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Structural engineer
Structural engineers design the superstructure and foundations for buildings such as residential tower blocks, and other structures, such as bridges and wind farms. They make sure that a structure is stable and that it can withstand forces due to wind and occupancy.
Also known as:
- Civil engineer
Work activities
Structural engineers primarily concern themselves with the design of the super-structure and foundations for buildings and structures, such as bridges, sports stadiums and tower blocks. They also carry out inspections of existing structures for maintenance purposes and assist with significant refurbishments, particularly in the case of listed buildings. They take into account the structure's strength, shape and function, making sure that it can withstand any force to which it can be expected to be subject during its lifespan. Structural engineers are usually part of a design team with other professionals. Typically, such teams are made up of architects, quantity surveyors, building services engineers and environmental and financial consultants.
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. During the design process, structural engineers prepare design documents that consist of drawings and specifications on the materials used to build the structure. These are then submitted to construction companies, who bid for the contract to carry out the project. This is known as a “tender process” and the companies, known as contractors, submit tenders to win the contract. Once a contractor is appointed, the structural engineer produces enhanced detailed design documentation to enable the construction phase of the project to begin.
During the construction phase of the project, the structural engineer makes on-site checks to ensure the project is following the design documentation. Typically, the contractor supervises the building of foundations and super-structure. They will employ structural engineers to carry out the required inspections on their behalf.
Personal qualities and skills
As a structural engineer, you’ll need:
- To be able to analyse and solve problems.
- Good written and spoken word communication skills.
- The confidence to supervise others.
- To be a good teamworker.
- Strong organisational skills to cope with the many different stages of a construction project.
- An interest in buildings and how they are built.
- Good maths and IT skills.
- An interest in physics.
- Good graphical communication skills (technical drawing).
Pay and opportunities
Salaries vary depending on the company and level of responsibility. Graduate structural engineers start on £28,000, rising to £50,000.
Most structural engineers work around 37-42 hours, Monday to Friday. There are times however when you may have early starts and late finishes, and you may need to work some weekends. This will be due to the demands of a project and the deadlines set within it.
Employers are firms of engineering consultants, building and civil engineering contractors, local authorities, and gas, water and electricity companies. Other employers include the Civil Service, manufacturing industry and the armed forces. Opportunities for structural engineers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK. Frequently, opportunities occur for structural engineers to work on projects all over the world. The most common locations are the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.
It is very common for structural engineers to set up on their own and work as a "sole trader". They typically work on small domestic projects with builders of extensions and repairs to existing residential buildings. It is also possible to work as a freelance contract engineer, where organisations employ the engineer directly through their own company. Some senior engineers specialise in certain fields within the profession and become experts/consultants in that field. Examples include stadium design and the use of certain materials, such as timber or glass.
What’s happening in this work area?
Construction is an industry dominated by small firms. Employment levels are projected to grow steadily, as there is an urgent need for more housing over the coming decades. The construction industry is one of the most male dominated industries. Women account for only one in 10 of all jobs. The industry is actively trying to change this. Full-time working remains the norm.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised in trade magazines, such as The Structural Engineer and New Civil Engineer. Vacancies are also advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services.
Entry routes and training
You need an accredited Master of Engineering (MEng) degree or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) honours degree in civil engineering, or a related subject, to become a chartered engineer. These can be studied as sandwich courses, which include work experience. Alternatively, it is possible to become an incorporated engineer by gaining a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree or HNCs/HNDs in civil engineering. The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) can provide lists of accredited courses.
A degree apprenticeship is also a great place to start. Foundation degrees in civil engineering are available at various universities and colleges of higher education throughout the UK. These can lead on to relevant degree courses.
After obtaining a degree, HND or HNC, you must have a period of approved training and work experience to become fully qualified. To become a member of the Institution of Structural Engineers, you must also pass a professional examination or have published research work assessed.
Structural engineers’ careers branch off into different elements of the field. They can be a specialist in a certain material, a project design engineer, or a practice manager. The field is broad enough to fit many different types of engineers. Local authorities and larger private consultancies have a structured set of promotion routes.
Qualifications
Entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.
To enter a degree course in civil/structural engineering, you will usually need:
- Two to three A-levels, including maths, English, physics or engineering science.
- GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
- A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths, and an additional science subject.
Some universities offer foundation courses for applicants without the appropriate maths and science qualifications.
To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will usually need at least two A-levels, plus GCSEs in English and maths.
To enter a relevant HND, HNC or foundation degree, you will usually need:
- One A-level – preferred subjects include maths, physics and engineering science.
- A GCSE at grade 9-4 in your A-level subject.
- A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths and a science subject.
Adult opportunities
Age limits: 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.
People without relevant qualifications or skills gained in the construction industry or as an engineering technician, will find it difficult to gain employment. Applicants at engineering technician level have a good chance of advancement.
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.
People without the usual academic qualifications can achieve membership of both the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) via the Technical Report Route (TRR). See their respective websites for guidance on entry requirements.
Numerous institutions offer relevant postgraduate courses via distance learning.
Sponsorship for study at higher education level may be available through larger consultancies and building/ construction companies.
