Example Career Paths
- At the beginning of their careers, structural engineers work under licensed professional engineers (P.E.) or structural engineers (S.E.) designing small structures or components of more complex structures. Structural engineers are expected to determine applicable loads, determine load paths, analyze the structure or component for maximum load effects, and size and select members to resist maximum load effects and ensure compliance with applicable building codes. Typical project activities include design modeling, calculations, fieldwork, and extensive oral and written communication.
- Subsequent to professional registration, a structural engineer will be responsible for selection of appropriate systems for structural efficiency that meet project budgetary constraints. At this level, the structural engineer will generally work independently or in a small team led by a senior structural engineer. The engineer may supervise other engineers-in-training (E.I.T.).
- After a decade or more experience, a structural engineer may be in responsible charge of advanced and complex projects, leading a large team or division of structural engineers. The individual will generally be responsible for resource allocation from start to finish, project scheduling, and monetary profit or loss. The individual will be responsible for setting direction, developing proposals for new work, maintaining existing clients, and addressing problems.
- In a large company, an experienced structural engineer may advance to a position of managing all engineering activities on a large, complex project, including other disciplines such as process, architectural, mechanical, and electrical.
- A senior engineer may specialize in a technical area, such as seismic analysis of LNG tanks, or cold weather design of dynamically loaded structures. A technical expert in a large company has the opportunity to solve unique problems in projects located all around the world. An engineer may also participate in code committees, speak at conferences, write papers, and influence future engineering research and design.
- As an engineer demonstrates ability to manage clients, employees and work quality, budget and schedule, areas of responsibility may increase to include all activities on large, complex projects, including engineering, procurement and construction. Later an engineer may manage an entire office. Eventually a structural engineer can become a general manager, partner, and owner in businesses ranging from small consulting firms to some of the largest companies in the US.
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