Structural engineer
Design safe and efficient structures for all kinds of building projects. Tackle real-world challenges while promoting greener construction solutions.
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
using computer modelling simulations to predict how structures will act under different conditions, such as high winds, flooding or earth tremors
using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans
inspecting construction sites to monitor progress and quality
advising on sustainable materials and construction methods
working with architects and contractors to solve design challenges
assisting with renovations or restoring heritage buildings to extend their lifespan
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Tomorrow's Engineers — find out more about careers in engineering
Engineering Council — for information on professional registration and standards in the UK
Royal Academy of Engineering — insights into engineering careers
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – for more information on engineering careers
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Select qualification level(s)
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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.
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Engineering and manufacturing -
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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:
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Environmental Science
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Geography
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Physics
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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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'
