Bridge Design Engineer

About DOWL

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued, we support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Benefits and Compensation

DOWL provides a comprehensive benefits package to support the health and financial well-being of our full-time employees and their families. DOWL offers a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) (including employer contribution). Other benefits include flexible spending account, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, dependent care account, employee assistance program, a 401(k) plan with discretionary employer contributions for matching, profit sharing, student debt repayment, paid time off, paid holidays. Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues at a minimum of 16 days per year and accruals being on first day of employment. Employees also receive nine paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more details and eligibility please visit Careers - DOWL.

The Salary range for this position is $93,622.64 - $140,433.96. In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.

Bridges and Structures Expertise

With thousands of projects under our belt, we're proud to be a regional leader in heavy, unoccupied civil structures such as water reservoirs, pump stations, bridges, port and marine facilities and other significant concrete, masonry, steel and timber structures. Our proven approach provides clients with creative, efficient solutions. Our structural design team offers decades of experience in both new and existing construction, specializing in public infrastructure and industrial structures. If you are inspired to engineer structures that have significant impact on the communities we live and work in, we’d love you to be a part of our team!

Summary of the Role

The Bridge Design Engineer is responsible for independently performing engineering tasks related to structural design and analysis. This role requires a Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of primary practice or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire. The ideal candidate will possess strong engineering judgment, excellent structural engineering fundamentals, and a thorough working knowledge of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and/or the International Building Code and ASCE 7. A willingness to learn new design codes and perform diverse tasks, including construction support and inspections, is essential. The ability to collaborate effectively, accept feedback, and seek guidance is also crucial.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

• Software Proficiency: Utilize Microsoft Office Suite, basic market sector software (MathCAD, AutoCAD or MicroStation), and develop an advanced understanding of structural analysis software for modeling complex structures with mentoring.
• Technical Expertise: Apply a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals to perform complex structural design tasks independently and check basic designs.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Anticipate the needs of other disciplines, collaborate on conceptual designs, and meet interim deadlines to support project execution.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate advanced technical writing skills, prepare memos and technical reports, review deliverables, and tailor communication to diverse audiences for clarity and effectiveness.
• Leadership: Lead design efforts on small projects as engineer-of-record, lead small structural design teams, and mentor others.
• Project Delivery: Independently prepare structural calculations, cost estimates, technical specifications, and contract plans; assemble structural calculation books; and oversee file management.
• Budget and Schedule Management: Understand scopes, budgets, and schedules, predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort, meet expectations, and proactively identify out-of-scope work.
• Industry Standards: Maintain an advanced understanding of standard design codes, employ them along with client-specific manuals, and be familiar with codes from multiple jurisdictions.
• Quality Assurance: Participate in quality processes, complete checklists, understand OpEx procedures, and ensure deliverables are review-ready.
• Client Interaction: Answer client questions, resolve issues related to design tasks, and attend client meetings.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Level of Work and Accountability

This role involves moderate to advanced technical work on complex projects, operating with a moderate level of autonomy. Responsibilities include closing out daily priorities and potentially assisting with project management tasks.

Supervisory Duties

None

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience required; 3 years with an advanced degree.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

Driving Requirements

A valid driver’s license and a good driving record are mandatory. Engineers and designers frequently travel to job sites for assessments, monitoring, coordination, and to address urgent issues. This includes visiting infrastructure sites such as transportation, structures, water-related facilities, and utility systems. Travel is essential for assessing site conditions, monitoring construction, coordinating with stakeholders, responding to issues, submitting permits, and attending plan reviews. The ability to drive is crucial for timely and flexible travel to various locations, including remote or active construction sites.

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. They will also stand, walk, and use hands. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment is typically moderate in noise level.

Key skills/competency

Key skills and competencies for the Bridge Design Engineer role at DOWL include structural analysis, bridge design, AASHTO LRFD, AutoCAD/MicroStation, technical writing, project management, quality assurance, client interaction, leadership, and engineering fundamentals.