A structural engineer is a specialized civil engineer who deals with the structural design and structural integrity of buildings, bridges, stadiums, towers, and other large structures.
Their role is to ensure structures can withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes as well as normal structural loads and forces over the lifetime of a building.
Structural engineers need to have a deep understanding of physics, material science, and math. They use engineering mechanics and analysis tools to predict how structures will perform under different load conditions. They also need to understand construction materials and techniques.
Why Become a Structural Engineer?
There are several compelling reasons to pursue a career as a structural engineer:
In Demand and Well-Compensated Profession
Structural engineering is currently in high demand in the USA due to a shortage of qualified engineers, an aging infrastructure in need of repair and improvement, and strong growth in construction.
As a result, structural engineers earn relatively high salaries. The average structural engineer salary was $148,540 in 2022.
Meaningful Impact
Structural engineers have an opportunity to make buildings safer, extend the lifespan of infrastructure like bridges, and contribute to disaster readiness through innovative structural design. Their expertise literally holds up society.
Varied and Challenging Work
Every structure such as a skyscraper, stadium or bridge is unique and comes with its own set of structural design challenges. Structural engineers get to use math, science and creativity to find solutions. Their work is varied, collaborative and constantly evolving.
Flexible Career Options
Structural engineers are in demand in multiple industries including construction, engineering consulting, software, government, education and research.
They can choose to specialize in areas that interest them most whether it’s designing high-rises or developing new construction methodologies.
Educational Requirements
To become a fully licensed structural engineer requires:
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor of Science degree in structural engineering, civil engineering with structural emphasis or architectural engineering with structural emphasis.
Some schools also offer 5-year Master’s programs in structural engineering. Important subjects to master are structural analysis, mechanics, steel/concrete design and mathematics.
Earn a Graduate Degree (Optional but Recommended)
Many employers prefer candidates who have a graduate degree such as a Master’s degree in structural engineering. This can give you a competitive advantage for leadership roles.
Complete Licensing Requirements
Licensing requirements vary slightly by state but generally involve:
- Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Working under the supervision of a Professional Engineer (PE) for 4 years
- Passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The PE license allows structural engineers to sign off and seal structural plans. Some states require a special structural engineering exam and license endorsement instead of just the general PE.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The typical work activities and duties of a structural engineer across different industries include:
Analysis and Design
- Analyze load impacts, gravity, wind, seismic and applicant loads using engineering software
- Design members, connections, lateral systems for strength, stability and stiffness
- Develop framing schemes/layouts, column locations and structural systems
- Perform analysis for temporary structures used during construction
Documentation
- Develop structural construction documents including plans, specs and diagrams
- Provide detailed drawings showing size, location, materials of structural members
- Write reports documenting analysis, test results and design recommendations
Project Management & Administration
- Participate in design team meetings with architects and builders
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies to secure permits and approvals
- Manage budget,Timeline and quality control throughout project
- Select construction materials and review testing/inspection reports
Research & Special Projects
- Conduct research on building materials, structural systems and design techniques
- Use structural testing models and equipment to test prototypes
- Work on specialty projects like developing seismic designs
Steps to Becoming a Structural Engineer
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to start your structural engineering career:
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering
A structural engineering undergraduate program provides foundational engineering knowledge plus structural-specific training in mechanics, analysis, design, testing and drawing.
Some top schools for structural engineering include UC Berkeley, Stanford, Georgia Tech and Purdue.
2. Consider a Graduate Degree
Pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD in structural engineering gives advanced expertise in niche areas like wind and seismic engineering. This can prepare you for management roles or research and teaching careers in structural engineering.
3. Take the FE Exam
The FE exam certifies your readiness for an entry-level engineering position. It covers subjects like math, ethics, statics, dynamics and materials resistance. You can take the exam your senior year or within 12 months of graduating.
4. Get Structural Engineering Experience
Most states require you gain 4 years of acceptable structural engineering experience before the PE exam. This is done under the supervision and mentorship of a licensed PE.
Rotational engineer training programs offered by larger firms are a good way to get this experience.
5. Pass the PE Exam
The PE structural engineering exam has two components – a general morning section and an afternoon structural section covering analysis/design. Upon passing this test, you will be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
6. Consider Specialty Certifications or Licensing
Some states require a separate structural license or certification beyond the general PE to sign structural plans. Optional certifications like becoming a Certified Welding Engineer demonstrate deeper specialty expertise.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master’s degree to become a structural engineer?
How much does a structural engineer make starting out?
What is the hardest part of being a structural engineer?
Should I get my PE before or after graduate school?
What other jobs can structural engineers hold?
Conclusion
Structural engineering is a rewarding career choice for those passionate about designing the structural frameworks that form the foundation of modern society’s infrastructure.
As a structural engineer, you get to merge technical aptitude, problem-solving and creativity to make buildings and bridges safer.
Though the path requires advanced education and progressive licensing, structural engineers are well compensated financially and can make an enormous positive impact through innovations in structural engineering.
By following the roadmap outlined above you will be well on your way to joining this stable, growing and exciting engineering profession in 2024 and beyond.