that the structure is constructed to handle those pressures.

Similar Job Titles

• Civil Engineer
• Stress Engineer
• Construction Engineer

Typical Job Responsibilities

What do Structural Engineers do?

A Structural Engineer would typically need to:

• Examine thorough maps, drawings, and charts to identify the optimum method for designing new projects and repairing current ones.
• Calculate and analyze the pressures, stresses, and strains that each component, such as a beam or lintel, would experience as a result of human use or environmental influences such as weather or earthquakes.
• Design new builds
• Examine the structure’s immediate loads and needs, as well as any potential future alterations.
• Design refurbishment schemes to ensure a long life for existing structures
• Prepare complete project reports and cost estimates for planned construction and repair projects, including timetable, material, and construction data.
• Make structural drawings, specifications, and computer models for building contractors.
• Investigate ground conditions with geotechnical engineers; analyze soil sample and in situ test results
• Work on a variety of projects, from a house to a hospital, and from an oil rig to a bridge.
• Work closely with architects
• When in charge of the design and construction of infrastructure projects such as pipelines and bridges, you must supervise other engineers and construction crews and stay involved at every stage.
• Hire other engineering specialists for large-scale construction and repair projects; act as project managers to keep projects on track.
• Apply professional understanding of the forces that act on diverse structures; simulate using computers and computer-aided design (CAD) technologies.

Standard Work Environment

You could work as a Structural Engineer on a construction site, a demolition site, a commercial structure, commercial land, or an office. Except for site visits before the commencement of a project to gather measurements and understand restrictions, structural engineering design is typically office-based. A final site visit is required to ensure that what you suggest is feasible.

During the building stage, the majority of the work is done on-site, with little office work. During construction, a resident engineer usually oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures that the building performs as intended by the designer.

Unless otherwise noted, the dress code would be business casual. When visiting construction sites, structural engineers must wear suitable safety equipment.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with work occasionally extending into the evenings and on weekends. For site-based Engineers, the hours can be greater, especially if the project deadline is approaching.

There may be occasions when external factors impact available working time, necessitating overtime work. Working hours in residential areas may be restricted due to environmental rules.

Employers

A Structural Engineer may collaborate with a contractor, consultant, or municipal government. Structural Engineers work as teachers and researchers in university departments. The majority of structural engineers work in engineering consultancies ranging from large worldwide corporations to small businesses.

Structural Engineers are generally employed by:

• Aircraft Manufacturers
• Local Authorities
• Oil Companies
• Railway Operators

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional groups and organizations are invaluable resources for people seeking professional development or seeking to interact with other professionals in their industry or employment. Membership in one or more of these organizations looks great on your resume and helps to strengthen your credentials and qualifications as a Structural Engineer. Most structural engineers are members of a national or international labor union.

Workplace Challenges

Depending on the needs of the project, the working environment may be crowded, dusty, noisy, and outdoors.

Suggested Work Experience

Relevant work experience will help you make relationships, network, and increase your job prospects. Most degree programs include a year of work experience. Employers typically provide sponsorship, holiday work, and ‘year out’ assignments, which can provide significant contacts and an understanding of the sector.

Companies offer to sponsor students’ studies by contributing an agreed-upon sum of money for one, two, three, or four years. Companies that provide a large sum of money require the student to work for them for a set number of years after finishing their studies. Companies, on the other hand, are now more likely to provide lesser sums of money and possibilities to work during holidays, sandwich years, or placements.

A ‘year out,’ a ‘gap year,’ or a sabbatical year is a year away from full-time study that occurs between the completion of additional full-time education (typically at school or college) and the start of further full-time education. Instead of being bound by their course of study, the student may be able to choose the type of career they apply for.

Recommended Qualifications

To become a Structural Engineer, a four-year undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Civil and Structural Engineering is required.

Individuals having a bachelor’s degree in a field other than engineering or science will need an MSc in Structural Engineering to compete in this job market. Candidates with advanced master’s degrees or a Ph.D. are preferred by employers above those with a bachelor’s degree.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

Some companies demand Structural Engineers to obtain a professional engineer license or to be registered as Structural engineers. However, licensure is not necessary for entry-level civil engineering positions.

A professional engineer’s license is typically gained after four years of working under a licensed professional engineer and passing tests administered by the applicable licensing authority. Passing the right exam will grant you Structural Engineering certification.

Projected Career Map

Beginning as a construction designer, one can advance to Project Manager or Functional Manager. You may work independently while closely collaborating with all other construction professionals involved, or as part of a project team. While prospects for advancement are limited in small businesses, most large organizations have a defined progression system for a Structural Engineer.

There are numerous options to work on foreign projects as a Structural Engineer. Obtaining chartered status with recognized organizations such as the IStructE allows for professional recognition in a growing number of nations worldwide.

As a Chartered Member, you can work towards becoming a Fellow of the IStructE by gaining valuable experience and meeting stringent requirements. It is the highest level of membership possible and represents acknowledgement of excellence in Structural Engineering.

As a Structural Engineer, one can work in Construction Design, Project Management, or Research and Lecturing, in addition to building construction. With expertise, you could advance to Consultancy job, where you would provide services to building insurers. There are also opportunities to work on building and engineering projects overseas, such as those with disaster relief organisations.

Structural Engineers who want to be Project Managers or Functional Managers must first earn a professional engineering license in their area, because only licensed engineers may take on duties for public projects. A professional Structural Engineer can supervise the work of other engineers, approve design plans, sign off on projects, and perform direct public services.

Job Prospects

Candidates having a master’s or Ph.D. in the discipline, as well as certification and relevant experience, will have a better chance of getting hired.

Beneficial Professional Development

As a Structural Engineer, you may wish to pursue the professional status of associate or chartered member with reputable organizations such as IStructE, the Institute of Structural Engineering. A master’s degree is required for a chartered member role.

Trainees receive job experience in order to meet the organization’s specified key objectives. Many employers provide structured training programs to guarantee that these standards are met. A final examination and an interview with competent engineers are frequently part of the course requirements.

Conclusion

Structural Engineering is the cornerstone of infrastructure that supports civilized living: homes for people to live in, places to work, and the lifeline services that we all require.

Advice from the Wise

My structures will be my legacy. They will speak for me long after I have passed away.