In this episode, we talk with Natalie Tse, SE, LEED AP, client relations and business development specialist at Tipping, about today’s top workforce challenges in structural engineering and how firms can take meaningful action through DEI strategies to attract and retain top talent.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Natalie:
- How can structural engineers show their value to clients, especially as sustainability and resilience become more important in the industry?
- How should firms prepare to offer sustainability and resilience services going forward?
- What are the biggest workforce challenges engineers face today, and what can firms do to improve things like pay, equity, and career growth?
- How can new engineers make a difference at work, even if they don’t have leadership responsibilities yet?
- What does it mean to be a visionary and resilient leader in structural engineering today?
- What soft skills are most significant for engineers to develop as they grow into leadership roles?
- What final piece of advice would you give to structural engineers who want to lead with purpose and resilience in their careers?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Top Structural Engineering Workforce Challenges and How to Solve Them:
- Structural engineers show their value by moving beyond calculations and recognizing patterns throughout a project’s lifecycle. By listening closely and understanding client goals, they align their solutions with long-term impact, especially in areas like sustainability and resilience.
- Firms prepare to offer sustainability and resilience services by encouraging engineers to stay informed, make smart material choices, and build strong industry relationships. These actions help shape client expectations and demonstrate leadership in sustainable design practices.
- Engineers face workforce challenges such as burnout, lack of advancement, and inequity. Firms improve outcomes by supporting autonomy, promoting continuous learning, and creating a culture where purpose and progress are part of everyday work.
- New engineers make a difference by contributing to an environment where everyone feels safe to share ideas. Their voice matters, and by speaking up and engaging with their team, they build trust and help improve collaboration.
- A visionary and resilient leader anticipates change, values inclusion, and supports others through thoughtful communication and meaningful work. They recognize the impact of team well-being and create space for innovation to thrive.
- Trust and emotional intelligence are essential soft skills for engineers in leadership. They strengthen team dynamics by listening well, showing empathy, and creating clear and respectful communication channels.
- Engineers build strong careers by developing both technical knowledge and meaningful relationships. Those who stay curious, seek guidance, and understand their ability to influence others grow into confident and impactful leaders.
More Details in This Episode…
About Natalie Tse, SE, LEED AP
Natalie Y.L. Tse is a California licensed structural engineer specializing in seismic evaluation and seismic strengthening of existing buildings. She joined Tipping in 2017 with a broad range of design experience in the educational, commercial/retail, residential, science, and technology sectors. Her portfolio includes the design, assessment, and seismic retrofit of 30+ school campuses, a mission-critical laboratory and office building, and a new mass timber-framed cathedral over a concrete post-tensioned podium.
Natalie firmly believes that one of the most essential components of a successful project is effective, responsive communication between all parties involved, from schematic design to construction administration. This, along with a clear understanding of the client’s needs and objectives at the start of the project, ensures quality service at minimal cost. She enjoys working in a collaborative team setting with motivated and talented design professionals to complete a comprehensive set of construction documents.
In early 2024, Natalie pivoted her focus to client support and business development, while still consulting and supporting various functions on projects from initial design to construction. Her responsibilities include advancement of the firm’s mission and values, helping to sustain a culture of exceptional client service, and connecting with and supporting the professional community.
In 2015, Natalie co-founded SE3 (Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity), a national committee formed to study and address issues of employee engagement and retention, advancement, work-life balance, and gender equity in the structural engineering profession. She is an ambassador to the SEAOC SE Pathways initiative, which was established to address the disparity of engagement and lack of diversity within the California structural engineering profession. Natalie is a recipient of the SEAOC Giles Scholarship, the Edwin G. Zacher Award, and the 2024 SEAOC Service Award for her contributions, service, and leadership to the structural engineering profession.
About the Hosts
Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE
Mathew is a licensed engineer, practicing on structural projects in California, with an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego. He has designed and managed various types of building structures, including residential wood apartment buildings, commercial steel buildings, and concrete parking structures and towers. He also hosts the new YouTube channel “Structural Engineering Life,” through which he promotes the structural engineering profession to engineering students who are not familiar with the industry perspective.
Alexander Daddow, PE, CDT
Alex Daddow is a registered professional engineer in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in architectural engineering. Before joining Simpson Strong-Tie in 2019, Alex was a consulting engineer working on podium structures, custom housing, bridges, historic retrofits, schools, and advanced foundation systems. He is now a senior strengthening solutions engineer and educates the industry on composite systems throughout the Pacific and Western regions. Alex also works directly with specifiers, installers, contractors, and plan reviewers, assisting them with the technical aspects of designing and building composite strengthening systems.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Sources/References:
Tipping
SE2050
SE3
Simpson Strong-Tie
Connect with Natalie Tse, SE, LEED AP, on LinkedIn
Please leave your comments or questions in the section below.
