Structural Engineers are responsible for designing and planning major construction project, such as motorways or bridges to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. Let’s look at what Structural Engineering actually is and how your career as a structural engineer can develop.
What is Structural Engineering?
Essentially, structural engineers work alongside civil engineers to design major pieces of public infrastructure so that they are safe and fit for purpose. These structures can range from airports and harbours to bridges, waterways and roadways.
On a construction or a civil engineering project, a career as a structural engineer will involve responsibility for the following, amongst other duties:
- Working with architects, civil engineers and civil planners to improve or add to public infrastructure
- Developing detailed plans alongside other engineers and CAD technicians
- Having an excellent knowledge of structures and how they need to be built considering the loads and stresses they will be subjected to
- Predicting the development of the structure using computer modelling and detailed planning
- Having an excellent knowledge of building materials and construction techniques
Responsibilities
In your career as a structural engineer, you will be involved throughout the life cycle of the project and liaise with many roles, including:
- Site manager
- Civil engineer
- CAD technician
- Estimator
- Quantity surveyor
- QA/QC engineer
- Land Surveyor
- Health & Safety
- Contracts manager
- Mechanical engineer
Professional Qualifications
There is significant third-level study needed in order to get started in your structural engineering career, an area which rewards aptitude in mathematics and physical sciences such as physics. Following from your degree in structural engineering or civil engineering, a postgraduate certification in a particular specialist area will be of benefit to you. Throughout your career as a structural engineer, CPD is expected and organisations such as Engineers Ireland are a great source of knowledge for further learning and professional networking.
How your Career can Develop
Structural Engineers may progress from construction design into actual overall management of the project once they have a significant amount of experience behind them. You may be self-employed or work alongside other members of a management team. Some areas which you could specialise in include:
- Engineering consultancy
- Construction management
- Contract engineer on specific projects
- Establishing your own consultancy
- Research
A career as a structural engineer is one with global potential once you are chartered with the right organisations and have a significant amount of experience. CPD is not only beneficial, it is expected during your your career as a structural engineer, as is growing a sizeable professional network.