Structural engineer
Structural engineers design structures to withstand stresses and pressures such as weather and human use. They ensure buildings and other structures do not bend, twist, collapse or vibrate and remain strong and secure throughout their use.
Structural engineers help to design most structures including houses, theatres, sports venues, hospitals, office blocks, bridges, oil rigs, space satellites, ships and aircraft. They work in close partnership with architects.
Structural engineers have to choose appropriate materials such as bricks, concrete, wood and metal to meet design specifications. When construction has begun, they are often involved in inspecting the work and advising contractors.
They also examine existing buildings and other structures to test if they are structurally sound and still fit for purpose. Structural engineers have to make efficient use of funds and materials in order to achieve structural goals.
Tasks may vary depending on the structure being worked on and size of the team, but typically include:
Salary figures are intended as a guide only.
The career of a structural engineer is open to graduates of civil or structural engineering. Those with a degree in another engineering or science discipline may also be able to enter the career but it could take longer and you may be limited as to how far you can progress.
Graduate structural engineers work towards the professional qualifications of Associate-Member and Chartered Member with The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) . To become an Associate-Member (AMIStructE) you must have a degree that is accredited by IStructE. A list of accredited courses is available from the Joint Board of Moderators . Some equivalent qualifications may also be accepted but you will need to contact the Institution directly to find out.
To progress on to become a Chartered Member (MIStructE) with IStructE, you will need to have obtained an accredited Masters qualification or equivalent. A list of relevant courses is available at the JBM website. Some graduates will study for the accredited Masters degree before beginning work as a structural engineer so that they can enter the profession and begin worked towards chartered status straightaway. Others enter at the lower level and study for a Masters qualification while working. Some employers may help with this and may provide study leave and help with funding.
Becoming chartered takes a substantial amount of time and involves a period of professional development followed by a review process. Once chartership has been achieved however, it is a demonstration of a high level of professional competence and allows for the potential for higher earnings and promotion to more senior or specialised roles.
Entry without a degree is possible if the candidate holds a national diploma-level qualification in structural/civil engineering or equivalent. However, they will only be able to progress to a Technician Member (TIStructE) with the Institution of Structural Engineers. Further qualifications will have to be gained if they wish to progress onto the Associate or Chartered memberships.
Those who wish to work as a structural engineer will need to show evidence of the following:
Relevant work experience and placements can be useful for developing the required skills and for demonstrating a good level of competence in job applications. It can also be useful for building contacts and networking which may lead to future job opportunities. Degree courses that offer a year in industry can also be helpful in developing contacts.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Graduate structural engineers work towards the professional status of Associate or Chartered Member with The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) . To do this they must meet three requirements:
This whole process can take three to four years. Some structural engineers take IPD accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and then the final exam of the IStructE. Others follow the direct route of training accredited by the IStructE. Many qualify with both institutions, giving them more career flexibility later.
Once professional status has been achieved with the IStructE, Some engineers also become registered with the Engineering Council , taking on the designation of either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Trainee structural engineers start in design and gain experience working on many different types of structures built with a wide variety of materials. They also gain experience of a range of construction sites, with different foundation requirements and wind conditions. As experience is gained, they begin to liaise with architects, builders and others about their designs. Eventually, they become responsible for their own projects, liaising with clients as well as visiting and inspecting construction sites.
Professional members of the IStructE must complete a certain amount of continuing professional development (CPD) each year. This must be reported to the Institution annually and details of how to do this are available on the IStructE website. The IStructE and the ICE offer relevant conferences, courses and workshops on a range of subjects, all of which can aid CPD.
Starting as construction designers, structural engineers soon move on to become project managers. They may work alone, liaising closely with all the other construction professionals involved, or as part of a project team. Most large organisations have a formal progression structure, but if you work for a smaller company, it may be necessary to move to another employer to progress.
Career options include moving from an engineering consultancy to a construction company or vice versa. Another option is to work as a self-employed contract engineer and be paid for each completed contract. Some structural engineers set up their own engineering consultancies, either alone or with partners. A few are employed in architects’ offices.
Another possibility is a career as a researcher or an academic at a university. This option involves investigating novel structural options with a range of construction materials or teaching the subject at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Further qualifications may be required for the teaching aspect.
Some engineers specialise in a specific type of structure, such as concrete buildings or timber-framed houses. Much of the work is concerned with the refurbishment of buildings or changing their use (e.g. from an office to a shop or a home).
This is a profession in which there are many opportunities to move to other parts of the UK and to work on international projects. Gaining Chartered status with The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) allows for professional recognition in an increasing number of countries around the world.
Chartered Members can go on to become Fellows of the IStructE once they have built up a significant amount of experience and have met an exacting set of standards. This is the most senior grade of membership available and is recognition of excellence in structural engineering.
Most structural engineers work in engineering consultancies. These organisations range from large companies operating internationally, sometimes with offices in many countries, to small firms run by one person. A directory produced by The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) is available online at Find an Engineer . The large consultancy companies provide a broad range of work, high level of training and occasional opportunities for international travel. Smaller firms tend to specialise in specific areas of engineering, and the geographical spread of their clients is less extensive.
Large construction companies often offer their clients a ‘design and build’ service, maintaining their own designers including structural engineers.
Smaller construction firms take on contract engineers when they need them for specific projects.
Other employers include railway operators, aircraft manufacturers, oil companies and local authorities - who have responsibility for many buildings including civic offices, schools and buildings listed as of historic value.
University departments employ structural engineers as researchers and lecturers.
Recruitment agencies such as Thomas Telford Recruitment and Matchtech specialise in engineering vacancies. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has details of agencies handling engineering vacancies, which can be searched geographically.
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