Structural Engineer

Structural engineers are involved in the design and construction of a range of structures such as buildings, bridges and tunnels, oil-rigs, sports stadia and roller-coasters. They are at the forefront of responding to some of the biggest challenges facing the world today including meeting the future demands for energy and raw materials.

Structural engineers often work alongside architects and are responsible for working out how buildings and structures will be made to stand up to the stresses and strains placed upon them. They have to ensure that a project is designed and built to be visually appealing, whilst meeting all the necessary safety requirements and are responsible for solving complex problems and producing design solutions which take into account:

the client’s requirements
the environment
energy consumption
ground conditions,
foundations and the
loads and stresses on structures.

Tasks and duties may include:

producing conceptual design solutions
meeting with clients and other members of the design team to discuss plans
preparing drawings and building specifications
investigating ground conditions and analysing results of site tests such as soil samples
calculating the loads and stresses placed upon structures to ensure they are built with sufficient strength
testing models on the computer to ensure that the structure can withstand forces such as wind, gravity and earth tremors
communicating the design of the structure (through drawings, specifications and computer models) so that others can construct it
liaising with other construction professionals and authorities to fulfil legal requirements such as planning permissions and listed structures
visiting sites to check that the construction is in accordance with the design.

In the course of their work they use computers and specialist computer programs for analysis and design.

Hours and environment

Structural engineers generally work normal office hours over a 38 hour week. Most jobs are office-based but site visits are often necessary.

Engineers may be in a design office, in meetings or on site. Hard hats will be required when on site, supplemented by protective clothing if necessary. Sites can be dusty, muddy and noisy as contractors bring the building design to life.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

Structural engineers may start on around €35,000 a year.
An experienced engineer may earn in the region of €40,000 to €55,000 a year.
Engineers in senior positions can command salaries of more than €65,000 a year while top positions may attract salaries of more than €100,000.

Skills and personal qualities

A structural engineer should:

be creative and enjoy a challenge
have a wide knowledge of construction practices
be interested in solving problems and finding practical and innovative solutions
be adaptable and persevering
be able to use computers for design work, calculating, and testing designs
work well with other people
have good communication skills, to present information in speech, drawings and reports
have a knowledge of the qualities of materials, of manufacturing processes and construction methods
have a scientific and mathematical mind.

Interests

It is important to:

have an aptitude for maths and physics
have an interest in sustainability and shaping the environment in response to the challenge of climate change.

Getting in

Employers of structural engineers include:

independent structural engineering contractors/consultancies
building and civil engineering contractors
central and local government
industrial organisations
universities, colleges and research establishments
transport infrastructure contractors.

Jobs are available nationwide, with a particularly large number of construction projects currently underway in Dublin.

Structural engineering is a growing profession and there are good opportunities in Ireland and throughout the world, though the current economic downturn may affect the number of vacancies.

Entry routes

The usual route for entry for training as a structural engineer is via full-time university or college study to obtain an accredited degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering. You need a Master of Engineering degree or a Bachelor of Engineering honours degree in Civil or Structural Engineering to become a chartered structural engineer. Accredited degree programmes are available throughout the country.