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Structural Engineer (m/f/d)

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Structural engineers – creating the basis for successful buildings

Structural engineers play a major role in both the construction of new buildings and the conversion of existing buildings. They calculate the statics of buildings, engineering structures and other structural works by determining, for example, how strong the walls and ceilings of a house must be.

Which opportunities do structural engineers have on the labour market?

Structural engineers have good career prospects. The number of structural engineers subject to social insurance contributions has risen continuously throughout Germany during the last few years. They can work in a wide variety of industries, e.g. in the construction industry, in engineering offices or in the service sector. Approximately 15 per cent of all structural engineers work in public administration. It is also possible to work as a freelancer in a planning office.

What are the tasks and responsibilities of structural engineers?

Structural engineers deal with a great variety of tasks. They perform static calculations and determine the thickness of walls and ceilings as well as the costs of buildings. They also prepare the proof of stability required according to building regulations law.

  • Structural design for the conversion of existing buildings
  • Preparation of expert opinions on the stability of buildings, e.g. after a natural disaster
  • Creation of engineering designs
  • Provision of advice to building owners, architects and civil engineers with regard to architectural statics
  • Monitoring of works at the construction site

Which hard skills and soft skills should structural engineers have?

To work as a structural engineer, either a Bachelor’s degree in architecture or civil engineering or a completed dual course of study supplemented with training at a company is required. Structural engineers require knowledge in the fields of structural design, architectural statics, materials science and building technology. In addition, they have to be able to perform complex calculations. Expert knowledge in building informatics, business administration and geology as well as in building and architectural law is required as well.

Structural engineers should also have strong communication skills as well as the ability to provide detailed advice and expert support to customers.

  • Good user knowledge of MS Office programs and CAD-FEM tools
  • A logical way of thinking
  • Sound communication skills in German, oral and written, often also in English
  • An independent and creative way of working
  • Team spirit
  • Willingness to work overtime
  • Resilience, even in stressful situations
  • Reliability, loyalty and discretion

What is the average salary of structural engineers?

Structural engineers receive a salary according to the current collective bargaining agreements. The starting salary amounts to about EUR 45,000 per year, which rises to approximately EUR 55,000 after two years of professional experience, and even further with increasing professional experience and responsibility. Structural engineers who work as divisional managers, for example, have an average annual salary of EUR 78,600.