Structural engineer

Career path and progression

You could move into:

• construction design
• project management
• research or lecturing
• freelance consultancy work, like providing services to building insurers
• work on construction and engineering projects overseas, with disaster relief agencies

You could also specialise in:

• renewable energy projects
• sustainable building materials
• forensics, where you investigate why a building or structure has failed

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of building and construction
• design skills and knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Structural engineers use maths constantly – calculating loads, stresses, forces, and material strengths to make sure buildings and bridges can safely support the weight they need to carry. They also use algebra, trigonometry, and calculus when creating engineering models and interpreting computer simulations.
• Physics - Structural engineers need a deep understanding of forces, mechanics, and how materials behave under stress. They apply principles like tension, compression, and equilibrium to predict how structures will respond to loads, wind, earthquakes, and other real-world conditions.
• Engineering - Structural engineers work at the heart of engineering, designing systems that keep buildings, bridges, and stadiums standing safely. Understanding engineering principles, design processes, and how to solve complex technical problems is central to everything they do.
• Design and Technology - Structural engineers read and create technical drawings, select appropriate materials, and develop practical solutions to construction challenges. Understanding the design process – from concept through to a finished structure – helps them turn ideas into safe, buildable designs.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Structural engineers use specialist software to model structures and simulate how they respond to forces like wind and weight. Understanding computational thinking and how algorithms process data helps them get the most out of these powerful modelling tools.
• Chemistry - Structural engineers investigate the properties of building materials like concrete, steel, and glass, including how they corrode, degrade, or react to environmental conditions over time. Understanding the chemistry behind these materials helps them choose the right ones for each project.
• Geography - Structural engineers need to understand the environment where a structure will be built, including weather patterns, flood risks, and ground conditions. Knowledge of natural hazards and how landscapes change over time helps them design structures that can withstand local conditions.
• Geology - Structural engineers assess the ground beneath a building to determine what type of foundations are needed. Understanding rock types, soil behaviour, and how geological conditions vary helps them ensure structures are built on stable ground.
• Environmental Science - Structural engineers increasingly design energy-efficient buildings and recommend low-carbon materials like sustainably sourced timber and recycled steel. Understanding environmental impacts and sustainability principles helps them contribute to greener construction practices.