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Structural Engineer Job Description (2026): Duties, Skills and Salary

A structural engineer designs and analyzes the load-bearing parts of buildings, bridges and other structures: foundations, frames, beams and connections. They make sure a structure can handle its own weight, its occupants, and forces like wind, snow and earthquakes, within the relevant building codes.

The job splits between calculation and coordination: running analysis in software, producing drawings and calculations that pass review, and working with architects and contractors who need the structure to fit their plans and budget. Most structural engineers specialize by building type or material over time.

Structural Engineer job description template

Copy it, replace everything in [brackets] and cut what doesn't apply. Keep the requirements to what the job really needs.

Template · replace the [brackets]

Structural Engineer

[Company] · [City and office days, or remote with the countries or time zones you hire in] · [Full-time]

About [Company]

[Two or three sentences on what your company does, who it serves and why this team matters now.]

About the role

[Company] is hiring a structural engineer to design and analyze structures for [project types, e.g. commercial buildings, bridges or residential developments]. You'll produce calculations and drawings, coordinate with [architects / contractors], and make sure designs meet code.

What you'll do

  • Analyze and design structural systems, including foundations, framing and connections.
  • Run structural analysis using software such as [ETABS / SAP2000 / RISA].
  • Prepare structural drawings, specifications and calculation packages for permitting.
  • Review shop drawings and respond to contractor requests for information (RFIs) during construction.
  • Ensure designs comply with relevant building codes and standards.
  • Coordinate with architects, MEP engineers and contractors to resolve design conflicts.
  • Visit sites to assess existing structures or observe construction progress.
  • Check and stamp calculations and drawings as a licensed engineer where applicable.

What you'll bring

  • [X]+ years of structural design experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering.
  • Proficiency with structural analysis software and [AutoCAD / Revit].
  • Working knowledge of relevant codes, such as [IBC / ASCE 7 / ACI 318].
  • Strong understanding of statics, materials and load analysis.
  • Clear technical writing for calculations and reports.
  • PE license, or progress toward one, depending on seniority.

Nice to have

  • PE or SE license already in hand.
  • Experience with [steel / concrete / wood / seismic] design specifically.
  • Experience with BIM coordination on Revit models.
  • Experience with a specific project type, such as [bridges, industrial facilities or high-rises].

What we offer

  • [Pay range: e.g. $X–$Y base salary, plus bonus or equity if offered]
  • [PE exam support and bonus, professional membership dues covered, hybrid schedule]
  • [Health cover, retirement or pension plan, paid time off, parental leave]
  • [Work authorization: whether you can sponsor a visa or hire through an employer of record]

[Our process: a recruiter call, a technical interview on a past project, a design problem or calculation review, and a final interview with the engineering lead.]

[Your equal opportunity statement, and how candidates can ask for adjustments during the process]

Put the pay range in the ad. Several US states, including California, Colorado, New York and Washington, require it in job postings, and the EU Pay Transparency Directive gives applicants the right to know the starting pay or its range before the interview.

Structural Engineer duties by seniority

What the job usually looks like at each level. Pitch the ad at one level and say which in the title.

Junior

  • Runs analysis and prepares drawings for defined parts of a project under review.
  • Learns relevant codes and the firm's design standards.
  • Supports senior engineers with calculations and site visits.

Mid-level

  • Owns structural design for a project or major component independently.
  • Coordinates directly with architects and contractors on design issues.
  • Reviews junior engineers' calculations and drawings.

Senior

  • Leads structural design across multiple projects or a major program.
  • Stamps calculations and takes legal responsibility for designs as a licensed PE.
  • Mentors engineers and sets design standards for the team.

Structural Engineer career path

  1. Structural Engineer I (EIT)
  2. Structural Engineer
  3. Senior Structural Engineer
  4. Principal Engineer or Engineering Manager

Structural engineer starts with a civil or structural engineering degree, often followed by the EIT exam, work experience and then a PE license. From senior engineer, paths split toward technical specialization, project management, or firm leadership.

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Structural Engineer job description FAQ

What does a structural engineer do?

Designs and analyzes the load-bearing parts of buildings and other structures, making sure they safely handle their own weight and forces like wind or seismic loads, and produces the calculations and drawings needed for permitting.

What skills should a structural engineer job description require?

A civil or structural engineering degree, proficiency with structural analysis software, working knowledge of relevant codes, and PE licensure for senior roles. State the project types so candidates can judge their fit.

Does a structural engineer need a PE license?

Entry-level engineers usually don't need one yet, but most firms expect engineers to pursue a PE license over their first several years, since stamping calculations legally requires it in most jurisdictions.