Resources for New Structural Engineer of Record
Resources for New Structural Engineer of Record
(OP)
I have been working in structural engineering for several years, have my P.E. and a M.S. in Civil Engineering. I have worked for a few companies, always as part of a team and under a senior engineer. I have been managing my own projects and doing all of the calcs and coordination. I have also always had a senior engineer to go to for questions and to review my work. I applied for a job with an A/E firm for a structural engineer. When i interviewed I found out i would be the only structural engineer at the firm and i would have a drafter working under me. i am a confident engineer and am up to the challenge of taking on the extra responsibility and work that is evolved with being the engineer of record. I am a bit nervous and feel somewhat overwhelmed knowing that i will be completely on my own, with no one to turn to for help. I will now be solely responsible for calcs, drawings, specs, notes, etc.... I am used to working with engineers with decades of experience and seemingly endless wealth of knowledge.
I am wondering if there are any engineers that know of good resources for someone in my position.
Thank you!!
I am wondering if there are any engineers that know of good resources for someone in my position.
Thank you!!





RE: Resources for New Structural Engineer of Record
RE: Resources for New Structural Engineer of Record
RE: Resources for New Structural Engineer of Record
Also, being the sole EOR at a company can be a great opportunity or a curse. You're the odd person there so be careful not to become a 5th wheel. That said, it also opens up an opportunity where if other engineers are brought on board you'll become the chief engineer and soon will be the engineer "with decades of experience and seemingly endless wealth of knowledge".
Good luck!
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/
RE: Resources for New Structural Engineer of Record
RE: Resources for New Structural Engineer of Record
If you feel that you lack the confidence to take the job, though, perhaps you are not seasoned enough yet.
How complicated, relative to your experience, are the projects this A/E firm will have you stamp?
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Resources for New Structural Engineer of Record
Mike has a great point here. If you're just stamping simple building designs, odd architectural details, etc.; no problem. If the firm has been farming out these grand designs with high complexity and are hoping to bring you on board to bring these in-house then I'd be very careful you don't get overworked or be forced to cut corners to meet deadlines.
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/
RE: Resources for New Structural Engineer of Record