Structa is a multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy of around 40 people, working across four UK offices for private and public sector clients. Our projects run from bespoke homes through to major regeneration and new housing schemes for leading housebuilders and commercial clients.
We were founded in 2004 by four like-minded engineers who set out to build something better - a business that would serve clients well by bringing together a broad, talented team and giving them the support to do their best work. Twenty years on, 80% repeat business tells us we’re still doing it right.
Each year we take on graduates and trainee technicians, because growing the next generation of engineers and leaders has been part of the plan from the very beginning.
The role
As a Graduate Structural Engineer in our Hemel Hempstead office, you’ll join a team that takes on structural problems of every type and scale - from surveys and investigations through to high-rise buildings, multi-storey basements, listed building refurbishments and major housing schemes. From day one you’ll be involved in real projects, learning from senior engineers and our hands-on partners.
You’ll get to work across materials - steel, concrete, timber and masonry - and across building types, which is one of the best ways to develop the breadth of judgement a good structural engineer needs. You’ll also start building the communication and client-facing skills that take a graduate from competent to Chartered.
Key responsibilities
As your experience grows, you’ll progressively take on more of the following:
Structural design - preparing analysis, calculations and design across steel, concrete, timber and masonry for new buildings, extensions and refurbishments.
Drawings and specifications - producing engineering drawings, sketches and specifications using industry-standard software.
Surveys and investigations - attending site to undertake structural inspections, condition surveys and feasibility studies.
Coordination - working alongside architects, M&E consultants, civil and geo-environmental colleagues and contractors to deliver integrated designs.
Construction support - responding to contractor queries, reviewing temporary works proposals and visiting site during construction.
Client communication - contributing to reports, written advice and meetings, building your professional presence.
Continuous learning - expanding your knowledge of structural behaviour, codes of practice and detailing through real projects and mentoring.
Your development - a clear route to Chartership
Our Graduate Development Programme is aligned with both the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), and gives you a clear, supported route to professional qualification with whichever institution best fits your career.
You’ll be assigned a Supervising Engineer and a Delegated Engineer, build your training record from day one, and have your progress reviewed regularly. We reimburse your professional membership fees, give you paid study leave and paid leave to sit your professional exams, and surround you with chartered engineers who’ve walked the same path.
Beyond Chartership, our internal coaching and management development support helps you keep growing into senior and leadership roles.
What we’re looking for
Essential
An ICE- or IStructE-accredited civil or structural engineering degree (or one suitable for chartered status via further learning).
Strong numeracy and a sound grasp of structural principles.
Attention to detail, a methodical approach, and curiosity about how buildings work.
Clear written and verbal communication - you can explain technical ideas to non-technical people.
A collaborative, can-do attitude - you’ll thrive in a small, close-knit team.
The right to live and work in the UK.
Desirable
Familiarity with structural analysis and design software (e.g. Tekla Structural Designer, Tedds, AutoCAD, Revit) - we’ll train you on what we use.
A full UK driving licence, given regular site visits.
Relevant industrial placement or summer experience.
What we offer
Holidays - 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays (pro-rata for part-time), rising by 2 days at 5 years’ service and a further 2 days at 10 years.
Buy and Sell Holiday - Flex your leave by buying or selling between 1 and 5 days.
Flexible Working - Our core hours keep most of the team available between 10am and 4pm, with flexibility around them. Office-based working is best for learning and teamwork, so our hybrid policy is designed to suit individual circumstances while keeping you connected to your team.
Professional Development - We reimburse professional membership fees relevant to your role, give 2 days’ paid study leave plus paid leave to sit exams, and offer internal and external training with regular coaching.
Pension - A workplace pension with Aviva; we match your contributions up to 5% (you can contribute more if you wish).
Healthcare Cash Plan - Healthcare cover for you and dependent children up to 18, with cashback on dental, optical and other treatments and access to scans, diagnostics and therapies.
Life Assurance - Financial protection for your family of 4× your basic annual salary, payable to your chosen beneficiary.
Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential advice and support across the many areas of life we all navigate.
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