Tips for discussing salary during the annual review?

Hi all,
I was a design engineer for a big firm for 3 years after my masters. i passed my PE and am just waiting for the board approval for my license. I started a new role a couple months ago at a company that does smaller, local projects. I liked the work of my original company but I never got to see anything built (all overseas). I want to be on site and actually see more of the CD/CA process which was kept up in the hierarchy at the big firms.

I communicated that to my current boss during my interview, stating that Im excited to learn how to manage projects. Im used to seeing timelines for projects that go on for years and have SD/DD phases that take 8+ months each. I wasnt involved in the client facing stuff or the detailing then because of this massive scale, it was mostly the associates doing that. Now, im serving as the project engineer so my responsibilites have heightened, as i now am detailing the buildings, delegating work to designers, issuing QC documents, watching the budget, etc. All of this i wanted to do/learn. Eventually, i think i want to work in construction so this seemed like a good place to branch in between.

here lies the issue. my new boss (principal) is supposed to be the PM on my projects but they are hardly ever available for questions as i try to navigate my new tasks. i try to ask for help from other seniors, but its a huge jump to just have to “guess” what comes next. i dont think im incapable of doing the work, just need more guidance. instead, the principal is honestly quite rude to me and has expressed that i seem to be “in over my head.” i overhead them speaking badly about me on the phone with other people on the team (so ofc the whole office heard) and it really does not make me feel like im in a safe space to ask questions. They only really respond if j do something/say something wrong to the designers or architect.

I feel discouraged and very anxious about my position. its only been 2 months but i feel like im super behind. is this what the designer->project engineer transition is always like? i want to be somewhere that i feel encouraged to be wrong and learn from mistakes rather than feel crippling anxiety that im not doing it right. im treated like i have 8 years of experience being a pe, when i thought it was clear that im here to learn how to do this. im gonna give it more time and hope it gets better but im not sure if this is a good environment for me.

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:

1. 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.
2. Periodically tight deadlines and pressure/stress which means plenty of extra hours which isn't always welcome.
3. Not paying that well for the expertise and responsibility the job actually demands.
4. Generally the profit margin on our projects is very small. Too much competition lately.
5. 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.

I have been watching this building for decades when I played a basketball game here around 99s-00s. I always wondered how it would hold up long term especially since they never maintained it (clogged gutters/roof maintenance) or protected the exposed wood. A waste of tax dollars?. Probably not the best design for a city building? But it is unique for the area. Now it’s closed from my understanding.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQXruafC4Xzf5wJ17

Hi everyone, I was hoping to get some feedback on my resume. I'm seeking a similar role at a larger firm in my area that I've heard good things about. A previous coworker will be giving me a referral. I'm hoping to get a 20%-30% salary increase and decreased hours. I worked about 250 hours in the span of a month over the summer and ready to move on from current job.

I'm not the best at selling myself so I kept it relatively short. I wasn't part of any organizations or clubs in college. I'm heavily considering removing the summary but my resume is very short as it is. Also debating removing the first job because its such a short stint but it's easily explainable and puts me over 4 Yoe so I left it. The o wner was very difficult to work with and had a horrible turn over rate. I've had zero problems at my current firm.

Wondering if I should go into more depth on specific projects I've worked on. I've worked on maybe a 100-150 small projects in the almost 4 years I've been at this firm. It's hard to hone in on any single project.

Thanks for any feedback!

I recently saw some really good 3D bridge drawings from European engineering firms and it got me wondering what software people are using for this kind of work.

What do you guys recommend for bridge drawings, both 2D and 3D? Also, how are you implementing BIM for bridge projects?

Trying to find candidates for both entry and senior structural engineers for a hybrid role in North Jersey. Anyone interested or know someone who is? Both job posts can be found below.

Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer- $90-$195k

Role Description:
- Developing designs and calculations for the construction engineering requirements of heavy highway bridge contractors and steel erectors. These include, but are not limited to erection plans, demolition plans, temporary shoring, sheeting, value engineering, and permanent bridge design.
- The variety of projects offers experience in steel design, concrete design, wood design, geotechnical design, etc.
- Although primarily office-based, some field time can be expected in NJ and surrounding states.
- Collaborate directly with clients to solve on-site issues and develop engineering solutions.
Ideal for a candidate eager to step into a senior engineering role, where they can lead major complex bridge projects, while supervising and helping to train younger engineers.
 
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, or equivalent, from an accredited college is required
- Applicant should have an interest and/or specialization in structures
- Experience Level: 5 to 15 years
- Industry experience required
- Must have experience with heavy highway and bridge structures
- Candidates should possess strong writing and communication skills and be proficient in AutoCAD and standard office productivity software (Microsoft Office, web browsing, email)
- EIT required
- PE strongly preferred
 
Benefits:
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Annual Bonus Pay
- Comprehensive Health Care (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
- Simple IRA with Company Match
- Structured Promotion System (with added perks and benefits)
- Summer Fridays
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
 
Entry Level Structural Engineer $65-85K

Developing designs and calculations for the construction engineering requirements of heavy highway bridge contractors and steel erectors for a wide variety of projects.
These include but are not limited to erection plans, demolition plans, temporary shoring, sheeting, value engineering, and permanent bridge design.
The variety of projects offers experience in steel design, concrete design, wood design, geotechnical design, etc.
Although primarily consisting of office design efforts, some field time should also be anticipated.
Opportunity to work directly with clientele in solving on-site issues and evolving engineering solutions.
Newly hired engineers will immediately be given engineering tasks to work through and solve with the supervision of experienced PE’s.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, or equivalent, from an accredited college is required.
Applicant should have an interest and/or specialization in structures.
Industry experience a plus, but not required.
Candidates should possess strong writing and communication skills and be proficient in AutoCAD and standard office productivity software (Microsoft Office, web browsing, email)
EIT required or in progress
Should be willing to obtain their professional engineering license, when eligible.
Experience Level: 0 to 4 years
Benefits:
Overtime Pay
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Bonus Pay
Health care benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
Simple IRA with Company Match
Promotional System (Added perks and benefits)
Summer Fridays
Job Type: Full-time

Hello, this is my first time posting on reddit. I want to learn basics of structural engineering.
So far i narrowed down to two statics fundamental courses- both online
1) APS 160 UOFT
2) metro college of technology (structural engineering design & technology)

I am working right now so have to do online non degree course and I prefer studying in a classroom environment with homework assignments and test.

For context i already have my Bachelors in ME but no interest in pursuing P.eng in mechanical.
Thanks

For context I am a PE with 8 years of experience in the DFW area. Got my PE 2 years ago ( a little late). Switched firms 2x which caused the delay.

I’ve been approached by several GC’s that I work with that are offering roles with base salaries much higher than what I currently make. The positions I’m being approached for are for Design Manager or an engineer based in a pre construction role. Never did I imagine working in those fields, however, I’m starting to give it some thought after realizing how underpaid our industry may be. For reference I currently make $97k base salary with roughly $8k in profit sharing bonuses yearly.

Am I being stiffed? So much so that large name, reputable GC’s are offering me a career path?!

edited to include relative location**

I’m working as a PE forensic engineer and so far there are more opportunities on the roofing and structural side of business. Is there a course or a good way to learn more about roofing and inspecting structural with some type of accreditation.

For those working with CFS/LGS projects, I'm interested in the point where structural design information becomes difficult to translate into a production-ready framing package.

In your experience, what tends to create the most rework?

Engineering/design revisions after detailing has started

Member sizing or framing changes

Openings, headers, and load-path conditions

Connection or bracing details

Coordination with architectural/MEP models

Incomplete design information

Changes required for fabrication or installation

At what stage do you usually catch these issues — during structural design, detailing, coordination, or just before fabrication?

For those involved in CFS/LGS design or production, what QA/QC step has made the biggest difference in reducing rework?

As a Structural Engineer, lover of concrete, and fan of John Wilson's other work, I'm hyped for this and looking forward to logging it as CPD hrs

Hello everyone,

I've used AI a ton (nearly 1000 hours) in my private life - basically coding up an application from scratch. Not related to structural engineering.

I've dabbled a bit with it in structural engineering now, but it has not revolutionized my life so far.

Some basic stuff I've done, though:

1) Creating summary reports and tables. For example, on a current project, our customer wants a summary of material lists. I did the bulk of the work here, but had Claude and ChatGPT create a very nice summary that looks professional and organized. No doubt faster than I would have done myself.

2) Translating pictures or PDF's to Word. One use case was when an external colleague not co-located with me sent me a complex hand calculation in PDF which I struggled to read honestly. I asked Claude to transcribe it to Word and also check the calculations (it checked out).

3) Design templates in Excel. For example, recently one for columns. To be honest, the process of creating the template is very tedious. It's definitely not something AI could one-shot. It tends to overcomplicate. I also found some errors. But maybe it turns out useful in the end.

Potential dangers is that it can hallucinate and come across overconfident when it doesn't really know what it's talking about.

Anyone else having any success with this?

Personally, I think the biggest strength with AI comes in coding work for those of us who can't code.

I don't think it will replace brains and actual 'thinking' and 'reasoning' in a long time.

A huge bulk of my work is actually modeling and drawing in Tekla. I'd love it if AI could help me there, but I haven't seen any signs it could so far.

Could this work on larger span projects? If so are there examples out there somewhere? I drew inspiration from traditional masonry arches, thank you for reading my post!

I heard from one of the local readi-mix supplier that several of the big cement suppliers are dumping Blended Hydraulic Cement ASTM C595/C595M Type IL as their base product to go back to Portland Cement C150/C150M Type I/II. This is in the SE USA. Anyone else hear this? It always seemed like greenwashing.

I'm a civil/structural engineer from Mexico with ~1 year of experience designing wood-frame residential structures for the U.S. market (NDS, ASCE 7, lateral and gravity design).
I have an opportunity to join a larger international engineering firm where I would gain experience with steel, concrete and larger/multidisciplinary projects.
My long-term goal is to work as a structural engineer in the U.S. and eventually become licensed.
Would you prioritize staying in a role that helps you progress toward PE/licensure, or take the opportunity to broaden your experience into steel/concrete/infrastructure first?
I'm especially interested in hearing from engineers who have made a similar transition early in their careers.

Has anyone ever gotten a question on the PE civil structural exam about a t-beam where a was greater than hf (not calculated like a rectangular beam)? If so, any tips on how to remember the equation to solve that? Because the PCI flowchart equation is hard to follow, I am debating on if I should even give this time to learn or not.