The demand for structural engineers is healthy across the country. This is driven by the UK’s construction industry, which is fueled by government investment in infrastructure and sustainable development as well as the expanding housing market.
The trick now is to find the opportunities that best match your experience. We have found the best way to do this is to register with a recruitment agency and have a good idea of what you want to do based on what is available.
You should also check out the video on our Engineering page.
If you are serious about your career or simply want to spend a few years living in Europe, the UK offers an incredible opportunity for structural professionals.
Where are the positions located?
Structural jobs are available throughout Britain, but the biggest opportunities for new arrivals exist in London, the South West (like Bristol), the central-west (like Glasgow), and the Midlands (like Derby, Manchester, and Birmingham).
Tip: If you prefer 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 job in a new country as you seek specific experience.
Outlook for structural engineers
Projects:
The scope of projects is impressive in size, diversity, and number. Building in London is in full swing, with high-rise office buildings and high-end residential projects. Across the UK, structural engineers are in demand as the government is upgrading infrastructure in less developed areas and adopting sustainable practices. Structural engineers are playing an important role in this transition.
Between now and 2030, engineering jobs are expected to grow across all sectors in the UK, from creative digital and big data to advanced manufacturing and rail transport.
Prospects:
As with all types of engineering 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, though permanent employment is more likely (subject to visa restrictions) since employers investing in training may want to see a time commitment on your part. Structural engineers and technicians with 2 – 5+ years of experience will find a greater range of opportunities available to them in both contract and permanent positions.
What types of jobs are available?
Currently, much of the work is design-focused although there are site-based roles as well. In addition to consultancies, there is a continual need for large architectural practices and contractors. Teaching and research can also be viable career paths.
What are the earnings for structural professionals - contract and permanent?
The UK has a very dynamic job market because of the options available for employment. Although there are no hard and fast rules as to what you can do, shorter-term contracts tend to favour youth mobility visa holders and permanent employment often favours EU passport or ancestry visa holders.
Contract
These rates are approximate and it is important to note that contract rates often increase as you gain important exposure to UK projects.
For most structural engineers with 2 - 5 years experience the average contract rate is usually between £43,000 to £45,000 per annum, depending on your experience, the type of employer, the type of project and market demand for your skills. A structural technician with 2+ years experience will earn £37,000 to £38,000 per annum, depending on the same factors above. For engineers and technicians, specialist experience has the potential to attract higher rates.
Permanent
In recent years the employment market has become more focused on permanent employment, so you will find that regardless of your visa or passport permanent opportunities are available.
| Experience | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 2 — 5+ Years Experience | £43,000 — £45,000 (Chartered Engineers in the UK can earn a premium on these rates) |
| Entry level | £27,000 – £30,000 |
| Technician 2 — 5 Years Experience | £37,000 — £38,000 |
| Senior Structural Engineer | £50,000 — £80,000 |
Permanent positions can often include benefits such as pension contributions, private healthcare, training, life insurance, transport scheme, hybrid working environment, and paid professional subscriptions.
Working in the UK
Standards
As with the old British Standards upon which most Commonwealth countries’ standards were based, the Eurocodes standards have been introduced fully since 2010 to provide common design principles and rules for everyday use for the design of structures and component products.
From an employment perspective, it is a great opportunity for someone from overseas to be exposed to the Euro standards, but you may also get exposure to the American standards through Middle Eastern projects.
Common Software
Software packages such as TEKLA Tedds, TEKLA Fastrack, Orion, Solve, Autodesk Robot, and Masterseries 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. In general, you will find it much easier to get contract employment if you have the right software experience.
Structural Engineer Resume
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 2023 – 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
Table of Contents
Master the Art of Job Hunting in the UK
Your Essential Guide to Navigating and Succeeding in the Competitive UK Job Market
Unlock the secrets to landing your dream job. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or an international job seeker, this book provides the tools you need to craft standout applications, ace interviews, and secure the perfect position. Don’t let the competitive job market hold you back—equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to succeed with this indispensable resource.
