Structural Designers Have a Central Role in the Stability, Safety of Structures

In the film industry, the genre of disaster movies has held a certain appeal for producers and viewers alike.  For many, this is perhaps driven by an interest in mechanization, that is, the use of special effects technology to make it seem like a structure is collapsing or a ship is capsizing; for others, the interest is more emotional, as in how such catastrophes may affect the people portrayed in those movies.

Quite often, there is a scene in these films in which someone in an official capacity asks how such a tragedy could happen.  Subsequently, a person with inside knowledge of the construction process usually responds by saying that the building/vessel simply was not designed to withstand the magnitude of the event or impact that led to the devastation; a highly recognizable example would be the sinking of the Titanic, which was structurally designed to remain afloat if four of its forward compartments were flooded but not five.

It is these types of scenarios, whether fictional or historical that confirms the importance of the role of a structural designer, a person responsible for the methodical investigation of the stability, strength, and rigidity of a specific structure.  Essentially, designers must ensure that structures are capable of resisting/withstanding any/all applied forces (also known as loads) without failure during the intended lifespan of the structure.

Those wishing to pursue a career as a structural designer will need to obtain a diploma in structural engineering design and technology or technical certification in computer-aided design (CAD).  Key areas of study should emphasize:

  • Blueprint reading
  • Structural analysis
  • Structural design e.g.:
    • Steel, concrete, wood
  • Engineering mathematics
  • Project management software
  • Computer-aided design/drafting
  • Fundamentals of solid mechanics
  • Residential/commercial building codes

Structural designers usually collaborate with engineers and architects to create sketches and computerized designs of various structures; these structures could be stationary in nature, i.e.: buildings, bridges, or tunnels, or mobile objects that have rigid shapes such as boat hulls and aircraft frames.  Some of the contributions to this collaborative process from the perspective of a structural designer typically include:

  • Compiling the requisite data
  • Determining design information
  • Performing engineering calculations
  • Validating calculations via computer simulations
  • Communicating with engineers and other designers

In some cases, structural designers may also assist in making preliminary estimations of the material quantities and costs for a project and/or preparing various scenarios based on alternative types of materials that could be used in the construction process.

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Placement Specialists Can Help Direct Your Search for a Structural Designer Job

Individuals looking for entry-level or advanced employment in the discipline of structural design may find it beneficial to collaborate with the knowledgeable placement specialists at Winters Technical Staffing, a leading recruitment agency within the engineering sector for more than 40 years.

The professionals at Winters Technical Staffing have a comprehensive understanding of the skills, work experience, and education needed to secure employment as a structural designer within a wide range of industries, including:

  • Aviation
  • Transportation
  • Civil Engineering
  • Marine Construction
  • Building Construction
  • Engineering Consulting
  • Public Works (e.g. roads)

Utilizing the knowledge and direction provided by the consultants from Winters Technical Staffing, candidates for structural design roles can streamline and better target their job search efforts through such support/services as:

  • Development of resume content
  • Preparation/coaching for interviews
  • Access to non-publicized job postings
  • Recommended networking opportunities
    • Associations, online forums, social media

For almost half a century, Winters Technical Staffing has been assisting individuals in the pursuit of employment in the engineering field, including those seeking structural design roles, which best address their skills, experience, and their personal and career goals.

To obtain more information on the specialization of Winters Technical Staffing relative to the field of engineering, including jobs in the discipline of structural design, please visit Industry Specialties

Contact Winters Today

If you are looking to launch or further your career as a structural designer, call the job placement experts at Winters Technical Staffing today at 416-495-7422 or contact us to request a complimentary consultation on how we may help to guide and support your search efforts.