Structural engineer
Create and improve the structure for all kinds of building projects. You could champion sustainable building practices!
About the job
What it's like
Structural engineers are key in designing and building the things we see around us in towns and cities. You'll use your technical skills and creativity to make sure buildings bridges and other structures are safe and strong.
You'll design the framework for everything from new schools and hospitals, to wind turbines and old buildings. You might work on small projects like adding a room to a house or big ones such as building railways or platforms out at sea.
Structural engineers are needed in many industries, including construction, energy, transport and even the entertainment sector for temporary event structures. You could specialise in areas such as earthquake engineering, conservation of old buildings or sustainable design.
You'll often work with architects, builders and other engineers. You'll use special computer programs to create models of structures and test how they'll perform under different conditions. There's a growing demand for structural engineers to work on renewable energy projects and to help make buildings use less energy.
Your tasks might include:
designing steel, concrete or timber frameworks for new buildings
checking existing structures for safety and stability
using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans
inspecting construction sites to monitor progress and quality
advising on materials and construction methods
working with architects and contractors to solve design challenges
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'll usually work Monday to Friday.
You may sometimes need to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or attend site visits.
Environment
You'll split your time between:
the office where you’ll use design software and collaborate with colleagues
on-site inspecting structures and meeting contractors
Travel
There may be the chance to work on projects around the world, depending on your employer and the nature of the projects you are working on.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- designing
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Geography
Physics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
While it may take you longer to qualify, you could also start with a degree in a related subject such as:
Construction Engineering
Mathematics
Built Environment
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Civil Engineering
Construction Engineering
Built Environment
Engineering Systems
Structural Engineering
Architectural Technology
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover GAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
To register with the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) you need both academic qualifications and practical experience.
You can get the necessary experience through a sandwich course or through sponsorship from your employer.
A sandwich course is a higher education degree that integrates periods of academic study with practical work experience in a related industry.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a structural engineer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Structural engineer'
