ADD ADVICE TO FAVStructural engineer
Structural engineers work with clients and others in the professional team to establish clients’ requirements for the structure (building, bridge, mast, turbine, etc).
What structural engineers do
- prepare initial concept designs for discussion and development by the professional team
- play an active role in leading the ’design development’ through to final design concept
- provide analysis and detailed design of the structure (stresses arising in each part of the structure under the different loading conditions)
- prepare contract documents and 2-D/3-D drawings and models to facilitate the construction of the structure
- have major input to issues such as materials, safety, implications of design assumptions, cost, ease of construction, construction methods and ease / difficulty of manufacture / assembly.
Key skills
- strong mathematical skills
- excellent spatial awareness and ability to think in three dimensions
- drawing / CAD drafting ability
- ability to communicate complex concepts well, diagrammatically, in speech and writing
- problem-solving to anticipate identify and resolve problems at any stage.
Training to be a structural engineer
Many structural engineers train to become chartered members of the Institution of Structural Engineers. Others train first to join the Institution of Civil Engineers and later become members of the Institution of Structural Engineers. The full entry routes are described in detail on the two institutions’ websites.
Salaries
Salaries for trainee structural engineers are in the range of £21,000 to £25,000, averaging at around £22,000.
