Civil/ Structural Engineer
Job Description
- Plan, design, construct, manage and supervise construction projects which include structural, hydraulic and geotechnical works, highway, railway, traffic and transportation, environmental projects, sewage, maritime engineering, etc.
- Calculate the loads and stresses that the structures can endure
- Investigate the strength of foundations and analyse the composition and condition of the structure components such as steel, concrete, timber, etc.
- Conduct environmental assessment
- Administer the construction contracts
- Provide training to trainee engineers
- Supervise the construction project at sites to ensure the structures are being constructed according to the original design
- Work closely with other professionals, e.g, architects, building services engineers, mechanical engineers, quantity surveyors, geotechnical engineers, building surveyors and land surveyors, etc. to ensure the projects are successfully implemented
- Senior engineers may need to take up more managerial tasks
Civil engineers may also have to:
- Take care of the subsequent operation and maintenance of the projects and amenities
- Identify the impact of the projects on environment and carry out remedial action to improve the quality of the environment
- Evaluate the requirements of the utilities, design the exterior of the structures, determine construction materials and their composition
- Engineers in contracting firms: devise construction plans to ensure the projects are carried out within the time and budget constraints
- Engineers in government departments: design project amenities, supervise how the work is carried out by the contractors, conduct safety checking and
- implement remedial and improvement work
Structural engineers may also have to:
- Analyse structural problems and devise project specifications
- Design industrial, commercial, governmental and residential structures and provide professional advice
- Plan and supervise the construction and maintenance of buildings
- Structural engineers in government:
- Design structures for government buildings and public housing and supervise the work of contracting companies
- Supervise the budget, expenses and progress of projects
- Inspect structures for compliance with Buildings Ordinance, investigate old or dilapidated buildings and monitor improvements
Qualities and Qualifications
- Attain an accredited honours degree in a recognised engineering or technological discipline or equivalent
- As some jobs must be performed by a registered engineer, a professional qualification is important for the development in the field
- Before being professionally qualified as a civil or structural engineer, one must be the Corporate Member of a professional engineering body, e.g., the HKIE or the Institution of Civil Engineers or the Institution of Structural Engineers (United Kingdom)
- Serious, attentive to details, patient
- Able to think logically, good at making analysis
- Good at visualising different structures with the aid of technical drawings and written specifications
- Accurate and quick in calculations, capable of using calculating machines
- Strong in observation and identifying questions
- Able to deal effectively with all kinds of people and to manage subordinates and other resources
- Able to tackle problems with resilience and persistence
Professional Qualifications
You may contact the following organizations for details of the professional qualifications of civil/ structural engineers:
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE)
The Institution of Civil Engineers
The Institution of Structural Engineers
Overseas Branch (Hong Kong) Correspondence:
 | C/ o The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong |
Engineering Council UK