Job profile
Structural Engineer (m/f/d)
Structural engineers – creating the basis for successful buildings
Structural engineers literally play a supporting role in the construction of buildings. These specialists calculate the statics of buildings, engineering structures and other structures. For example, the construction experts determine how strong the walls and ceilings of a house need to be.
Structural engineers are used in the case of new buildings and the conversion of existing buildings, and are responsible for the financial planning of a building, among other things. Accurate and precise planning of a building by a structural engineer can significantly reduce costs.
A structural engineer is essential for every construction project. They produce the required proof of stability in accordance with the building regulations.
The career prospects are extremely good for this professional group. They can find work in the construction industry, in engineering offices, and also in the service sector. About 15 percent of these experts are employed in public administration. You can become self-employed with a planning office as a structural engineer.
For companies:
Are you looking for an experienced structural engineer? (m/f/d)
Does your office need powerful support when it comes to statics and structural planning? Are you looking for a real professional who will support you as a freelancer with your customers’ structural changes or new buildings, and has mastered building law in their sleep? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll find what you are looking for.
For freelancer:
Are you looking for an exciting project as a structural engineer?
Have you already brought many building projects to a successful conclusion with your knowledge, and already supported a wide range of property developers via your work as a freelancer?
If so, bring in your knowledge and experience within a new, exciting project. Hays will help you to find the right one.
What constitutes a structural engineer?
Structural engineers have a wide range of tasks. They perform static calculations and determine the thickness of walls and ceilings as well as the cost of a building. Structural engineers do not only work on new buildings, but are also required for conversion work on existing buildings or any type of structure.
The tasks of structural engineers also include determining the basics, designing the structure and also implementation planning and production monitoring. Structural engineers also check the completeness and correctness of pre-prepared static construction documents, and are responsible for preparing the proof of stability that is required by the building regulations.
In summary, the everyday work of structural engineers is characterised by the following activities:
- Structural design for the conversion of existing buildings
- Preparation of expert opinions on the stability of buildings, e.g. after a natural disaster
- Production of engineering designs
- Provision of advice to building owners, architects and civil engineers with regard to architectural statics
- Monitoring of work on the construction site
- Production of proof of stability
- Mathematical verification of the required soundproofing, fire protection and thermal insulation values.
As in all engineering professions, knowledge of programs such as CAD and also knowledge of mathematics and IT is required in order to be able to work as a structural engineer. The core expertise of a structural engineer includes structural design, architectural statics, materials science and building technology. They also have to be able to perform complex calculations. Specialist knowledge of building informatics, business administration and geology is also required. Structural engineers should also be familiar with building and architectural law.
Soft skills include good communication skills and the ability to provide customers with detailed advice and professional support.
The most important knowledge for carrying out the profession of a structural engineer is:
- Good user knowledge of MS Office programs and CAD-FEM tools
- A logical way of thinking
- Good communication skills in German and often also English, both spoken and written.
- An independent and creative way of working
- Capability of working in a team
- Resilience, also in stressful situations
- Reliability, loyalty and discretion
As in all engineering professions, knowledge of programs such as CAD and also knowledge of mathematics and IT is required in order to be able to work as a structural engineer. The core expertise of a structural engineer includes structural design, architectural statics, materials science and building technology. They also have to be able to perform complex calculations. Specialist knowledge of building informatics, business administration and geology is also required. Structural engineers should also be familiar with building and architectural law.
Soft skills include good communication skills and the ability to provide customers with detailed advice and professional support.
The most important knowledge for carrying out the profession of a structural engineer is:
- Good user knowledge of MS Office programs and CAD-FEM tools
- A logical way of thinking
- Good communication skills in German and often also English, both spoken and written.
- An independent and creative way of working
- Capability of working in a team
- Resilience, also in stressful situations
- Reliability, loyalty and discretion
A degree is normally required to become a structural engineer.
You can choose between a bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering, construction management or civil engineering. A dual course of study supplemented by on the job training is also possible. You can then work on structural engineering with this degree. However, a master's degree and two years of professional experience are required in order to be able to issue proof of stability yourself as a qualified structural engineer.
A degree is normally required to become a structural engineer.
You can choose between a bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering, construction management or civil engineering. A dual course of study supplemented by on the job training is also possible. You can then work on structural engineering with this degree. However, a master's degree and two years of professional experience are required in order to be able to issue proof of stability yourself as a qualified structural engineer.
Structural engineer salary: What can you earn?
Permanently employed structural engineers are usually paid in accordance with a tariff. Career starters can expect a gross annual salary of around EUR 45,000. Once you have two years of professional experience, the average gross salary is EUR 55,000. The earnings are better in more senior positions. Heads of department receive an average gross annual salary of EUR 78,600.
On the other hand, if you work as a freelancer on a wide variety of projects, your salary depends on your calculations and your order situation – your annual salary can be significantly higher than that of a permanent employee.
What employment opportunities are available for structural engineers?
Hays will find exciting projects with well-known companies for freelance structural engineers.
How we bring structural engineers and companies together
We recruit structural engineers in accordance to our effective “Find & Engage” concept. This means: We know our applicants very well, and know what qualifications they have and where their strengths lie.
In a joint discussion we will find out what the goal of your project search is and what your dream company could look like. We then start to find the perfect match. Because we know your industry, and we keep a close eye on both your requirements and those of our partner companies when we are looking for your new project. We can introduce the initial projects as a structural engineer to you within a few days, and make contact with your future employers.
Once both parties have get to know each other properly and there is an interest in working together, all of the important framework conditions will be coordinated with us.
Successful job interview
Freelancers also have to convince their project partners during job interviews. We will provide you with useful tips for initially getting to know each other
Make use of personal branding
Some people don’t feel comfortable marketing themselves. However, it has its advantages - and we have plausible arguments in favour of it.
