Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

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:

 

Structural engineer and foreman worker with touch pad discuss, plan working for the outdoors building construction site. 

 

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

 

Related blogs

Saeed : Designing the tools that keep nuclear work safe

Saeed is a Tooling Engineer at Candu Energy Inc., an AtkinsRéalis company, contributing to some of the largest and most technically demanding nuclear refurbishment projects.

Card link for Saeed : Designing the tools that keep nuclear work safe

What makes early careers at AtkinsRéalis different? Peter’s story reveals it.

Explore how Peter’s graduate journey at AtkinsRéalis was shaped by real‑world responsibility, supportive teams, and leadership access, setting the foundation for early career success.

Card link for What makes early careers at AtkinsRéalis different? Peter’s story reveals it.

My first 60 days at AtkinsRéalis – Gahee’s journey into people, culture, and change

From warm welcomes to meaningful impact, Gahee Jeong reflects on her first 60 days at AtkinsRéalis while navigating global HR practices, local leadership, and growth from day one.

Card link for My first 60 days at AtkinsRéalis – Gahee’s journey into people, culture, and change

From day one to driving impact: Haresh on his early journey at AtkinsRéalis

Meet Haresh, driving direction, strengthening delivery, and building global alignment from the very start.

Card link for From day one to driving impact: Haresh on his early journey at AtkinsRéalis
A portrait picture of Bethan on her graduation day

Starting my nuclear engineering journey: Early experiences shaping my career

Meet Bethan and read how she’s building her career as a Graduate Electrical Engineer working on major nuclear projects at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Starting my nuclear engineering journey: Early experiences shaping my career
A smiling picture of Remya

Remya on nuclear design, multidisciplinary problem‑solving, and what drives her work

Meet Remya, an EC&I engineer leading nuclear design across global markets and read how variety, flexibility, and multidisciplinary work have shaped her career at AtkinsRéalis .

Card link for Remya on nuclear design, multidisciplinary problem‑solving, and what drives her work
Headshot of Ejike

Ejike on joining as a graduate, leading nuclear projects in Bristol, and why no two days are the same

Meet Ejike, an EC&I engineer who joined AtkinsRéalis as a graduate and now leads complex nuclear projects.

Card link for Ejike on joining as a graduate, leading nuclear projects in Bristol, and why no two days are the same

Spains Hall Estate: What happens when you let beavers solve a flooding problem

Discover how environmental science and natural processes combined to manage flooding in Essex.

Card link for Spains Hall Estate: What happens when you let beavers solve a flooding problem

From Lake District tarns to highway runoff analysis: Maisie on starting a career in water quality

Meet Maisie, a Junior Environmental Scientist at AtkinsRéalis, and read how her Lake District upbringing shaped her path into water quality and environmental protection.

Card link for From Lake District tarns to highway runoff analysis: Maisie on starting a career in water quality
Deeksha

"Instead of feeling drained, I felt - this is exactly where I want to be”: Deeksha on going from intern to employee, badminton semi-finals, and the side of HR nobody sees

From intern to Graduate HR Analyst, Deeksha’s journey at AtkinsRéalis reflects how early exposure, supportive teams, and meaningful work can shape a strong start to a career.

Card link for "Instead of feeling drained, I felt - this is exactly where I want to be”: Deeksha on going from intern to employee, badminton semi-finals, and the side of HR nobody sees

From ticket handling to running the operation alone as an SME: Ponnamma on three promotions, stargazing, and why she never says no

From handling onboarding tickets to leading HR operations for the UK & Ireland, Ponnamma’s journey at AtkinsRéalis reflects steady growth, ownership, and a mindset of saying yes to new challenges.

Card link for From ticket handling to running the operation alone as an SME: Ponnamma on three promotions, stargazing, and why she never says no

Six months in and managing Canadian snow plow operators from Bengaluru: Kavya on her first year at AtkinsRéalis

In just six months at AtkinsRéalis, Kavya stepped into managing international coordination for Canadian snow plow operations from Bengaluru. Her journey reflects how early responsibility, supportive teams, and a culture of trust can accelerate growth from day one.

Card link for Six months in and managing Canadian snow plow operators from Bengaluru: Kavya on her first year at AtkinsRéalis

Related jobs

Project Coordinator
Nuclear Project & Programme Management Full time
Project Coordinator

Various locations

Bid Lead, Major Bids & Strategy
Nuclear Business Development Full time
Bid Lead, Major Bids & Strategy

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Lead Planner
Transportation Risk Management & Project Controls Full time
Lead Planner

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Grants Resiliency and Master Planning Intern – Fall 2026
Project, programme & cost management Risk Management & Project Controls Part time
Grants Resiliency and Master Planning Intern – Fall 2026

Miami, Florida, United States of America

Multi Market Director - Technology
Cities & development Consultancy, Strategy & Advisory Full time
Multi Market Director - Technology

Generic, Wyoming, United States of America

Grants Resiliency and Master Planning Intern – Fall 2026
Project, programme & cost management Risk Management & Project Controls Part time
Grants Resiliency and Master Planning Intern – Fall 2026

Tampa, Florida, United States of America

Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Clean power Engineering Full time
Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Various locations

Especialista en Hidrología e Hidráulica Intermedio
Engineering Full time
Especialista en Hidrología e Hidráulica Intermedio

Lima, Lima, Peru

Intermediate Civil/Structural Engineer
Nuclear Engineering Full time
Intermediate Civil/Structural Engineer

Various locations

BI & Analytics Lead
Transportation Digital Full time
BI & Analytics Lead

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Ingénieur(e) intermédiaire – Structure de bâtiment | Montréal
Cities & development Engineering Full time
Ingénieur(e) intermédiaire – Structure de bâtiment | Montréal

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Commercial Director
Cities & development Cost, Commercial & Procurement Full time
Commercial Director

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

group of people talking to each other

Everyone belongs

We empower each individual to shine and contribute to our collective impact. We believe in the power of unique perspectives. It’s how we’re engineering a better future every single day.