Structural projects require careful analysis of loads, materials, building conditions, and applicable codes. Hiring a structural engineer brings specialized expertise to evaluate structural systems, develop designs and calculations, and support projects ranging from residential renovations to commercial construction and structural assessments.
What does a structural engineer do?
A structural engineer designs and evaluates buildings and other structures to determine how they respond to loads and environmental forces. They use engineering calculations, models, drawings, and applicable codes to develop or assess structural systems such as foundations, beams, columns, walls, floors, and roofs. Projects requiring signed or sealed engineering documents may need a licensed professional engineer who’s authorized to practice in the project’s jurisdiction.
The day-to-day activities of structural engineers include:
- Creating structural drawings and plans using CAD and BIM tools such as AutoCAD and Revit
- Performing structural analysis using tools such as ETABS, SAP2000, STAAD.Pro, or other engineering software
- Calculating gravity, wind, seismic, and other loads as required by the project
- Designing or evaluating foundations, beams, columns, walls, and other structural elements
- Assessing existing structures for renovations, additions, damage, or changes in use
- Developing designs that address applicable building codes and regulations
- Coordinating structural requirements with architects, contractors, and other engineering disciplines
- Conducting site observations or structural assessments when included in the scope
How to hire a structural engineer on Upwork
When you hire a structural engineer, start with a clear project scope and a thorough evaluation process. On Upwork, 89% of first-time clients complete a contract. This four-step approach helps you move from a focused job post to a signed agreement.
Step 1: Post a job
A clear job post helps structural engineers understand your project, applicable codes, technical requirements, and expected deliverables.
- Describe the structure and project type, such as an addition, new build, retrofit, or structural assessment
- Specify deliverables such as calculations, drawings, assessment reports, or signed and sealed plans
- Identify applicable building codes, design standards, and permitting requirements
- List required software such as AutoCAD, Revit, ETABS, SAP2000, or STAAD.Pro
- Share existing drawings, site information, reports, or other available documentation
- State whether the work requires an engineer licensed in the project’s jurisdiction
- Include your timeline and budget
- Adapt this civil engineer job description to your structural engineering project
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 job post for structural engineers. On Upwork, the average time from job post to first proposal is just three hours.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Focus on engineers with relevant structural experience, technical skills, and qualifications for your project.
- Review portfolios for comparable structures, materials, and project types
- Verify experience with applicable codes and design standards
- Confirm proficiency with the structural analysis and design software required
- Verify professional licensure when signed or sealed work is required
- Look for experience coordinating with architects, contractors, and other engineers
- Read client feedback and consider Job Success Score alongside relevant experience
You can use Upwork's instant video interviews to screen applicants and create a best-fit shortlist, with Uma providing side-by-side candidate comparisons.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Use interviews to understand how candidates approach structural analysis, design decisions, code requirements, and project coordination.
- Ask how they determine loads and design criteria for a project like yours
- Discuss how they interpret applicable codes and permitting requirements
- Explore how they validate structural models and engineering calculations
- Have candidates walk through a similar project and explain key design decisions
- Ask how they handle field conditions or design changes that differ from the original assumptions
- Adapt these mechanical engineer interview questions to assess structural analysis, loads, materials, codes, and engineering design
Schedule and conduct interviews within Upwork Messages, with a call transcript and summary provided after each interview.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Before engineering work begins, align on design criteria, deliverables, coordination responsibilities, and approval requirements.
- Define drawings, calculations, reports, and signed or sealed deliverables
- Confirm design criteria, codes, loads, materials, and key assumptions
- Provide access to drawings, surveys, reports, and site information
- Set milestones for analysis, design, review, permitting, and final delivery
- Clarify site visit and field observation responsibilities
- Agree on revision rounds and responses to permit-review comments
- Define coordination responsibilities with architects, contractors, and other engineers
- Confirm editable files, PDFs, calculations, and other final handoff requirements
Use messaging and the contract workroom to keep communication organized. Rely on identity verification, Hourly Payment Protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for secure, predictable payments.
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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.