What Does a Structural Engineer Do?
A structural engineer designs and analyzes the load-bearing parts of buildings, bridges, and industrial structures so they hold up under gravity, wind, seismic, and equipment loads. They size beams, columns, foundations, and connections, produce the calculations and drawings, and review shop drawings during construction. Most work at structural or multidiscipline consulting firms; others work for contractors, manufacturers, and public agencies. Employers usually require a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a structural emphasis, an Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate at the entry level, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license plus 4 or more years for a project-level role.
Employers confuse the title with several similar roles. A civil engineer handles site grading, roads, drainage, and utilities, and a geotechnical engineer studies the soil and writes the bearing capacity and settlement recommendations the structural engineer designs the foundation to. An architect shapes the building and hires the structural engineer to design the structure that holds it up. A BIM modeler or Revit technician turns the engineer’s sketches and calculations into the model and sheets and does no analysis.
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Hiring a Structural Engineer: What to Expect
Structural engineers come almost entirely from other consulting firms, and building-side and bridge-side engineers rarely cross over because they design to different codes (IBC and ASCE 7 against AASHTO LRFD). Screen for the codes the candidate designs to every day, the software they built their last model in, whether they have sealed drawings, and a construction-phase story such as an RFI or a field condition they resolved. Ask them to walk through the lateral system of the last building or the superstructure of the last bridge they worked on; a project-level engineer can do it from memory.
Structural engineer postings often have a license mismatch: requiring a PE while paying at the EIT level, or requiring an SE license in a state that does not require one for the firm’s project types. State which license the work requires and in which states, and if an EIT who is sitting for the PE within a year would do, say so. The pool of licensed structural engineers who will change firms in a given year is small, and a posting that asks for more license than the work needs loses most of it.
A posting for this role should say whether the work is buildings, bridges, or industrial structures, and name the analysis software the team uses, such as RAM, RISA, ETABS, or SAP2000. Candidates describe their experience by software package and code, so the list helps the right engineers recognize the job.
On architecture and engineering searches, 4 Corner Resources typically submits qualified candidates within 2 to 5 days, clients interview an average of 1.4 candidates per hire, and we submit 1.82 candidates per hire.
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Structural Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Perform gravity and lateral load analysis for steel, concrete, masonry, and wood structures using RAM, RISA, ETABS, SAP2000, or similar software
- Size structural members, connections, and foundations and document the calculations for permit review
- Develop framing plans, sections, details, and general notes in Revit or AutoCAD with the drafting team
- Coordinate the structural model with architectural and MEP models in Revit and Autodesk Construction Cloud and resolve clashes before documents go out
- Evaluate existing buildings for renovations, change of occupancy, and added loads, including field investigation
- Review shop drawings, respond to RFIs, and conduct site observations during construction
- Prepare structural specifications and apply the governing codes (IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360, NDS, and local amendments), confirming which edition each jurisdiction has adopted
- Write scope and hour estimates for proposals and track hours against budget on assigned projects
- Mentor EITs and review their calculations before the engineer of record seals the set
- Check AI-generated text, code references, and design scripts by hand before they go into calculations or specifications
- Respond to plan review comments from the building department or state DOT
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Analysis and design experience in at least two of steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, and wood
- Proficiency in at least one structural analysis package (RAM Structural System, RISA-3D, ETABS, SAP2000, or STAAD.Pro)
- Working knowledge of Revit and the ability to mark up and check drawings produced by others in Bluebeam Revu
- Command of the IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360, and NDS, or AASHTO LRFD for bridge work
- Foundation design from a geotechnical report, including spread footings, mats, and deep foundations
- Lateral system design for wind and seismic loads, including diaphragm and collector design
- Ability to produce clear, checkable hand calculations alongside software output
Soft skills
- Care for detail, since a missed load combination shows up as a crack or a failure years later
- Comfort telling an architect a span or a cantilever will not work as drawn
- Written clarity in calculations, RFI responses, and field reports
- Willingness to go to the job site and climb into the structure to see a condition firsthand
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a structural emphasis, or in architectural engineering, from an ABET-accredited program
- Master’s degree in structural engineering is common and often expected for seismic or high-rise work
Certifications
- Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate for entry-level roles
- Professional Engineer (PE) license for project-level roles and engineer-of-record duties
- Structural Engineer (SE) license, which requires passing the NCEES SE exam, where the state or project type requires it, such as California, Washington, Illinois, or Hawaii
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience as engineer of record on completed projects of the firm’s size and type
- Seismic design experience under ASCE 7 Chapter 12 for firms in high-seismic regions
- Experience with existing-building evaluation under ASCE 41 or the International Existing Building Code
- Familiarity with Tekla Structures, Bluebeam Revu, Navisworks, and Autodesk Construction Cloud for coordination and review
- Post-tensioned concrete or pre-engineered metal building design experience
- Experience with design-build contractors and the faster review cycles they expect
- Python, Grasshopper, or Dynamo scripting to automate repetitive design checks and model updates
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Make?
Typical national range: $88,820 to $113,291, with a national average of $94,382. Salary data reviewed October 2026 by 4 Corner Resources.
Structural engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Structural Engineer is:
$94,382
Sample Job Description Templates for Structural Engineers
Structural Engineer (Building Design Firm)
Position Overview
We are hiring a Structural Engineer with 3 to 6 years of experience to join our building structures group. You will analyze and design steel, concrete, and wood structures for commercial, education, and multifamily projects, produce construction documents in Revit with our drafting team, and support construction administration. The role reports to a Senior Structural Engineer and works directly with the architects who hire us.
Responsibilities
- Analyze and design gravity and lateral systems using RAM Structural System and RISA-3D
- Prepare framing plans, details, and calculations for permit submission
- Coordinate structural models with architectural and MEP consultants in Revit and Autodesk Construction Cloud
- Review shop drawings and respond to RFIs during construction
- Conduct site visits and write field observation reports
- Check calculations prepared by EITs
- Check AI-assisted calculations, scripts, and code references by hand before they go into a calculation package
Requirements
Hard skills
- 3 or more years of building structural design experience
- Proficiency in RAM Structural System or RISA-3D and Revit
- Working knowledge of IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360, and NDS
- Experience designing in at least two structural materials
- Drawing markup and review in Bluebeam Revu
Soft skills
- Organized across 4 to 6 active projects
- Comfortable raising a design concern with an architect early
- Clear writer of calculations and RFI responses
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil or architectural engineering; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- PE license, or EIT with the PE exam scheduled within 12 months
Senior Structural Engineer (PE, Project Lead)
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Structural Engineer to serve as engineer of record and lead projects from proposal through construction. You will manage project teams of 2 to 4 engineers and drafters, own the technical quality and budget of your projects, and be the primary structural contact for our architect and owner clients. The role reports to the Structural Department Manager and is a path to associate.
Responsibilities
- Serve as engineer of record and seal construction documents
- Lead the design of structural systems and select the framing approach with the architect
- Plan staffing and hour budgets for assigned projects and track performance
- Review the work of project engineers and EITs for accuracy and completeness
- Write proposals and negotiate scope and fee with clients
- Resolve construction-phase issues with contractors and inspectors
- Set the team’s rules for AI tools and design scripts, and confirm that an engineer checks any output used in sealed calculations
Requirements
Hard skills
- 8 or more years of structural design experience with 3 or more years as engineer of record
- Active PE license with the ability to obtain licensure in additional states
- Advanced lateral design experience, including seismic design in high-seismic regions where applicable
- Proficiency in ETABS or RAM Structural System, Revit, and Bluebeam Revu
- Working knowledge of the code editions adopted in each state where the firm practices, including ASCE 7-22 where adopted
Soft skills
- Takes ownership of the whole project outcome, including the parts others produce
- Mentors junior engineers with specific review comments
- Negotiates scope changes without damaging the client relationship
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required; SE license preferred
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with hospitals, fire stations, or other Risk Category IV facilities
- Existing relationships with architects or developers in our market
Bridge and Transportation Structural Engineer
Position Overview
Our transportation group is hiring a Bridge Structural Engineer to design and load-rate highway bridges, culverts, and retaining walls for state DOT and county clients. You will perform analysis under AASHTO LRFD, prepare plans and quantities to DOT standards, and support bridge inspection and rehabilitation projects. The role reports to the Bridge Group Lead and works with our roadway, hydraulics, and geotechnical teams.
Responsibilities
- Design prestressed concrete and steel girder bridges, substructures, and foundations under AASHTO LRFD
- Perform load ratings in AASHTOWare BrR and prepare rating reports
- Produce plan sheets, quantities, and cost estimates to state DOT drafting standards
- Support bridge inspections, review drone and photo inspection data, and write rehabilitation recommendations
- Coordinate with roadway and hydraulics engineers on bridge geometry and scour
- Respond to DOT review comments and contractor RFIs
Requirements
Hard skills
- 4 or more years of bridge design experience for state DOT clients
- Proficiency in AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and the DOT structures manual
- Experience with LEAP Bridge, MIDAS Civil, CSiBridge, or similar analysis software
- MicroStation or OpenBridge Modeler experience to DOT CADD standards, including 3D models where the DOT requires digital delivery
Soft skills
- Precise with quantities and plan details, since DOT reviewers check them line by line
- Comfortable with multi-year project timelines and milestone submittals
- Works well with hydraulics and roadway engineers on shared geometry
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering; master’s degree in structural engineering preferred
Certifications
- PE license required; NHI Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges certification preferred
Preferred qualifications
- Prequalification experience with our state DOT
- Accelerated bridge construction or complex steel design experience
Structural Engineer (Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities)
Position Overview
We are hiring a Structural Engineer to support capital projects at our manufacturing and process facilities. You will design equipment foundations, platforms, pipe racks, and building modifications, evaluate existing structures for new equipment loads, and review contractor and vendor drawings. The role reports to the Engineering Manager and works alongside mechanical, electrical, and process engineers on plant projects.
Responsibilities
- Design foundations and supports for heavy equipment, tanks, and conveyors, including vibration and anchor bolt design
- Design steel platforms, stairs, pipe racks, and mezzanines to AISC and OSHA requirements
- Evaluate existing building structures for added loads, openings, and crane upgrades
- Review vendor-supplied structural drawings and calculations for compliance
- Conduct field investigations and document existing conditions, using laser scan point clouds where available
- Support construction with RFIs, submittal review, and site observations
Requirements
Hard skills
- 5 or more years of structural design experience, with industrial or process facility work
- Proficiency in RISA-3D or STAAD.Pro and AutoCAD or Revit
- Experience modeling existing structures from laser scan point clouds in Revit or AutoCAD Plant 3D
- Experience with equipment foundations, vibrating machinery loads, and anchorage design under ACI 318 Chapter 17
- Knowledge of AISC 360, ASCE 7, and OSHA 1910 Subpart D for walking-working surfaces
Soft skills
- Practical about constructability inside an operating plant
- Comfortable working around production schedules and shutdown windows
- Communicates plainly with millwrights and contractors in the field
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering
Certifications
- PE license preferred
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with crane runway design under CMAA and AISC Design Guide 7
- Food, pharmaceutical, or chemical plant experience