Structural Engineers UK
- Introduction - What you need to know and why
- Where are the structural engineering jobs located in the UK?
- Outlook for structural engineers and technicians in the UK
- What types of jobs are available for structural engineers?
- What are the earnings for a structural engineer?
- Working as a structural engineer or structural technician in the UK
- Important information for your CV
Introduction
This page is designed so that structural engineers and structural technicians from around the world can quickly understand the basics of the UK structural design industry. We cover important aspects such as types of projects, expected earnings and important technical considerations.
In terms of design, the main differences for someone new to the UK are the building and design codes and the software packages. In practice, there will always be a learning curve involved with moving to a new position, regardless of the country, but understanding the basic differences will give you a leg up in your interview!
Where are the structural engineering jobs located in the UK?
Structural jobs are available UK-wide but the biggest opportunities for new arrivals to the UK exist in Central London, Greater London (just outside the M25) and the Midlands (particularly major cities like Manchester and Birmingham).
Tip: If you have a preference for a particular part of the UK, make your wishes clear to the recruitment consultants you are dealing with. However, being flexible with your location is advantageous, particularly for your first UK job.
Outlook for structural engineers and technicians in the UK
Projects
The scope of UK projects is impressive in size, diversity and number. Maintaining aging infrastructure, new infrastructure, preparing for the Olympics and a strong economy for the past 15 years has resulted in a continued need for high-rise buildings, tunnels, bridges, airports, stadiums and retail, health and residential building.
Prospects
As with all types of engineering jobs in the UK, if you are moving from overseas it is preferable to have at least 2 years or more experience. Graduates and structural technicians with 1 year of relevant industry experience will often be able to find suitable employment, however permanent employment is more likely because an employer who is investing in training you may want to see a time commitment on your part. Structural engineers and technicians with 2 — 5+ years experience will find a greater range of opportunities available to them in both contract and permanent positions.
Structural Engineering Jobs — Recruitment UK
To get the best job for your experience register with recruitment agencies up to 2 years before you plan to travel to the UK. We also recommend that you apply to jobs beginning about three months before you arrive. Learn how to get the most out of your WORKgateways UK job search in our FAQs. WORKgateways manages a network of the best engineering recruiters — jobs abroad and particularly the UK.
What types of jobs are available for Structural Engineers and Technicians and employers?
- Structural Engineers — London and United Kingdom.
- Structural Design Engineer and Managers work for Consultancies, Architectural Practices, Contractors – Consulting Structural Engineers UK
- Structural Technicians work for Consultancies, Architectural Practices
- Construction Engineer (Structural bias) work for Consultancies, Contractors
What are the earnings for a Structural Engineer/Technician?
Contract
These rates are approximate and it is important to note that your contract rates often increase as you gain important exposure to UK projects.
For most structural engineers with 2 — 5+ years experience the average starting contract rate is usually between £15 to £35 per hour, depending on your experience, the type of employer, the type of project and market demand for your skills. A structural technician with 2 — 5+ years experience will earn £15 to £25 per hour, depending on the same factors above. For both structural engineers and structural technicians, specialist experience and exposure to the UK system has the potential to attract higher rates.
Permanent
| Experience | Salary Range |
| 2 — 5+ Years Experience | £26k — £35k (Chartered Engineers in the UK can earn a premium on these rates) |
| Associate/Associate Director | £45K — £55K |
| Technician 2 — 5 Years Experience | £23K — £30K |
Permanent positions often include benefits such as pension contributions, private healthcare, training, life insurance, transport scheme, child care, lunches and mobile phone.
Working as a Structural Engineer or Structural Technician in the UK — Introduction
Standards — the Eurocodes
As with the British Standards, the Eurocodes standards provide the common design principles and rules for everyday use for the design of structures and component products.
Since 2004, the Eurocodes have been (slowly) introduced through the UK and are new to everyone. As different sections of the code are consecutively rolled out there is a co–existence period for each section. By 2010 they will completely replace the existing national standards. The introduction of the Eurocodes represents a significant challenge to the UK Structural Engineering industry, but could be seen as an opportunity for someone from overseas to get some experience in what will fast become one of the most used standards in the world.
Common Software
Software packages such as STAAD Pro, Pro Steel, Superbeam and Revit are frequently used in the UK. Training is usually offered for new software packages particularly for permanent positions, but also for longer term contract positions.
Important information for your CV
- Be sure your CV includes a list of the projects you have worked on, including specific details of the scope of the projects and your responsibilities on these projects. Information such as project value, type of project and a basic description of the work required will ensure that the full depth of your experience is communicated to recruitment consultants and future employers.
- Be sure to list your experience in reverse–chronological order (i.e. most recent experience first please!)
- Use dot points where possible to assist the reader to quickly scan and understand your experience and abilities.
Example
|
Jan 2008 – Present Responsibilities:
Projects: Structural Design Engineer Company Name, City, Country Project Manager, Lead Design Engineer and Site Engineer £25M 36—storey residential tower with 3 level hydrostatic basement, pre—cast vertical framing, structural steel LMR deck £35M 8000sqm retail extension with mixed structural steel and concrete braced frames |
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