Hiring guide
How to Hire a Structural Engineer
Hiring a structural engineer: PE, SE and chartered status to check, where to source, a calculation-review work sample, red flags and onboarding.
The short answer
Hiring a Structural Engineer comes down to verifying load assessment and structural analysis, working knowledge of the codes you design to, such as asce 7, aisc 360, aci 318 or the eurocodes and design in the materials you use most: steel, concrete, timber or masonry before you commit interview time. The process below runs 5 stages, screens on evidence rather than résumé claims, and scores every candidate against the same criteria.
- Watch for: Cannot show how they would check a software output by hand
- Watch for: Claims a licence or chartered status that does not match the public register
- Score on: Accuracy in spotting load and code errors in the review exercise
- Score on: Clear statement of assumptions and load paths
Paste your Structural Engineer job description; Cohesyve finds, contacts and tests candidates on the real work and ranks them. Ten candidates free, no card.
Applying for a role like this? Practise the assessment free →To hire a structural engineer for your firm, first decide what licence or chartered status the role needs to sign off work in your jurisdiction, then judge candidates on how they check loads, codes and drawings as well as the software they list. A structural engineer's errors can be costly and hard to undo once something is built. This guide covers credentials, sourcing, a practical calculation-review exercise and the red flags.
Why this role matters
Structural engineers make sure buildings, bridges and other structures carry their loads safely and meet the building codes that apply. Their calculations and drawings feed architects, contractors and building control. A careful engineer catches problems on paper; a careless one passes them to site, where they cost far more to fix.
Where to find candidates
- NCSEA member associations and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of ASCE in the US
- The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) in the UK and internationally
- University civil and structural engineering programmes for graduate and early-career hires
- LinkedIn, searching for PE, SE or chartered engineers with experience in your structure types
- Specialist engineering recruiters who work with consultancies and contractors
- Referrals from architects and contractors you already work with
Skills to look for
Red flags
- Cannot show how they would check a software output by hand
- Claims a licence or chartered status that does not match the public register
- Calculation packages without stated assumptions, load cases or code references
- Unfamiliar with the codes used in your jurisdiction, with no plan to close the gap
- Dismissive about peer checks or independent review
- Experience limited to one structure type when the role needs several
The interview process
- 1
Confirm credentials
Check the licence or chartered status the role needs, such as a PE or SE licence in the relevant US state or chartered membership of IStructE, against the issuing body's public register.
- 2
Technical screen
Walk through a recent project: structure type, materials, design codes, loads and the decisions they personally made. Ask what they would do differently.
- 3
Calculation review exercise
Give a short calculation package for a simple element, such as a steel beam or concrete slab, containing a few planted errors in loads or code checks. Ask them to review it and mark it up as they would for a colleague. A job simulation of the real work is one option for comparing candidates on the same package.
- 4
Design discussion
Present a realistic scenario, such as an architect asking to remove a column in an existing building. Ask how they would approach it, what information they need and how they would explain the options.
- 5
References
Speak to a past supervising engineer about the accuracy of their work, how they handled checks and how they dealt with contractors on site.
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How to evaluate
- Accuracy in spotting load and code errors in the review exercise
- Clear statement of assumptions and load paths
- Judgement on when to escalate or seek a second check
- Fit between their experience and your structure types and materials
- Quality of written and drawn communication
- Professional standing that matches the sign-off the role requires
Onboarding
- 1Share your firm's calculation templates, checking procedure and quality system early
- 2Pair them with a senior engineer who checks their first packages
- 3Confirm which codes, software licences and standard details they will use
- 4Take them on site visits early to see how drawings translate into construction
- 5Agree a plan for any licence, chartered or continuing professional development requirements
Common questions
Does a structural engineer need a licence?
It depends on the jurisdiction and the work. In the US, signing structural drawings usually requires a PE licence and some states require an SE licence for certain structures. In the UK, chartered status, such as with IStructE, is a recognised professional standard. Check local rules for the role.
What is the difference between a structural engineer and a civil engineer?
Structural engineering is a specialism within civil engineering focused on how structures carry loads. Civil engineers may also work on roads, drainage, water and geotechnical projects.
Which software should a structural engineer know?
That depends on your firm. Common tools include ETABS, SAP2000 and RISA for analysis, and Revit or Tekla Structures for modelling. Judgement in checking outputs matters more than any single package.
How do I check a structural engineer's credentials?
Search the public register of the licensing board or professional body, such as the relevant state board or IStructE, and confirm the name, status and any restrictions.
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