Structural Engineer Jobs

How to Enter

There are two primary pathways to becoming a professional Structural Engineer in New Zealand. The first, and most common way, is to complete a four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree. The second, is a three-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree which enables people to become an Engineering Technologist.

The personal requirements for a Structural Engineer are the following:

Skilled at interpreting and analysing data
Practical and logical
Great at problem-solving
Conscious of Health and Safety
Great at planning and organising self and others
Creative and innovative, with good design skills
Able to work well under pressure
Can work independently and in a team

Typical Responsibilities

A typical day as a Structural Engineer could include any of the following:

Consulting with clients, government officials and other construction and engineering professionals
Evaluating the suitability of proposed work
Designing structures such as roads, buildings, bridges and dams
Identifying whether structures will be able to withstand natural and other forces
Preparing reports, working drawings and specifications
Estimating cost of construction and development
Analysing and reducing environmental impact of proposed construction and developments
Acquiring approval from relevant authorities and building permits

Progression

A common route for Structural Engineers is to obtain a degree in Construction Management and then move into work as a Quantity Surveyor. However, other options include becoming a self-employed contractor or focusing on other areas of Residential, Commercial and Civil Construction and Engineering, including Project Management, Planning, Estimation and Health and Safety.