Structural engineers ensure building safety across residential renovations, commercial construction, foundation assessments, and permit compliance. Their expertise prevents costly failures, helps ensure code compliance, and provides the engineering calculations required for permits and construction approvals.
What does a structural engineer do?
A structural engineer designs and analyzes buildings, bridges, and other structures to ensure they’re safe, stable, and able to withstand physical loads and environmental pressures. They provide the mathematical backbone to architectural designs, ensuring walls, foundations, and roofs can withstand loads.
Specific structural engineering activities include:
- Creating engineering drawings and structural plans using CAD software like AutoCAD and Revit
- Performing structural analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) with tools such as STAAD Pro, ETABS, and SAP2000
- Evaluating the load-bearing capacity of walls, beams, and foundations for new construction, residential additions, or renovations
- Conducting foundation evaluations and providing FHA certifications for manufactured homes
- Ensuring all designs and modifications comply with local building codes and safety regulations to secure necessary permits
- Conducting on-site inspections and structural assessments to identify potential issues or verify construction quality
How to hire a structural engineer on Upwork
Finding the right structural engineer starts with a clear project scope and thorough evaluation process. By following this structured four-step approach, you can systematically evaluate candidates and confidently secure a qualified structural engineer for your project.
Step 1: Post a job
The quality of your job posting directly influences the caliber of structural engineering candidates who apply.
- A well-written structural engineer job description is essential for attracting professionals with the specific technical expertise your project requires. Review our civil engineering job description template for ideas on content and format.
- Outline your goals, required technical skills, and expected deliverables to filter for the best matches.
- Describe the project specifically, listing must-have skills like proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Revit), structural analysis tools (STAAD Pro), and knowledge of relevant local building codes.
- State the required deliverables, project timeline, and budget to help candidates assess if the job is a good fit.
To draft a strong post faster, try the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI. Describe what you need in a few sentences, and Uma will draft a tailored structural engineer job post for your review.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
A systematic approach to candidate assessment helps ensure you identify structural engineers with proven expertise in projects similar to yours.
- Reviewing proposals carefully allows you to identify engineers who possess the necessary qualifications and safety certifications.
- Review candidate portfolios for similar projects, focusing on the quality of their past work in residential, commercial, or industrial sectors.
- Check client testimonials and Job Success Scores to assess reliability, communication skills, and professionalism.
- Verify credentials such as a professional engineer (PE) license or certifications in specific software or methodologies like seismic design.
You can use Upwork’s instant video interviews to screen applicants for a best-fit shortlist, with Uma providing side-by-side candidate comparisons.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Interviews provide an opportunity to assess how candidates approach structural challenges and communicate technical information. This step helps you gauge their expertise beyond their portfolio and determine whether their working style aligns with your project requirements.
- Need interview question ideas? Check our common interview questions guide.
- Ask about their engineering approach and methodology, and how they handle code compliance and permit requirements for similar projects.
- Inquire about the software tools they use for design and analysis to ensure compatibility with your preferred formats.
- Request examples of similar projects, discuss outcomes, challenges faced, and how they resolved them.
Upwork Messages allows you to schedule and conduct live video interviews on the platform, with call transcripts and summaries available after the calls.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Before starting the work, use Upwork’s contracting step to put a firm agreement in place. Taking time to structure the engagement properly sets the stage for a successful collaboration and prevents scope creep.
- Documenting project expectations, deliverables, and payment terms before work begins minimizes misunderstandings and creates accountability for both parties.
- Upwork's contract workroom and messaging tools keep communication clear and organized.
- Choose between fixed-price contracts for defined deliverables or hourly contracts for consultations and ongoing work.
- Rely on Hourly Payment Protection, identity verification, and project funds to ensure secure, predictable payments tied to approved milestones.
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.