Structural Steel Designer
てっこつけんちくせっけいしゃ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A technical role specializing in structural design of steel-framed buildings, including structural calculations, detailed drawings, and construction coordination.
Description
Structural steel designers specialize in the structural design of steel buildings, conducting structural calculations, section examinations, and joint designs to balance safety and economy. They use CAD, BIM tools, and finite element method (FEM) analysis software to create 2D drawings and 3D models. They ensure compliance with the Building Standards Act, Architectural Institute of Japan technical standards, JIS standards, and other regulations, and handle coordination with other designers, contractors, and authorities. They perform a wide range of tasks such as seismic design, load verification, review of shop drawings, and site inspections.
Future Outlook
Demand is increasing for high-rise and large-scale buildings in urban areas, as well as seismic and vibration control technologies, and the demand for structural steel designers is expected to remain stable. While design efficiency improves with BIM and AI, opportunities in new materials and methods, as well as renovation and seismic retrofitting, are also expected to grow.
Personality Traits
Cooperative / Curious and inquisitive / Detail-oriented / Logical thinker / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Career Path
Assistant Structural Designer → Structural Designer → Senior Structural Designer → Project Manager → Design Department Head
Required Skills
BIM Software / Building Standards Law Knowledge / CAD Operation / Joint Detail Design / Knowledge of Structural Mechanics and Strength of Materials / Seismic Design / Structural Analysis
Recommended Skills
Cost Management / Presentation Skills / Project Management / Reading English Technical Documents / Structural Knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Advanced logical thinking is required for structural calculations and design condition analysis. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because small design errors can significantly impact structural safety. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because continuous revisions to regulations and standards, and acquisition of new technologies, are required. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | High mathematical and quantitative analysis skills are needed for complex load calculations and analyses. |
| Problem Solving | Problem-solving skills are essential to derive optimal solutions for structural challenges. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly office work with low physical demands. |
Related Qualifications
- Architectural CAD Utilization Engineer Exam
- First-Class Registered Architect
- Professional Engineer (Construction)
- Structural Design First-Class Architect
Aliases
- Steel Structure Design Engineer
- Steel Structure Designer
- Steel Structure Engineer
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