30 Structural Engineer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Structural Engineer interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Do you have experience working with building remodeling teams?
How to Answer
Remodeling projects are common in the field of structural engineering. It can be a unique and fun challenge to work within the framework of an existing building to renovate it and create something new for a client. Working on remodeling projects is a great way to build your skills as a structural engineer. Describe remodeling projects you have worked on and the type of calculations or structural details that you were required to perform as an engineer.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have worked on several large remodeling projects, both residential and commercial. I have been responsible for performing calculations related to removing load bearing walls. One of the coolest projects I worked on involved a homeowner wanting to remove several walls so that he could build a tennis court for himself in a large room."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
2. How would you handle working with a demanding client that doesn't take no for an answer?
How to Answer
Some clients are a dream to work with and structural engineers look forward to doing repeat business with them. Others...not so much. Unfortunately, those experiences are unavoidable, but a good engineer will find a way to make it work. When dealing with difficult clients, it is important to continue doing your best work. If that means holding their hand through the process or checking in more frequently, so be it.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"At my previous firm, we had a client who was building a custom home. He was very enthusiastic about the design, but had a hard time understanding why we couldn't make everything work exactly as he wanted, from a structural standpoint. As project manager, I took the lead with outlining the design process for the client and did my best to get as close to meeting his creative vision as possible."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
3. Are you comfortable handling drafting tasks on your own?
How to Answer
Many structural engineering firms are transitioning away from employing dedicated teams of structural drafters and CAD technicians. They're preferring to rely more on the engineers to perform their own drafting. Being able to efficiently handle drafting and detailing drawings is a valuable skill for a young engineer to have when they enter the workforce, especially if you are comfortable with BIM or 3D modeling.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I spent my last summer internship doing a lot of CAD work for the structural engineering firm that hired me. I feel comfortable using CAD and enjoy the work. I am also working on my skills in Revit and BIM. I know that BIM will be very important for our industry going into the future."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
4. What type of buildings do you have experience designing?
How to Answer
Structural engineers work on a wide variety of different types of buildings. Some are more complex than others and require you to solve more challenging design problems. When answering this question, expound on specific projects from your resume, describe the types of buildings you have worked on and the different challenges you faced. Talk about several different buildings.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I've worked on quite a few different types of buildings so far in my career. I've done single-story commercial retail projects, multi-story office buildings, apartments and hotels. I've also done some structural design for concrete tanks at water treatment plants and foundation design for agricultural sites. I've enjoyed the different challenges posed by each type of building."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
5. Can you describe the key differences between steel and concrete as structural building materials?
How to Answer
Interviews for engineering positions aren't typically heavy on technical questions and theoretical scenarios, but there may be a few questions like this when interviewing for an entry-level position. It is important for structural engineers to know the key differences between the structural properties of steel and concrete since they are the most common building materials. If you paid attention in college, this question will be a breeze.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"Steel and concrete are the two most important building materials. Steel is lighter and can be erected quickly on site. It also has high tensile strength. Concrete, on the other hand, is weak in tension but does not require additional fireproofing like steel. It is also currently cheaper than steel. Cast-in-place concrete is ideal for laying slabs and foundations and can be formed into almost any shape."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
6. Do you have experience using BIM software?
How to Answer
Many structural engineers believe that BIM software is the way of the future for the industry. BIM is a powerful tool that allows every component of the building to be modeled and analyzed. It is also important in coordinating construction and tracking progress of the project. Young engineers should work extremely hard to position themselves as leaders and experts in using BIM.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I have several years of experience using Revit as a professional. At my current firm, I have worked hard to make myself an internal leader in the adoption of BIM. I believe it is important for the future of structural engineering that every young professional familiarizes themselves with BIM."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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7. Do you have any special experience working with engineers in different disciplines?
How to Answer
Structural engineers don't just work with structural engineers. They typically have to work with foundation engineers, as well as HVAC and electrical engineers to design the systems that power the building. It is important to be able to work effectively across different engineering disciplines. When answering this question, highlight the ways in which you have worked with engineers from the geotechnical or MEP subconsultant and what you have learned. A structural engineer that is able to effectively communicate this way is very valuable.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I actually spent the first two years after college working at a geotechnical engineering firm. I have experience designing shallow and deep foundations for bridges and multi-story commercial buildings. I am very grateful that I started my career this way because I learned a lot and can speak the same language as the geotechnical engineers on my structural projects."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
8. How would your former employer describe you?
How to Answer
Potential employers are curious to know how your previous employer would describe your work and performance while employed with them. Early on in the interview process, they won't be able to reach out for feedback from your provided references. So, it's up to you to offer your own honest feedback. Be candid and honest when answering this question. The interviewer will be able to tell if you are not being genuine in your answer.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"My previous coworkers and managers would describe me as hard working and dependable. They know that I am always willing to put in the extra effort to make sure work gets done on time. It's important that everyone pulls their own weight and recognizes that their work and effort affects everyone else on the team."
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9. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see if you ware able to reflect on your weaknesses as an engineer. This is a very important personality trait for effective professionals. Being able to recognize your own weaknesses allows you to work on them or seek out help from other members of the team to guide you through a task that is difficult for you. Answer the question with an honest answer and offer examples of how you have worked on your weak areas to help complete a project successfully.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I know that I can struggle with time management when juggling multiple projects at once. I can have a hard time settling on which tasks to work on first when I have two projects with due dates coming up at the same time. To help myself work on this weakness, I try to outline a schedule for myself every Sunday night before starting the work week."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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10. What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as a Structural Engineer?
How to Answer
This is a chance to really sell yourself and convince the interviewer that their firm NEEDS to hire you. What better way to do this than by going in depth to describe your greatest strength. This doesn't necessarily have to be related to engineering directly. It could be a personality trait.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I think my biggest strength as a structural engineer is that I genuinely feel extremely passionate about crunching numbers and tackling challenging design problems. When I break out my paper, pencil, and calculator to work through a problem, it feels like time passes extremely quickly. I'm always excited for a new project and the challenges that come with it."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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11. How do you prioritize your work when juggling multiple projects?
How to Answer
As you advance in your career, you will be given more responsibilities and asked to work on multiple projects at a time. This can be a challenge initially, especially for the mid-level engineer just knocking on the door of a project manager role. It's important to make sure that each project you are working on is remaining on schedule and not lagging behind. Explain to the interviewer how you have developed your own personal process for managing your workload and weekly schedule.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I have multiple projects going at the same time, I set weekly, monthly, and quarterly schedules with goals for myself. I set my schedule based on the overall project schedules and deadlines. I'll check in with senior project managers to make sure they agree with my priorities and adjust as needed. It's important to be flexible when juggling a heavy workload."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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12. Please describe the most technically interesting building in your city.
How to Answer
Here's a chance to show an interviewer that you have great observational skills as an engineer. By describing to the interviewer an interesting building in your city, you'll be showing them that you can assess structural systems just by looking at a building and without needing to look at plans or calculations. Having a good answer to this question shows that you're always trying to learn more as an engineer and can think critically on your own, without being guided to the right answer.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I lived in Pittsburgh for over 10 years after college, and one of the most interesting buildings in the city is the old ALCOA headquarters. It was the first building in the world to be made entirely out of aluminum. The building has such a cool, sleek exterior finish. It looks very futuristic. Aluminum is definitely not the easiest material to build a skyscraper out of, but they made it work."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
13. What are your career goals?
How to Answer
Every engineer has their own individual set of career goals. Some engineers aspire to reach upper level management roles, while others are more content to become technical experts in their field and hammer out design calculations and work on complex projects. There are also engineers who aspire to a middle ground type of role where they manage younger staff members. It's important to know what you value for yourself as an engineer in your own career. This question is important for interviewers so that they can gauge how you fit in with their firm's long-term plan.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I envision myself becoming a senior project manager with a respected firm. I am hopeful that I can work on signature projects and have an impact on the success of my firm by keeping projects profitable and mentoring and helping younger staff members grow to become key players."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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14. How do you best manage your team's workload as a project manager?
How to Answer
Good project managers are sort of like a jockey in a horse race. They know exactly how much their team can handle, when to push the pace, and when to back off and let everyone catch their breath. Effectively managing staff workload is just as important as keeping track of the schedule and ensuring the budget remains on the contract. If you push the team too hard as a project manager, they'll get burned out, alienated, or leave the firm altogether.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"Each project is set up with the goal of never asking the team members to work more than 40 hours a week. They are certainly given the opportunity and freedom to work overtime when they feel driven or excited about what they're working on, but it is never expected. I find this keeps everyone fresh and motivated. If extra work is required, I do my best to funnel it to the more senior staff members first."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
15. What structural engineering project, outside of anything you have worked on, are you most impressed with?
How to Answer
This question is meant to prompt you to expound on a structural engineering project that interests you. It's a chance to show off some technical knowledge about a project that you didn't actually work on. The interviewer is trying to gauge whether or not you have a passion for structural engineering and are willing to learn more about the field outside of your normal working hours.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"My all-time favorite structural engineering project is the Golden Gate Bridge. It remains one of the most stunning bridges ever constructed by man. I can't imagine the level of engineering expertise and acumen that went into designing a structure like that without modern computing and drafting technology."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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16. What did you like and dislike about your previous job?
How to Answer
If you're looking for a new job, there must be a reason you're willing to leave your old company. Your interviewer will want to understand why you're interested in leaving. Being able to offer positives and negatives about your previous job is the mark of a true professional who is able to critically asses the pros and cons of a situation. Give a truthful answer to this question, but don't be overly negative about your prior employer.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I really liked the people I worked with at my last job. We had a really great, small team that felt like family. Our office outings were always a blast. However, I felt like the firm was too small and could not offer me the opportunities for growth I am seeking. I'd like to be involved in larger projects and more technically-challenging structures."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
17. What is your overall career objective? Do you see yourself working in engineering ten years from now? If not, what do you think you will be doing?
How to Answer
Most engineering firms realize that if they hire you, there's a 50-50 chance you'll still be there in ten years, but it is still important for them to know your personal career goals before they bring you on board. This is especially true for mid-level and upper-level professionals. For example, if you aspire to be a senior vice president of an engineering firm and the firm you're interviewing with doesn't envision having an opening for you, then it may not be a good long-term fit.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I definitely envision myself sticking with structural engineering for the rest of my career. In ten years, I see myself working in a senior project manager role with an eye on transitioning into the executive management of a firm. I would like to learn more about the business aspect of running an engineering company."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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18. What new engineering specialty skills have you developed during the past year?
How to Answer
Engineers should always be working to learn new skills to make themselves more valuable. Being willing to learn on your own time is the mark of a truly valuable employee who will help the firm grow and bring in new clients. If you have picked up new skills, this is your chance to brag about them, and explain why you think they'll add value to a new firm. If not, don't worry -- use the time answering this question to discuss something you are interested in learning about.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am very interested in the future of solar and wind engineering as a key part of a sustainable future for the planet. Over the past year, I have spent time taking online courses related to the design and construction of rooftop solar panel installations. I believe this will be a key revenue driver for structural engineers, and I have the skills to be a key team member on solar-related projects."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
19. What area of structural engineering do you find most challenging?
How to Answer
Very few structural engineers find every part of their job to be a breeze, and that's ok. Employers don't expect you to be an expert in every single subset or design application of structural engineering. What they do expect you to do is recognize what challenges you and take action to learn more or seek out help from more experienced team members. Engineering firms employ diverse staffs that all have different skills and areas of expertise.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I do not have a great deal of experience designing and detailing concrete slabs. When tasked with working on a slab design problem, I have always made sure that I am proactive in seeking out help and asking someone to check over my calculations at various stages of completion, to make sure I am on the right track."
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20. What engineering skills have you developed or improved upon during the past year?
How to Answer
As an engineer, you should never stop learning and picking up new skills. This is the key to growth and becoming a successful contributor to your firm's teams. It should be a point of pride to discuss what you have worked on. Discuss specific skills you have gone out of your way to study and how they make you a more valuable asset to their firm.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"Over the past year, I have really worked hard to learn more about foundation design. When I'm working on big building projects as a structural engineer, I think it will really help the team out to have an engineer who is able to communicate directly with the geotechnical team and understand their language and field more fully. We need to be able to work across multiple disciplines to get the best results."
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21. Describe a time when you used your engineering knowledge to solve a problem for which there appeared to be no answer.
How to Answer
The best engineers are able to use creative thinking to solve problems where the answer doesn't stand out immediately. This is a chance to highlight a special project from your resume that showcases your unique engineering skills. Share about a time you worked on a complicated project and describe your contribution in overcoming a challenge.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"While working on a renovation project for a hospital, our team had to work within the constraints of the environment, where it was still an active medical setting. The steel members and structural components we were designing had to be light and easy to maneauver and install. This led to some very creative detailing and design."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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22. What are you doing to keep current in technology?
How to Answer
Engineering technology is always changing, especially when it comes to software and modeling. One of the biggest changes that is coming for structural engineers is the full adoption of BIM and 3D modeling. There will eventually be a time when there are no paper plans or drawings, but only 3D models. It's important that structural engineers stay up to date on the latest trends in the industry, so they can offer their clients the most innovative solutions.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am constantly trying to learn more about BIM because I think it will revolutionize our industry and how work is done. One of the best ways for me to learn about Revit and BIM software is by watching tutorials on YouTube. I think this is a great way to learn and practice."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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23. How do you get a peer or colleague to accept one of your ideas?
How to Answer
Engineering debates can be contentious, especially when everyone thinks they have the best idea in the room. This is why communication skills are key. You need to be able to see the point of view of your colleagues, digest their criticism or conflicting viewpoints, and then make a strong case for your own ideas. Give concrete examples from projects you have worked on throughout your career where you had to overcome internal conflict to advance your ideas.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"At my previous employer, I developed an idea that would improve our team's workflows and communications while working from home during the pandemic. It was difficult at first to get buy in from older engineers at first, but I was able to get the team on board by talking to them on an individual level and understanding their concerns over the current state of our day-to-day operations."
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24. How do you decide what gets top priority when scheduling your time?
How to Answer
It's always a challenge deciding what needs to get done first when you have a to-do list with a dozen things or more on it. Learning how to prioritize your time correctly is a big step to being a better, more efficient engineer. The interviewer wants to see if you have a grasp on how to work on multiple tasks at once and how you handle the pressure of being involved in multiple projects with different deadlines. It's important to show that you have good time management skills and know how to be organized.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I am working on multiple projects at the same time, I keep a list of key deadlines and submission dates for each project. From there, I prioritize which tasks are on the critical path of the schedule and whether or not other team members are waiting on me to finish my task or check their work. I think it's important and helpful to also recognize other engineer's work schedules and effort, when planning my own work."
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25. What is your secret to a successful career as a structural engineer?
How to Answer
You have to work hard to be a good structural engineer, but it's how you put in the work that sets the best engineers apart from the rest of the field. A strong answer to this question will show the interviewer that you know what it takes to be successful as a structural engineer and that you have worked on your own personal career goals. Show the interviewer that you have put a lot of thought into how to maximize your skills and talents as an engineer. That's the true key to being successful in this field.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I think the most important thing that engineers can do to help themselves succeed is to never stop learning. I'm smart enough to realize that I don't know it all as an engineer. The best way I can help myself and my clients is by working hard to learn a few new things about this field every year and incorporate those things into my projects."
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26. What made you choose a career as a structural engineer?
How to Answer
Here's your chance to wow an interviewer with a well thought out answer about why you got into structural engineering. Hopefully you have actually given some serious thought to this question at some point in your life. The main point of asking this question is for an interviewer to hear you talk passionately about your work and why it interests you. Companies want to hire and keep engineers who are passionate about their work, and that passion is often best communicated by sharing the reason you got into structural engineering in the first place.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I've known I wanted to be a structural engineer since my first trip to New York City as a high schooler. The buildings in the city are just so incredible and exciting to see. I want to leave my mark on a big city by helping to design iconic structures that will be a part of the skyline for decades to come."
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27. What was the last book you read for fun?
How to Answer
This might seem like a silly question, but it has value in the job interview setting, especially for younger engineers. The purpose of this question is for your potential employer to develop an understanding of your personality and interests outside of work. It's always good to have interests and passions in life that aren't related to your job. Reading is a great way to explore new topics or let your mind wander in new worlds.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I just finished reading Dune by Frank Herbert. I love reading science fiction novels, and this is one of the classics. There are also some modern-day parallels and lessons that can be learned from it, related to environmentalism and how we treat our own home planet."
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28. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.
How to Answer
Your resume will outline and describe all of the projects you have worked on in your engineering career, but there's not enough room in those blurbs to really dive into all of the hard work it took to successfully complete the job. When the interviewer asks this question, it's your chance to highlight something special you did on one of those projects to make it run smoothly. Maybe you took on a leading role for detailing steel framing members on a multi-story project when someone else dropped the ball. Maybe you have volunteered for extra field work. Give an example to highlight your experience.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"On my last big project, I volunteered to be my firm's representative on the job site, once we entered the construction phase. This wasn't necessarily an easy job because it required me to be up early and outside in the cold weather. However, I felt that it was important that I was the engineer handling this role because I was responsible for most of the design and could handle relations with the construction team most effectively."
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29. What was your greatest accomplishment as a structural engineer?
How to Answer
This is your chance to talk about something in your career or professional life that you are extremely proud of. A simple entry on a resume or a credential won't do this accomplishment justice, so it's important to give as much detail as you can and highlight why you feel so proud of what you've done. This can be a specific project that was completed successfully, an award you won, or a credential you received after months of studying.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest accomplishment so far as a structural engineer was studying for and passing the S.E. exam. It is such a grueling process preparing for the test, and the exam itself is no joke. I was so elated when I found out I had passed."
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30. Why do you want a career as a structural engineer?
How to Answer
Interviewers use questions like this to try and break the ice and get to know you. It's important for them to feel like they have an understanding of what motivates you as an engineer. Give an impassioned answer and show that you are excited about your work as a structural engineer. Offer personal anecdotes to strengthen your answer.
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have always been fascinated by the buildings that humans have been able to build. It blows my mind that the Great Pyramids and Roman aqueducts and the Coliseum are still standing. These monuments to structural engineering brilliance might stand longer than anything modern humans are able to design."
Written by Josh Sadlock on February 12th, 2021
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