insights 5 essential skills for structural engineers
What is a structural engineer?
Structural engineering is a subdivision of civil engineering where the key focus is infrastructure projects' design, analysis, and construction. Engineers in this field are responsible for designing structural processes, ensuring they can withstand forces and different weather conditions, analysing structural performance, inspecting and evaluating existing structures, and more.
Structural engineers, therefore, play a vital role in ensuring that our built environment is safe, reliable, and functional.
At AtkinsRéalis , we provide a full range of design, engineering and project management services for buildings, transportation and other infrastructure programmes. This opens you up to a range of opportunities in terms of the projects and experts across the business you’ll work with.
We’ve put together five key soft and hard skills, you’ll need to excel as a Structural Engineer:
Communication skills
The projects you work on will be complex and require a technical understanding. However, not all of the stakeholders you collaborate with will have this same understanding.
This is why communication is an essential skill for a Structural Engineer. You’ll need the ability to communicate technical information in a clear and concise way.
Technical skills
There are many components in this role that require technical skills. Here are a few that you should be proficient in:
- Computer-Aided Decision (CAD) - this software is used to create 2D and 3D structural designs.
- Structural design - you’ll need to understand the behaviour of different structures and how to design different structural elements.
- Building regulations - knowledge of building codes and regulations to maintain safety.
Attention to detail
Structural integrity is a critical part of this job. As you design buildings, dams, bridges, and more, you will need to pay great attention to detail. Whether you are looking at the materials to use in a project, the measurements of a building or adhering to regulations - attention to detail will help you to deliver safe and reliable projects.
Teamworking and interpersonal skills
You’ll collaborate with Architects, Contractors and other interdisciplinary teams and all work towards a common goal. Teamwork allows you to deliver the best possible outcome on your projects. We deliver projects economically and efficiently.
Structural engineering projects are complex and have a lot of different aspects that feed into them. You’ll also be working with tight deadlines. Coordinating with your teams ensures that nothing slips through the cracks, you have different perspectives, as well as your own personal development.
Decision-making skills
In this role, you’ll be making a lot of independent decisions in the planning, organizing and coordination of solutions to complex problems. From conception to completion, Structural Engineers manage projects where every decision is an important part of the overall project outcome.
You want to ensure that everyone on your team is safe, the building meets requirements, and you are able to finish the project on time.
Create a better-built environment with AtkinsRéalis
With Structural Engineers in high demand, we are looking for talented professionals to join our team in the APAC region.
As one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, you’ll build the skills you need to thrive in your career.
Push the boundaries of design with AtkinsRéalis and explore our Structural Engineering roles.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/11/2024
Summary
Hello. I'm Karen, a Senior Programme Manager in Project & Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. Born to Ghanaian parents and raised in North London, my journey has been one of resilience
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/10/2024
Summary
From engineering internships to leadership roles: My journey at AtkinsRéalis Discovering leadership through my civil engineering internships Allô, my name is Karolane. I work at AtkinsRéalis
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/08/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that sustainability is more than just a goal - it shapes everything we do. For over a decade, our team members, like the one you'll meet today, have b
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
In the rapidly evolving world of energy, having the right foundation in nuclear and net zero energy is crucial. AtkinsRéalis stands at the forefront of this sector, offering abundant opportuniti
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/01/2024
Summary
We interviewed Turki Ghesheyan on his experience with the AtkinsRéalis Saudi Graduate Program. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Turki, I am an Architectural Engineer who graduated from
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we have a team of local, regional, and international experts in the UAE who are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in the market to meet the needs of our clients. The UAE i
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Sherif, and I work at AtkinsRéalis in London. As a principal fire engineer, I'm proud to "engineer a better future" every day here, specifically as our work relates to shaping
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since the 1990s. Technically complex and the country’s largest infrastructure project – our talented people from
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hi! I'm Alina, an associate director specialized in transport infrastructure engineering. I lead the North-West Estimating team in Project & Programme Services here in Manchester. Over the past
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/27/2024
Summary
Across the evolving landscape of the Middle East, Architects play a large part in designing and planning complex building structures that are in line with groundbreaking innovation. The constructio
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
In the fast-paced world of consultancy, architecture, and project management, the need for forward-thinking leadership and innovative strategies has never been more critical. At AtkinsRéalis, we
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/13/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Dilini! Two years ago, after completing my doctorate in structural fire engineering, I began practicing in the UK fire engineering industry. I'm proud to have contributed
Related jobs
We are sorry but we currently have no jobs in this area.
Continue browsing to look at our other available opportunities
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more