What does a Structural Engineer do?
Published 4 min read
A structural engineer is a professional who is trained and licensed to perform engineering duties related to the design and construction of buildings and other structures. Structural engineers are responsible for ensuring that the structures they design are safe, stable, and meet all applicable building codes and regulations.
Structural Engineer job duties include:
- Designing and supervising the construction of buildings, bridges, tunnels, highway systems, railroads, airports, dams, and water and sewage systems
- Working with architects and other engineers to design and develop plans
- Analyzing data from tests on building materials, such as concrete, wood, asphalt, or steel
- Using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create models or plans
- Inspecting sites to determine the best location for a new structure or to assess the safety of an existing one
- Overseeing the construction process to ensure that the project is built according to the plans and specifications
- Investigating the cause of structural failures and recommending solutions
- Preparing reports and presentations for clients or government officials
- Teaching at a university
Structural Engineer Job Requirements
A structural engineer has a very important job in society. They are responsible for the design and analysis of structures such as buildings, bridges, and dams. A structural engineer must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and many employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree. In addition to education, most states require structural engineers to be licensed. To become licensed, engineers must pass two exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. The first exam is the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is taken after earning a bachelor’s degree. The second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), can be taken after several years of experience working as an engineer.
Structural Engineer Skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Creativity
- Critical thinking
- Detail oriented
- Math skills
- Organizational skills
- Problem solving skills
- Research skills
- Writing skills
Related: Top Structural Engineer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Structural Engineer
Structural engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and analysis of structures. Structural engineers are responsible for the safety of the public and the stability of the buildings and bridges they design. They use their knowledge of physics and mathematics to calculate the loads on a structure and determine its strength.
To become a structural engineer, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university. Many structural engineers also earn a master's degree in engineering or a related field. Once you have earned your degree, you will need to pass the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam administered by your state's engineering board. After passing the EIT exam, you will need to gain four years of experience working under a licensed engineer. Once you have met all of these requirements, you will be eligible to take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam administered by your state's engineering board.
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