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Structural Engineer
As a Structural Engineer in the renewable energy sector, you’ll design and oversee the construction of the critical frameworks needed to house offshore battery farms, hydrogen storage units, and connected energy distribution facilities. In the Storage & Industrial zone, your focus will be on ensuring that the structural designs for these installations are safe, durable, efficient, and sustainable, considering the extreme offshore environment.
Key Responsibilities
Structural Engineers ensure that the physical structures supporting offshore battery systems and green hydrogen tanks are designed to withstand environmental forces like high winds, waves, and corrosion. They calculate loads, choose materials, create blueprints, and oversee on-site construction, guaranteeing everything is built safely and efficiently. You’ll be crucial to making sure that energy storage facilities last for decades with minimal maintenance needs.
• Design new additions or renovations to existing structures, alongside the architects.
• Calculate factors that impact structures such as load, weather and human impact, using mathematical formulas and modelling software.
• Analyse configurations of the basic components of a structure.
• Advise on the best materials to use when building or adding to existing structures, considering safety, sustainability, usage and cost.
• Work with other designers, including architects, to agree on safe designs and their fit with the aesthetic concept of the construction.
• Examine structures at risk of collapse and advise how to improve their structural integrity.
• Make drawings, specifications and computer models of structures for building
contractors.
As for what you’ll most likely be doing:
• Develop engineering plans using computer software.
• Investigate the properties of building materials like glass, steel and concrete.
• Work out the loads and stresses on different parts of a building.
• Use computer models to predict how structures will react to the weather.
• Inspect unsafe buildings and decide whether they should be demolished.
• Work out why and how buildings have collapsed.
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Salary Range
Entry-Level
Experienced
Essential Skills
Knowledge of engineering science and technology
• Maths knowledge.
• Knowledge of building and construction.
• Design skills and knowledge.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Complex problem-solving skills.
• Thinking and reasoning skills.
• To be thorough and pay attention to detail.
• To be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently.
Training Providers in the UK
Qualifications and Training
At least 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including:
• Mathematics (essential — many courses require at least a 6/B).
• English Language.
• Physics or Combined Science.
• Design & Technology (optional but useful).
A Levels:
A Levels in subjects such as:
• Mathematics (essential).
• Physics (strongly preferred).
• Further Mathematics, Chemistry, or Design Technology (helpful).
When it comes to becoming a Structural Engineer in the renewable energy industry, you’ll usually need an accredited degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, or a degree in a closely related field.
Entry requirements to get into university include:
• 3 A Levels at grades ABB to AAB, which would typically include Mathematics and Physics.
As for the degree, you could take a degree in subjects such as:
• Civil Engineer - This course teaches you how to design, build, and maintain the structures we rely on every day and in renewable energy, that means things like hydrogen storage tanks, and battery plant buildings. You’ll study structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, materials science, and geotechnics. This degree can be found in the University of Southampton. You’ll be developing skills to design and build creative solutions to challenges in the built environment, infrastructure and cities, and the management and teamwork skills needed to succeed in industry. Southampton requires an A*AA at A level, including Mathematics.
• Architectural Engineering - This course blends structural engineering with an architectural focus. You’ll learn how to make energy-efficient, sustainable, and resilient buildings and facilities. Such as battery storage units and green hydrogen production hubs. You’ll cover structural systems, thermal performance, and environmental design.
This degree can be found at the University of Bath, where there is a strong focus on environmental performance, renewable construction materials, and energy-efficient building methods. Bath requires an A*AA at A level, including Mathematics and a science subject such as Physics.
These degrees will prepare you for offshore infrastructure projects, helping you master stress analysis, materials selection, and computer-aided design software that are crucial for hydrogen and battery storage structures.
However, some employers may prefer or even require you to have a master’s or postgraduate qualification. Pursuing a master's degree, such MSc in Offshore and Ocean Engineering, can strengthen your technical expertise in areas like structural analysis, geotechnics, project management, and renewable infrastructure design.
• For example, the University of Southampton offer an MSc in Maritime Engineering Science: Ocean Energy & Offshore Engineering. This course specialises in the design, analysis, and operation of offshore energy systems, including wind, wave, and tidal technologies. Students focus on advanced structural mechanics, hydrodynamics, and renewable energy integration for offshore platforms, which are key skills for working on projects like offshore wind farms with hydrogen and battery storage. Entry requirements usually include a 2:1 in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or Mathematics.
Having a postgraduate qualification can open opportunities to work on larger, more complex offshore renewable projects and may lead to faster career progression into senior engineering, design consultancy, or project management roles.
You can also become a Structural Engineer through an apprenticeship, which allows you to earn a salary while gaining hands-on experience and studying toward a recognised qualification.
These are excellent pathways if you prefer a practical, real-world learning route instead of the traditional university journey.
• Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship (level 6) - This apprenticeship is aimed at those who want to design, build, and maintain infrastructure such as offshore platforms, wind turbine foundations, and energy storage units. You’ll study for a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering while working for an employer in the renewable energy or construction sector.
• Civil engineering senior technician (level 4) - If you're starting and want a stepping-stone into engineering careers, the Level 4 apprenticeship is a great entry point. You’ll assist in the design, planning, and delivery of construction projects, and your role might involve computer-aided design, site surveys, and early-stage structural analysis.
Apprenticeships offer an excellent chance to enter high-demand sectors like offshore renewables, gaining real-world project experience on energy storage and wind-to-hydrogen infrastructure.
Employment Opportunities in the UK