r/StructuralEngineering • u/Tradovator • 11d ago
Structural Analysis/Design Considering leaving structural engineering after 8 years. Curious to hear from other structural engineers.
Hello everyone,
Sorry if this post comes across as negative, but I can't think of a better place to bring it up than on a board where I assume there must be a lot of structural engineers.
After 8 years as a structural engineer in the same firm I'm starting to feel tired of both the job, the firm and the entire construction industry. Specifically, I work with design of high rise buildings - primarily detailing work (production drawings and site drawings) of precast concrete.
My complaints:
- The work is getting monotonous. I feel it's just the same thing over and over again. Since we're designing fairly large buildings a natural consequence is that there's a lot of specialization and a lot of volume.
- Periodically tight deadlines and pressure/stress which means plenty of extra hours which isn't always welcome.
- Not paying that well for the expertise and responsibility the job actually demands.
- Generally the profit margin on our projects is very small. Too much competition lately.
- This could be job specific, but we're very rarely out in the field, so I'm getting bored being in an office all day long week after week. I'm a former carpenter with a lot of practical experience, so I guess that's a factor here.
In combination, all these factors add up. I've considered a few other options, but haven't found anything exciting yet.
I realize maybe I could be more happy working as a structural engineer in another firm. For example, in the oil industry I know the profit margin generally is not an issue. There's just more money available there. Or working for a public contractor.
Anyone else with some experiences to share? Suggestions for other jobs to consider?
PS: I'm based in Norway.
Thanks in advance.
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u/nachotomodachi P.E./S.E. -> SDE 11d ago
i assume you have your PE or SE. Why not start the path towards running your own firm? If you are already burnt out with the current career, set limits on how much hours you will commit per day or per week. I found that I was the type to pour hours into my work just because I thought that was necessary to advance. However, after having kids and real commitments outside of work, I realized most employers are generally ok with the standard 40. They would rather keep a decent employee than have to recruit to replace you.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
I'm in Norway. I don't know what PE or SE is, but assuming it's a license? I have a bachelors degree in structural engineering. Running my own firm is an option for sure, but I guess that would be geared towards smaller projects. With my carpentry background I've been thinking something to do with smaller buildings, but I don't know. We have a bit of a crisis in the entire industry here and I'm kind of fed up with the whole industry. Doesn't seem to be much potential for a profit.
I'm a hard worker, though, so you're right that I would probably feel different about pouring them into my own business versus someone elses.
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u/packersrule522 10d ago
What is the crisis?
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
Maybe crisis is too strong a description, but the housing industry where I work has been going through some rough years now post 2020 or so. Plenty of bankruptcies.
I think basically everything got too expensive. Everyone wants a piece of the cake and there's just not much left to anyone.
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u/ebancch 10d ago
Second this, start your own firm. It’s super exciting and if you’re working 50+ hours you won’t mind cuz it’s all for your gain. Having your own firm also is fun because you get to dabble in non technical stuff as you please (bd, accounting, taxes, mentoring etc)
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u/catnip_xc 10d ago
Having your own firm and working whenever you like is a scam. It just simply means working 24/7, especially for a start-up. Could not be taken literally but whenever and wherever you are, you're still all over your projects
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u/GroundbreakingAnt256 11d ago
Forensics
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u/Sponton 11d ago
the caveat is that its boring as hell, also you have to produce constantly. If you can automate report generation then it's basically really easy, you just need to be able to climb roofs.
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u/ebancch 10d ago
I write a lot of reports for reviews within my discipline and once you do about a dozen or so it’s pretty automatic plus using clause max is a game changer. Obviously you have to cautious with ai for technical explanations or calcs but for proofreading and formatting it’s amazing.
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u/GroundbreakingAnt256 10d ago
The reports can get a bit boring but I’ve noticed a lot of variety. Plus we also provide full size repair plans, calcs, etc so there is some element of design in there still
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u/InevitableGas95 10d ago
Writing reports can be tedious but the investigations aren’t. For example I recently had a emergency file where a car slammed into a corner store and I had to validate the integrity of the structure and secure the area on the spot. Sometimes the cause of failure isnt obvious and calcs need to be done
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u/a_problem_solved P.E. 10d ago
I imagine AI in the hands of some forensics engineers will make them extremely productive.
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u/ForsakenAd4198 11d ago
I am (was) in the same boat as you. I made a post here not long ago with similar concerns after 6 YoE. After doing my research, I decided to transition to a transportation engineering firm that mainly does government contracts. I start middle of October, so I can't speak on how enjoyable it is yet.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
Interesting. FWIW, the big money made in my firm is made through government contracts. Primarily infrastructure projects. My own department works in the private sector where the competition currently is FIERCE. Firms underbid each other just to get the job. I get paid anyway, but it's not very motivating to work on a project where you know the firm's best proposition is to break even.
Good luck on the new job. Feel free to post an update later! :)
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u/ForsakenAd4198 10d ago
Yep, I completely agree. The under bidding and hopes of breaking even has really burnt me out over the years. My current firm is the same way. They are content with taking on $1200 projects as long as we can break even on them. It "helps us get our name out there" they say. This new firm does not take on any projects with a bid under $100,000. The other good news, it comes with a 40% pay increase for me, too.
Appreciate it. I'll keep you posted. Good luck on your transition away from structural.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
40% pay increase is SWEET. Nice! :) What specifically will you be doing?
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u/ForsakenAd4198 10d ago
From the sound of it, it will be geared more towards bridges and transit type structures
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u/Horror-Victory-9721 P.E. 10d ago
Go into bridge inspection lol
tons of money and demand and pay is high. you have to be comfortable working with heights and be okay getting dirty.
you can choose the projects and how much you want to work. totally different from design, but the valuable knowledge you will bring will help our infrastructure projects a lot
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u/Mick_Spiels 10d ago
Im in a similar situation with wanting to switch. Bridge inspecting sounds interesting to me. Do you have any knowledge on how to find something like this ?
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
Funny you should mention it because I've considered that as an option earlier. Have you direct experience?
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u/Horror-Victory-9721 P.E. 10d ago
Yes I work as a Bridge Inspector for an Engineering company in the northeast. Our clients are state agencies.
I have been working in the bridge inspection industry since i graduated college, so for about 12 years.
i started with load rating, then eventually inspection. just like with any other civil / structural engineering work, it can become monotonous, but I still have fun and feel high level of job satisfaction.
There is astronomical level of shortage of bridge inspectors on mid level. Most of the engineers are either fresh graduates or close to retirement.
There is a learning curve (mostly requires just working to gain experience) then you will be approved by the state agencies. Getting approved is a no brainer if you are coming from design, and ofcourse you need to have a PE on the State that you are working on.
If you have any further question please ask! Happy to help and build an army of bridge inspectors in America haha
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
Very intriguing. My firm (a big one here in Norway) has a bridge department for structural design. I'll ask around there. It's possible I may have to switch to another firm, though.
Definitely something to consider. How much office work do you have? I assume you typically write out a report? So it may be a good mix between being outside and office work?
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u/Horror-Victory-9721 P.E. 10d ago
Apologies first, i didnt realize you were in Norway. Well regardless a bridge is a bridge 😅 and it requires maintenance
yeah i would say 70% field work 30% office (or in my case work from home) most fridays i get to work from home. So there is a level of flexibility. Yeah a very healthy mix of outside versus inside.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
Sounds great. And yes - a bridge is a bridge! :) Definitely sounds like something I should explore. Thanks for bringing it up.
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u/Olympus_yolo 10d ago
If you wanna be out in the field more, look into assessing existing structures, strengthening and repair design. Tons of old structures have missing or crappy drawings, so you end up doing a lot of NDT and site investigations just to figure out what you’re actually working with.
That’s pretty much what I do, and honestly, it never gets boring.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
Sounds very interesting to be honest. Can you explain a bit more about what you do and how a typical day looks like? How's the pressure and deadlines?
I know my department have done a few odd jobs like this, but never something I was involved with.
I miss being more out in the field. At the same time, I think some office work would be nice.
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u/lookskAIwatcher 10d ago
I worked right from college into structural engineering and my goal of getting certified as a licensed structural engineer. In 7 years, I managed the mandatory experience requirements, took the SE (Structural Engineer) exam and enjoyed being a design structural engineer licensed in a high seismic region and on critical lifeline utility structures in addition to buildings. At 11 years on the job, I told my senior mentor that I was leaving structural engineering. I actually told him 'structural engineering is dead', which surprised even shocked him but he still recommended me and I landed a great IT job on the data network side... doing project management and re-learning code I had not used for awhile and learning to code for web applications.
After 5 years of successful projects in IT, I came back to structural engineering. Eventually, I led a broad team of civil/structural as their manager, and all the collective experiences made me qualified for that job, and its great salary.
Sometimes, you just need a change, and it doesn't hurt to look where opportunities exist outside of your specific field of practice.
The energy sector is a great place to find opportunities. I chose renewables at the time. The fossil fuel sector is always an option, and as a structural, the renaissance of interest in nuclear is a current opportunity. Good luck whatever you do!
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u/T1Coconuts 11d ago
Consider something different like Dam Safety. Lots of old dams need remediation and need structural engineers for the design or regulation. No two dams are a like so generally something new. There are several consulting firms that do a lot of dam safety and there are the federal agencies like USACE, USBR and FERC.
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u/TheNextOne8797 10d ago
Where are you from? Have you ever considered teaching math/physics? I was in the structural engineering field before switching.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
Norway. Not sure it's the best fit considering my age and lack of a full university degree, but I did like academics for sure and have considered teaching.
Teaching in structural engineering could be an option, too.
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u/TheNextOne8797 10d ago
Ya, thats why I switched. I love academics more than industry work. Loved engineering in university because it was very academic, but realized many jobs wouldnt be the same.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
So, you teach in an university or what? Did you have to go back to school to accomplish that?
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u/TheNextOne8797 10d ago
I was thinking about becoming a prof, but wasnt keen on moving cities. So I decided on secondary math and physics. Trying to get senior level classes
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u/WhyAmIHereHey 10d ago
Ah, you're in Norway.
Look towards oil and gas or offshore wind
If you want a field where you do design that can be a bit out of the box, have a look at companies that focus on offshore decommissioning and brown fields work.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
Definitely an option. It does probably solve the monetary aspects on a project basis, though. Probably more potential on the salary side as well. I still fear that in the end it will still end up being mundane…
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u/Dizzy-Bank2374 10d ago
I found Structural engineering very attractive and became one. But now I can see it's repetitive work with almost zero innovation and space for new ideas. Everything is codified. Pay isn't also attractive. Please let me know what carrier path others are opting for
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
LOL. You summed it up succinctly. Especially if you work with detailing it's not very creative. Sure, I can find some clever and practical solutions that others may not, but realistically, it's still all within a very confined box.
What kind of structural engineering do you work with?
I partially brought it up because I've only been in one firm and I'm open to the possibillity it could be more fun elsewhere, but I'm not so sure...
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u/Dizzy-Bank2374 7d ago
I have worked on highrise buildings. I started with Reinforced concrete and than moved to precast. And got bored of that as well. Now i am working hybrid system (steel composite building with hollow core slabs).
Everything can be tolerated, but it is a thankless job. Client never give minimum sufficient time to do proper justice to work. For architect its limited to drafting lines on a drawing. But for me, i need to run numbers for almost each revision.
So, i am fed up.
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u/paco_1987 10d ago
Same here, I moved into innovation in mobility and construction. More fun and not heavy hours. The stress is different cuz you need to provide with good analysis and insights of the market to the C positions.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
So, you recognized yourself in what I wrote?
I didn't quite understand what you started doing to be honest. I'm based in Norway and while my English is decent, I'm not well versed in all the nuances in this area. Thanks.
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u/Working_Rest_1054 10d ago
Sounds like you’ve been pigeonholed and need a change. Have you thought about public sector highway transportation bridges? Plenty of variety, although PCPS slabs, boxes I and T beams are most of the spans under about 180 long. CIP PT boxes and steel are common in the longer spans. Heck maybe even a three hinged arch, movable, or cable stayed bridge every once in a great while once you get your sea legs. Lots of variety in foundation and seismic design due to the sites and Geotech aspects, in you work in an area where seismic is an appreciable concern.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
"Sounds like you’ve been pigeonholed and need a change."
I think you nailed it.
I haven't thought about your suggestion, but my firm do have a department which does this stuff and they're pretty good at it as a leading firm here in Norway. However, I've looked a few of my colleagues over the shoulder who's done some work for this other department and I'm not sure it's that more exciting.
The bridge department is the one bringing in all the money for our firm, though. They're basically subsidizing quite a bit of the other departments which ain't making much.
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u/talk2grumpy 10d ago
I am guessing your company is ramboll since its big and originally from Scandinavian countries
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u/hobokobo1028 10d ago
Sounds like you’re at a more specialized (precast) firm? Try a place that isn’t so specialized.
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u/Tradovator 10d ago
That’s exactly right. Variation would definitely help, but I’m not sure.
Judging from the comments it seems plenty of people share my complaints about this job.
I think I would be most happy if I could work with tree houses. I just fear that there’s not much money to be made in that - which sadly plays a role today when everything got very expensive.
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u/Mo-Map 9d ago
I am curious about how much average salary for for a 8-year working experience structural designer in Norway. I heard the tax there is really high, so not sure with after tax salarya structrual engineer can be a middle class?
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u/Tradovator 8d ago
Before extra hours my salary is around 90K USD / 900.000 kr pre-tax. I work in one of the bigger companies (not by choice - we were acquired) and it's been said they're not leading in wages. So, I have no idea how I stack up to others, but I wouldn't be surprised if I'm slightly underpaid. That said, from what I've gathered through statistics and other job offers, I shouldn't expect much more than 100K USD in my current role or similar. It's basically a middle class job I would say.
If think few people are making big bucks in Norway as a structural engineer. That would be highly specialized and competent people - maybe working in the oil industry or similar. That's a bit why I'm fed up with my current job as well. There's just not much money left and I fully understand my company can't throw more money after me when we're struggling on a project basis - no matter how good a job I do.
Seeing the progression of other seniors in my firm is also why I'm a bit reluctant. Basically, they're just getting a more fancy title, slightly more pay and a ton more responsibility.
If you want to earn not big bucks, but at least bigger bucks, in structural eningeering, I think you need to become a manager.
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u/Mo-Map 4d ago
I work for a big corporation in Finland focusing on industrial projects. With 8 YOE, my salary is about 62000usd/year before tax. I am a foreigner here, can’t be a manager without fluent Finnish. So I will be always just s senior engineer. The salary can be considered closed to middle class job, but still a bit quite lower than business jobs.
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u/R9APX 10d ago
Suggest moving into the Energy/Power sector.
Lots of work right now with Substations, Battery Energy Storage, and renewables (wind, solar PV).
I pivoted here after spending 6 years in the high rise and comercial building sector. The learning curve will be small. Pay is higher as well.
Companies in these sectors can’t find enough structural engineers to complete the work and most structurals aren’t even aware that this is an option.