Structural engineer
Create and improve the structure for all kinds of building projects.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£462
Entry level
£1,058
Experienced
Monthly
£2,000
Entry level
£4,583
Experienced
Yearly
£24,000
Entry level
£55,000
Experienced
9,500
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You'd create and improve the structure for all kinds of building projects.
You'd be a key part of a team of construction professionals. You might work on everything from houses, theatres and hospitals to bridges, oil rigs and space satellites.
You would:
work with clients, architects, contractors and other professionals on construction plans
develop design ideas using computer-aided design (CAD)
research different materials and decide which would be suitable for the job
work out the loads and stresses on different parts of a structure
use computer simulations to learn what will happen to structures under different conditions, such as high winds or earth tremors
inspect unsafe buildings and recommend options for repairs or demolition
make sure projects meet legal, environmental and health and safety requirements
prepare bids for tenders
manage project teams and give reports to clients and senior managers
You'd need to come up with practical, attractive designs within a budget.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Geography
Physics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
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.
To qualify, you'll normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification in structural or civil engineering such as a BEng or MEng degree (SCQF Level 11) in structural engineering.
You may also be able to get started with a degree in a related subject such as construction, the built environment or maths, but it may take you longer to qualify.
There are no Structural Engineering qualifications below degree level (SCFQ Level 9/10) in Scotland but relevant courses in areas such as Civil Engineering are available from SCQF Level 6.
To enter a Structural Engineering degree (SCQF Level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) you'll usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
An alternative route may be to start as an engineering technician by completing an HNC/HND (SCQF Level 7/8) in an engineering subject. You can then become a fully qualified structural engineer with further training on the job.
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.
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