Enter the field of engineering as a structural engineer
Are you looking for engineering jobs? A structural engineer plays a vital role in the construction process. To succeed in engineering, you’ll need excellent problem-solving capabilities as well as technical skills. Read our blog to discover more about this fascinating profession.
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What do structural engineers actually do?
A structural engineer is tasked with designing buildings, and they are also required to design other structures such as bridges and tunnels. Professionals in this field can find employment consulting with architects wherein the architect will provide the layout for the building so that the engineer can work out what structural systems are required.
Steel and concrete are some of the options when it comes to devising the best materials to use. The choice of materials will also depend on weather conditions and other forces the building will need to endure. Professionals in this field work with beams and foundations but they also focus on columns and floors. These types of engineering jobs are typically offered when new buildings are being designed, however, structural engineers can also play a role in the demolition of structures.
A primary objective of structural engineers is to ensure the safety of the people who are using the building. While safety is a core concern when structural engineers are designing a building, they also need to factor in aesthetics as well as expenses. During the construction process, the structural engineer inspects sites and supervises task completion. They communicate information about technical data clearly so that other members of the construction team understand how to implement their design.
Requirements and skills
To work in this profession you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Structural engineers need to have outstanding analytical capabilities, and creativity and the ability to pay attention to detail are also required. Technical skills are essential for this role. Structural engineers need interpersonal capabilities to work with team members. Likewise, communication skills are required to liaise with architects and other staff members. Computer literacy and the ability to operate computer-aided drafting software are vital. Structural engineers are required to use software such as AutoCAD, RISA, Excel, and word-processing programs.
An understanding of construction management can increase your chances of being hired. Professionals in this field need to keep up-to-date with the latest safety regulations in their industry. Problem-solving capabilities are necessary, and structural engineers need to be able to make decisions to ensure the success of complex building designs. They’ll also be required to possess mathematical capabilities and written communication skills for writing reports. Both theoretical knowledge and practical experience are required for these engineering jobs.
Alternative job opportunities and salary expectation
Alternative engineering jobs include working as an architect or as a civil engineering technician. An architect designs buildings, however, they place more focus on practicality and aesthetics than structure. They select building materials, create construction drawings, and assess the needs of the client. Another duty that is important for architects to carry out is helping to assemble permits and contracts. If you want to pursue an engineering career without a bachelor’s degree, you can look for roles as a technician. A civil engineering technician is responsible for offering support to structural and civil engineers. They are tasked with inspecting project sites to assess the quality of the work. They also assess the durability of the materials that are being used during the construction process. While a bachelor’s degree is not required for this role, additional training and qualifications are advantageous.
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Work environment and salary
Structural engineers work in a comfortable office environment. They are also required to travel to constructions sites where they will be expected to complete tasks outdoors. A structural engineer can expect to earn an average annual salary of R356 635. Relevant work experience, as well as Microsoft Word capabilities, are associated with higher pay for these engineering jobs.
Now that you know a little more about what it takes to be a structural engineer, you can find structural engineering jobs online.
