Automatically apply for jobs with Zippia

Upload your resume to get started.

Structures engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Sherif Ishak Ph.D.,

Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical structures engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for structures engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.9% of structures engineer resumes contained structural analysis as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a structures engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 structures engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Structural Analysis

A structural analysis is a type of method or process determining the condition and situation of a particular structure. Engineers, architect and other related professional often use it to study and review the behavior, dynamics, issues, and failures encountered during a project. It is the key to engineering design structure that identifies the system's performance and integrity and its effect. The purpose of the analysis is to assess the stresses, deformations, acceleration, internal forces, and stability.

Here's how structures engineers use structural analysis:

Performed structural analysis on models to study static and dynamic effect of aerodynamic loads on parts and determine optimal design configurations.
Performed structural analysis and design of buildings, bridges and marine structures and prepared construction documents and technical specifications.

2. Revit

Revit, also known as Autodesk Revit, is computer software used by architects, structural engineers, and designers to perform building modeling tasks. Revit was designed to facilitate users, draw building modeling structures in a 2D and 3D format. Creating such models allows architects and engineers to pre-planning, scheduling, estimating the life of the structure and the entire cost of construction.

Here's how structures engineers use revit:

Performed detail structural drawings, layouts, and specification using Auto-CAD and REVIT
Plotted Design drawings on AUTOCAD and REVIT.

3. RISA

Here's how structures engineers use risa:

Designed a 40 foot pedestrian bridge, steel stairs and seismic bolts for computer equipment including calculations and drawings using RISA.
Run dynamic analysis on buildings components for seismic qualification according to Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) using RISA 3D.

4. CAD

Here's how structures engineers use cad:

Designed and implemented different aircraft interior seating configuration on regular basis using CAD tools including cost estimates for wet lease.
Modified CAD drawings of seat layout and emergency equipment distribution as required by local and international authorities.

5. ACI

American Concrete Institute (ACI) is an institution known for its consensus-based standards, educational, technical, and training programs, certification programs, and adept individuals involved in construction in choosing quality materials to pursue the best use of concrete. ACI publishes more than 400 standards that can be used in the manufacturing, maintenance of concrete in different usage. These standards also determine systems or methods for inspection, test, and building code requirements. With ACI, the standards ensure the product reliability, adoption of new uses, and improved up keeping.

Here's how structures engineers use aci:

Prepared calculation and reviewed drawings which provided modifications for the concrete building to meet ACI and building code requirements.
Designed and analyzed highway bridge structures using AASHTO, ASTM, AISC Steel Manual, and ACI design specifications.

6. Engineering Design

Engineering design is defined as the method that engineers use to recognize and solve problems. It is an extensive and flexible approach to problem-solving and provides the necessary information needed regarding every step of the process. An engineering design is a collaborative effort of the team to identify problems underlying a process and find out ways to solve them.

Here's how structures engineers use engineering design:

Review engineering design packages required to support projects in accordance with applicable federal, state and local codes and regulatory requirements.
Executed application of value-engineering concepts to increase overall project cost effectiveness and improved engineering design efficiency.

Choose from 10+ customizable structures engineer resume templates

Build a professional structures engineer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your structures engineer resume.

7. Masonry

Masonry refers to stonework, which can be a fairly simplistic process or one far more complex. Simple masonry work may involve brick laying, delivering stone for a pathway or wall, or smoothing out the brick mortar. More complicated masonry work would involve scaffolding or other elevated construction.

Here's how structures engineers use masonry:

Instituted an innovative method in testing seismic resistance of masonry bearing walls that improved efficiency and accuracy of the assessment.
Field services included probing and inspecting deteriorated brick and limestone masonry exteriors to identify underlying causes for the deterioration.

8. Project Management

Here's how structures engineers use project management:

Project Management responsibilities included developing schedules, budgets, organizing work effort and tracking team performance.
Provided guidance and recommendations to project management concerning the project's structural requirements.

9. ASCE

Here's how structures engineers use asce:

Recommended retrofitting consisted in replacing existing gypsum shear wall to 1.2 in plywood in accordance with ASCE 41-13 and IBC 2015
Computer-aided seismic analysis and design using ASCE 7 equivalent lateral force, response spectra and time history methods.

10. AISC

Here's how structures engineers use aisc:

Performed quantitative analysis and provided engineering judgment for appropriate AISC steel member substitution.
Design was primarily done per the requirements of AISC 9th edition for combined axial loads and bending loads where appropriate.

11. Finite Element Analysis

Finite Element Analysis is a simulated or computerized method of predicting a product's reaction to real-world forces, such as heat, vibration, fluid flow and other physical effects. FEA runs a computer simulation to determine whether a product will effectively work, break, or wear out based on the way it's designed. Developers can test the efficiency or durability of a product through FEA before going into mass-production.

Here's how structures engineers use finite element analysis:

Detail and assembly level stress analyses utilizing classical and finite element analysis techniques on a variety of metal and composite structures.
Performed 3D Finite Element Analysis with maximum design operation loads and determined collapsed vacuum loads by elastic-plastic failure model analysis.

12. Design Software

Design software is used to create, edit, and display various types of graphics and images, including but not limited to photography, 3D design, and the website interface. It enables users to create a wide variety of visual files and offers various tools and functions to enhance the user's artistic skills and techniques. Some features include design, image editing, and digital illustration. Design software might also reference the actual act of creating a piece of software or application with a larger business or product goal in mind.

Here's how structures engineers use design software:

Developed construction documents and technical specifications using AASHTO and bridge design software.
Collected and reviewed data from existing drawings to form a 3D model for existing and new structures using RISA-3D design software.

13. MathCAD

Here's how structures engineers use mathcad:

Set up a MathCAD program to calculate the load diagram for Projects Louisa and Plum Point.
Prepared new templates in MathCAD for engineers to use such as anchor bolts and weld design.

14. Rehabilitation

Here's how structures engineers use rehabilitation:

Designed repair procedures for structures under distress or to correct improper construction, and provided structural design associated with rehabilitation.
Consult and provide complete structural design and guidance for rehabilitation and retrofit of existing buildings.

15. IBC

Here's how structures engineers use ibc:

Performed dynamic analysis & seismic design of under- & above-ground structures based on IBC standards and local building codes.
Worked with composite beams, snow loads, personnel tie-offs, 1-way concrete slabs and IBC building code.

5 Structures Engineer resume examples

Build a professional structures engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 5+ resume templates to create your structures engineer resume.

Create my resume

Build a professional resume in minutes using this template.

What skills help Structures Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on structures engineer resumes?

Sherif Ishak Ph.D.

Professor and Department Chair, Old Dominion University

Technical competencies are important to show on resumes. However, in today's market, employers are looking for other skill sets such as communication, leadership, entrepreneurship, and evidence of professional development at time of graduation. It is very important to emphasize such skill set on the resume to convince employers that you are a well rounded person and have the capacity to continue learning and gaining experience on the job.

What structures engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Esber Andiroglu PhD, PE, LEED AP

Associate Professor of Practice, Dept. of Civil & Architectural Engineering, Director of Construction Management Programs, University of Miami

Be flexible; highlight that you are a team player with solid leadership skills; be self driven, resourceful and confident; share your vision for your new role stemming from the strengths and knowledge that you bring based on your training, education and prior work experience.

What type of skills will young structures engineers need?

Nick Hudyma PhD PE

Professor and Chair, Boise State University

Civil engineering is a technical discipline that is founded in mathematics, physics, and the natural sciences. Technical skills have always been, and will continue to be, important. The coronavirus pandemic has shown us the importance of professional skills. Civil engineers must be able to communicate effectively, using a range of techniques to a wide variety of audiences.

In my opinion, visualization skills will begin to become very important. I can envision a coupled work environment, having technical analyses and designs working behind the scenes with visualizations being presented to clients. Civil engineers will need to present their work, not using traditional 2D blueprints and plan sets, but using 3D and 4D visualizations, which will include either virtual reality or augmented reality. This is especially important as our designs become more complex, and we continue in-fill development in dense urban areas.

What technical skills for a structures engineer stand out to employers?

Norb Delatte Ph.D.

M.R. Lohmann Endowed Professor of Engineering and Head, Oklahoma State University

Employers are looking for strong design technical skills, and the ability to master design software rapidly. Professional and people skills are also important, because many of these positions deal with the public and with stakeholders.

What soft skills should all structures engineers possess?

James Albrecht

Professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, retired NYPD Captain/Commanding Officer, Pace University

Never underestimate having effective "people skills." You must be able to listen, communicate and express yourself in a competent and empathetic manner. Asking questions for more specific insight into project objectives and posing your own questions that delineate target hardening options to clients and potential customers will add the necessary human touch, not only to the field of civil engineering but to any profession.

Do you want to know more?

List of structures engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a structures engineer resume and required skills for a structures engineer to have include:

Structural Analysis
Revit
RISA
CAD
ACI
Engineering Design
Masonry
Project Management
ASCE
AISC
Finite Element Analysis
Design Software
MathCAD
Rehabilitation
IBC
Structural Systems
Cost Estimates

Ansys
Reinforced Concrete
Calculation
Construction Drawings
Stress Analysis
Nastran
Steel Structures
Steel Design
Design Criteria
Technical Reports
Solidworks
MATLAB
Design Drawings
Hand Calculations
Retaining Walls
SAP2000
Construction Administration

Structural Integrity
AASHTO
Abaqus
Concrete Structures
Oil Gas
Staad Pro
Ladders
Structural Components
Geotechnical
Foundation Design
Retrofit
Commercial Buildings
Technical Support
Engineering Drawings
FAA

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse architecture and engineering jobs