Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering and as the name suggests, focuses on the design of large structures. Engineers must create a structure like a building or a piece of infrastructure that can withstand the pressures of their environment and stay stable and safe throughout that structure’s lifetime.
Structural engineers work alongside other members of an engineering team that can include designers, architects and civil engineers. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Analyzing blueprints, maps, reports and geographic data.
- Estimating materials costs.
- Calculating load and grade requirements and other stress factors.
- Inspecting project sizes to monitor progress and ensure the product is adhering to specifications.
- Managing members of the engineering support staff.
In addition to technical skills, structural engineers need strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills.
Required Education and Experience
Education levels, certifications, licenses and experience for structural engineering jobs can vary greatly, but most positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and many require a master’s degree. Structural engineers are often required to have a license in the state where they are working, and it is common for structural engineers to maintain multiple state licenses, especially if they work for a large firm that provides regional or national services.
Job Outlook
The salary aggregator at Indeed puts the average salary for structural engineers in Georgia at $83,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the national average is $83,540. Their data predicts that job openings will grow 11 percent through 2026, a pace faster than other fields. It is important to remember that salary and benefits packages will vary from job to job based on the requirements of the position, the size of the company, its geographic location and the experience of the candidate.
Current Opportunity for Structural Engineers
Selectek is currently recruiting for a structural engineer on a temp-to-hire basis for a company in Acworth, Georgia. The engineer will be responsible for the design of custom solutions for the support of telecommunications equipment such as elevated steel platforms, antenna mounting frames, etc. Candidates should have one to five years of experience, but the company is willing to consider recent graduates or current students interested in the telecom industry.
This position does require some travel and candidates should possess a valid driver’s license. The ideal applicants will be proficient with Microsoft Office and have functional skills in AutoCAD. You can learn more about this opportunity or apply online here.
If you are an experienced structural engineer looking for exciting new opportunities in the Southeast region of the U.S., we encourage you to reach out to the expert recruiters at Selectek. We are always seeking strong engineering talent to match with some of the most innovative companies in the region. Contact us today to learn more about our process for helping you take the next step in your career.
