structural engineer.

Specific tasks and responsibilities of structural engineers include:

• designing structures: as a structural engineer, you develop the structural design of a building from the architectural design. When designing the system , you factor in the physical conditions influencing its lifespan. Using the architect's drawing, you calculate the extent of load the construction  can withstand and incorporate technical specifications to improve structural soundness.
• maintaining building structures: a structural engineer should periodically maintain a building to ensure it lasts a long time. This involves assessing the structural support system to ensure it is not prone to deterioration. You check for defects in the building and supervise repairs. Maintenance takes place throughout the life of a building structure.
• supervising the construction site: you visit construction sites occasionally to ensure the construction team adheres to the building plans. As a structural engineer, you oversee  the delivery of building materials and enforce safety measures onsite. For instance, ensure the workers have personal protective equipment and restrict entry for unauthorised persons.
• preparing reports: as a structural engineer, you test the structural strength of a building and prepare a report. The structural reports are usually important during purchases or sales of the property to determine the state of the building and measure cost.
• When a building or structure has defects, you ascertain the severity and implications of the defects.
• selecting appropriate materials: as a structural engineer, you assist the construction team in finding the best building materials. During the selection process, you test the materials to verify their strength. It is vital to ensure the building materials create a sturdy structure.
• investigating collapsed structures: when a building collapses, you are part of the investigation team that determines the cause of the collapse. You analyse the strength of the materials and the integrity of the foundations.

The work environment of structural engineers depends on whether they work as consultants or contractors. When you work as a consultant, you spend most of your time in an office environment developing plans, managing projects and generating blueprints. While you occasionally visit the construction site, the visits take a small portion of your time.

Structural engineers working as contractors spend most of their time at construction sites. The work environment is noisy and dusty. Sometimes, you also work under extreme weather conditions like sun and rain.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include civil engineers, project managers, and site managers. You might also be working close to construction project managers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers and site supervisors, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, architects, cost estimators and quantity surveyors.

The work schedule of a structural engineer depends on the project's complexity. When you are working on complex projects, you will likely spend more hours on the job. Standard full-time positions are 40 hours a week. However, you might work overtime when meeting clients and making site visits. Some specialisms require working in shifts or at night. For instance, if you work on railways or buildings, you conduct site inspections at night to avoid disrupting the daily work activities.

A career in structural engineering provides exciting job opportunities. Structural engineers progress to other construction roles like construction manager or project manager positions. Some structural engineers specialise in diverse fields like aeronautics, oil and energy or building construction.

Finding your structural engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a structural engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

You prepare designs and drawings for buildings and other structures as a structural engineer.  You perform calculations on the loads and stresses to improve the stability of a structure. Structural engineers advise construction managers on the materials and thickness of walls to ensure a structure is stable. You also assist with obtaining building regulations approval by providing proof of the stability of a building.

If you have a passion for construction, science and engineering, becoming a structural engineer is an excellent career. It is a rewarding career with promising career prospects and lucrative remuneration packages. Besides, you feel a sense of accomplishment for creating iconic buildings or valuable infrastructure  in society.

Structural engineers are in demand for infrastructural developments and building constructions. Their experience designing multi-storey buildings and other infrastructure projects is integral to the construction industry. Aside from working in construction companies, most structural engineers work in consultancy firms or government agencies.

An architect draws building plans and designs spaces from the client's visual guidance and preference. They ensure the building plans meet construction regulations and codes. A structural engineer designs large-scale projects and draws building plans with a focus on the strength and durability of the structures.

Applying for a structural engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our structural engineer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.