what is a structural engineer?
As a structural engineer, you work on infrastructure projects to ensure structures can withstand environmental stresses and pressures. Your job is to calculate each project's stability, rigidity and strength. During planning and construction, structural engineers deal with vital calculations related to structural elements. You determine the reinforcing steel necessary for a rigid concrete slab. Sometimes, your tasks involve supervising to ensure suitable materials are used.
As a structural engineer, you work on residential projects, offices, museums, hospitals, bridges and sports stadiums. Aside from construction projects in the private or public sector, structural engineers work on various designs in other sectors, such as aeronautics or the oil and gas industry.
Would working as a structural engineer suit your analytical skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a structural engineer role.
structural engineer jobsaverage structural engineer salary
According to Job Bank, structural engineers take home an average salary of $119,829 per year. Your experience and qualifications affect your earnings as a structural engineer. In an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $97,500 yearly. The most experienced structural engineers take home over $125,000 annually.
how to increase your salary as a structural engineer
You can increase your earnings as a structural engineer by improving your qualifications and gaining experience. With extensive experience, you can negotiate a higher salary based on the skills you bring to the table. Having professional certifications to showcase your concern for the environment, like the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), could increase your salary prospects.
Working for a large company also improves your earning potential due to the complexity of the projects you will work on. Big organizations tend to have extensive resources and can afford to pay higher salaries than smaller companies that handle small projects. The location also influences your earnings due to fluctuations in demand or living costs. For example, if you live in British Columbia or Ontario, you will likely earn more because of the increased demand for structural engineers and the higher cost of living.
types of structural engineers
To many people, being a structural engineer means working in building construction only. While most structural engineers work on buildings, you can branch out to other exciting disciplines, including:
- Aeronautical structural engineering: your knowledge in designing structures that withstand environmental rigours comes in handy for the development of aircraft and space vessels. You ensure aeroplanes are stable, safe and comfortable to use.
- Nautical structural engineering: as a structural engineer working in the nautical field, you create passenger vessels, boats and cargo ships. The job also involves developing non-moving structures and maintaining oceanography equipment.
- Oil and gas structural engineering: in the oil and gas industry, you work on a range of projects, from designing and testing to inspecting equipment used to transport oil. Whether it's a pipeline or rig, the structures are vast and require the expertise of a structural engineer to work as expected.
working as a structural engineer
If you enjoy the challenge of translating architectural designs into structurally sound structures, working as a structural engineer is the perfect job for you. Let's dive into the typical workday, career prospects and educational qualifications of a structural engineer.
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what does an structural engineer do?
Depending on the employer, your duties and responsibilities may be diverse and varied, but they typically include:
- designing structures: your job is to create detailed drawings for a new structure, which the contractors will use during construction. Aside from drawing the structures, you provide exact specifications on the support systems that the building requires. You calculate specifications based on the assessment of stresses and loads that the structure should withstand during service.
- evaluating environmental hazards: before construction commences, structural engineers research and assess the dangers in the area that influence the stability and functionality of the structure, like high winds, storms and earthquakes. For example, when designing a building in coastal areas, you evaluate the strength of waves and their impact on the structure's stability.
- assessing the structural integrity of buildings: as a structural engineer, your job includes inspecting old buildings to assess if they require refurbishment. When assessing the health of an existing structure, you determine the environmental factor that led to its deterioration and recommend the appropriate actions to boost the structural strength.
- selecting appropriate building material for a project: since you have extensive knowledge of the properties of various building materials, you advise contractors on suitable materials for various projects. That also includes recommending the appropriate quantities for a structurally sound building.
- investigating sites: before construction begins, you inspect the site and evaluate soil samples to ensure the environment is conducive for the building project. If the landscape or soil may hinder project success, you recommend soil corrections.
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work environment of a structural engineer
As a structural engineer, you can work as a consultant or contractor. In a consultancy role, you spend most of your time generating blueprints, planning projects and writing reports in office environments. That means you work the standard weekday schedule from a desk and occasionally visit construction sites for inspections.
When working as a contractor, you spend most of the day on construction sites and handle hands-on engineering aspects. The job also includes managing on-site teams and directing activities. Your work environment depends on your employer. For instance, if you work on coastal and marine structures, you spend most of the time near water bodies.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in, you are likely to work with civil engineers, project engineers and project managers. You also work with welders, electricians and machinists on your projects. Other professionals you are likely to work with include construction workers and general labourers.
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structural engineer work schedule
Whether you work in consultancy or as a contractor, your typical work schedule is between 40 and 42 hours a week. If you go to the office, your workday will typically start at 8 am and end at 6 pm.
When you have pressing deadlines, you work occasional overtime, including weekends and evenings. Most employment opportunities are full-time positions, but if you value a good work-life balance, there are many employers that will allow you to work part-time, especially in consultancy firms.
Your job also involves travelling since you visit project sites weekly or daily to monitor progress. Do you like to experience new cultures and environments? Revel in a change of scenery? If you work for a multinational company, overseas travel for conferences and meeting clients is part of your job's requirements.
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career opportunities as a structural engineer
Structural engineering is a rewarding career with exciting prospects. You can specialize in various fields, including aeronautics, nautical, forensics (where you investigate structural failure) or civil engineering.
Specializing expands your opportunities and boosts your job prospects. Alternatively, improve your expertise to become a senior-level engineer or move into a consultancy role to provide structural engineering services to insurance companies and disaster relief agencies.
Most multinationals have a clear career progression path for structural engineers, but you can branch out at any level and become self-employed or teach in academic institutions. Given the wide range of opportunities and sectors available to structural engineers, the forward momentum of your career is entirely in your hands!
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advantages of finding a job as a structural engineer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
structural engineer skills and education
Some of the educational requirements of becoming a structural engineer include:
- Education: you require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to become a structural engineer. Pursue a degree in civil engineering (structural) or a relevant engineering discipline. A master’s degree in engineering also boosts your employment prospects.
- Licensing and certification: to work as a structural engineer in Canada, you need licensing from a provincial or a territorial association of professional engineers. The licensing requirements vary depending on the province. For instance, in Alberta, you should register with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), while in Manitoba, you get a license from Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
competencies and characteristics of structural engineers
Aside from educational qualifications, you need these technical skills, soft skills and competencies for a successful career in structural engineering:
- Organizational skills: you need organizational skills to design a structure and provide a process for actualizing the project. With organization, you can allocate work to the construction crew and ensure the structures are built according to the specifications.
- Analytical skills: when determining the viability of a building project and the environmental hazards, you need analytical skills. The ability to evaluate facts and figures will help you make sound decisions when dealing with some problematic structures.
- Math and computer skills: it is essential to have exceptional mathematical skills to calculate the material quantities needed to complete a construction project. Aside from calculation and data analysis using spreadsheets, your job also involves designing with drawing software like AutoCAD. Your computing and math skills will help you ensure accuracy in your designs by factoring in the environmental elements that could affect structural stability.
- Problem-solving skills: your problem-solving skills come in handy when finding solutions to faulty building plans and existing structures with issues. By studying the underlying cause of the structural problems, you can formulate a solution and recommend the refurbishment needed.
- Leadership skills: as a structural engineer, you work alongside a construction team and need leadership skills to lead the team. Aside from ensuring the projects are delivered within the timeline, you keep the crew motivated and supervise them to avoid mistakes during construction.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a structural engineer.
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how much do structural engineers earn in Canada?
The earnings of a structural engineer in Canada depend on experience and qualifications. The average earnings are $119,829 per year. In an entry-level position, you start with a lower salary of $97,500 annually. With experience, your earnings increase gradually, and you can take home over $125,000 yearly.
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are structural engineers in demand in Canada?
Structural engineers are in demand due to their contributions to the infrastructure and ensuring buildings are solid and strong. Structural engineers will continue to be in demand in Canada in various industries, including engineering consultancy, government agencies and construction.
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what is the main role of a structural engineer?
As a structural engineer, you design and construct structures, from buildings to bridges and roads. You ensure the structures are safe and can withstand environmental elements. You also evaluate and improve the structural integrity of existing buildings.
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what is the difference between civil and structural engineers?
As a structural engineer, you are responsible for a building’s structural integrity and strength. You focus on the load-bearing design and determine the materials that can withstand structural elements. A civil engineer takes care of the initial building design and plans the construction projects. The focus of a civil engineer is to design and plan the entire construction project.
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is being a structural engineer a stressful job?
Working as a structural engineer is challenging, and the stress can pile up due to the deadlines associated with projects. However, it is also an exciting career choice with great opportunities for development.
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how do I find a job as a structural engineer?
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