Structural Engineer Jobs and Opportunities

Are you looking for a structural engineer job? Read on to find out more about the jobs market and your engineer career.

Which companies are hiring structural engineers?

Most heavy industry, oil and gas and mining companies are constantly looking for talented structural engineers to join their teams. There is a global demand for this role so it’s common for employers to recruit new talent internationally.

Typical employers include:

  • Major contractors and companies offering specialist technical services
  • Power & Utilities companies 
  • Heavy industry and construction facilities 
  • Mining facilities
  • Heavy industry and construction facilities
  • Operating companies (usually oil companies) that hold exploration and production licenses
  • Drilling companies
  • Renewables facilities.

How can Airswift help me find a structural engineering job?

Airswift is a recruitment and workforce solutions company that has helped place structural engineers for over 40 years. Today, we have over 60 offices across the globe and headquarters in the US, Europe and Asia. We understand that the energy industry can be demanding, which is why we’ve always gone the extra mile to help our candidates get placed.

If your job requires you to relocate overseas, we can make the transition as smooth as possible. We can provide support for travel, documentation, housing and more. 

Find out more about our relocation services


What does a structural engineer job entail?

In engineering, a faulty structure can pose a risk to workers, the environment and the company’s operating revenues. Companies need to consider the stability of all structures and plan for any external factors that may affect the build. 

This responsibility rests with the structural engineer (or structural civil engineer). It’s their responsibility to ensure the structure is resistant to outside forces, and decide on the right design and structural components to use. This could involve a range of materials such as steel, concrete, masonry, and wood.

Structural engineers need to know how to fix problems on oil and gas platforms, refineries, and various other construction activities for large capital projects. This requires the ability to perform load and lifting analyses and solve problems of a related nature. For an oil refinery, the structural engineer may design pipes and pipe racks to carry the oil, in addition to designing foundations.

A structural engineer must also ensure work is undertaken in compliance with local and international safety standards.

Responsibilities for a structural engineer typically include:

  • Preparing reports, analysis, designs and drawings
  • Making calculations about pressures, loads and stresses
  • Choosing the right construction materials based on their strength
  • Providing technical advice on safe designs and construction
  • Obtaining planning and/or building regulations approval
  • Analyzing configurations of the basic components of a structure
  • Liaising with professional staff such as project architects and operational stakeholders
  • Monitoring and inspecting all work undertaken by contractors to ensure structural soundness
  • Overseeing contracts and managing projects
  • Inspecting properties to evaluate the conditions and foundations
  • Using computer-aided design technology for simulation purposes

What qualifications do I need to become a structural engineer?

An entry-level structural engineer will normally need a degree in a relevant discipline. For mid-level architectural engineering roles, employers will also seek several years’ experience.

Essential qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in structural, civil or mechanical engineering
  • Several years of work experience as a structural engineer 
  • Professionally registered with the Institute of structural engineers
  • Expert experience in project management
  • Advanced knowledge of construction methods, materials and legal regulations
  • Excellent communication and IT skills
  • Several years’ experience in the offshore industry
  • Fully conversant with project management systems with extensive knowledge of construction / commissioning practices and procedures.

Essential skills:

  • Advanced understanding of physics and mathematics
  • Ability to communicate and work with professionals from other disciplines
  • Ability to explain/visualize problems to the wider teams
  • Focussed and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills
  • Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines independently and as part of a team.

To work offshore, you must have the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET). Many people do the course at their own expense before looking for work. In other cases, some companies sponsor new employees through the course.


Are you an employer looking for a structural engineer?

If you’re an employer or hiring manager looking for a talented structural engineer to support your next project, we can help. Airswift can take care of all details when it comes to HR such as:

  • Contract negotiation 
  • Background checks  
  • Drug screens

This will give you more time to run your business.

Learn more about our services


Contact Airswift 

Get started with your job search by uploading your CV on this page. You can also sign up to our jobs board to view open vacancies and receive job alerts when new positions are posted.

We look forward to helping you find your next job!

What other candidates say

  • “Individuals have gone the extra mile to ensure that my needs and concerns have been dealt with in a most professional manner. In my opinion, no company has conducted itself in a more professional manner than Airswift.”

  • “Whenever I had a question there was always someone there to answer it. My old company ‘forgot’ about me after I had started but, Airswift has always been there. I’m very pleased.”

  • “I have talked to several different agencies and none of them have been as great as Airswift!!”

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Structural engineer positions we have previously filled

  • Structural Engineer
  • Senior Structural Engineer
  • Principal Structural Engineer
  • Structural Designer
  • Structural Supervisor
  • Structural Inspector
  • Structural Draughtsman
  • Civil Structural Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Project Engineer - Pipeline
  • Offshore Structural Engineer
  • Subsea Structural Engineer