Structural engineer
Create and improve the structure for all kinds of building projects. You could champion sustainable building practices!
About the job
What it's like
You'll be a key part of a team of construction professionals. You'll help build safer, more sustainable buildings and structures. You might work on everything from houses, theatres and hospitals to bridges, wind turbines and space satellites.
You'll create and improve the structure for all kinds of building projects.
You would:
work with clients, architects, contractors and other professionals on construction plans
develop design ideas using computer-aided design (CAD)
research different materials and decide which would be suitable for the job
work out the loads and stresses on different parts of a structure
use computer simulations to learn what will happen to structures under different conditions, such as high winds or earth tremors
inspect unsafe buildings and recommend options for repairs or demolition
make sure projects meet legal, environmental and health and safety requirements
prepare bids for tenders
manage project teams and give reports to clients and senior managers
You'd need to come up with practical, attractive designs within a budget.
Green jobÂ
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.Â
Hours
You'd normally work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Environment
You'd have a combination of office work and site visits.
Travel
There may be the chance to work on projects around the world, depending on your employer and the nature of the projects you are working on.
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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.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy 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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- structural engineering
- tekla (bim software)
- masonry
- structural analysis
- staad
- structural calculations
- structural materials
- sap 2000
- structural health monitoring
- structural engineering software
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:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Geography
Physics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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.
To qualify, you'll normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification in structural or civil engineering such as a BEng or MEng degree (SCQF Level 11) in structural engineering.
You may also be able to get started with a degree in a related subject such as construction, the built environment or maths, but it may take you longer to qualify.
There are no Structural Engineering qualifications below degree level (SCFQ Level 9/10) in Scotland but relevant courses in areas such as Civil Engineering are available from SCQF Level 6.
To enter a Structural Engineering degree (SCQF Level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) you'll usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
An alternative route may be to start as an engineering technician by completing an HNC/HND (SCQF Level 7/8) in an engineering subject. You can then become a fully qualified structural engineer with further training on the job.
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.
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