1

Bridge Design Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Bridge Inspection Team Leader

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

GFT is seeking a Bridge Inspection Team Lead to join our Bridge Group in Austin, TX! This role ... Reviews project design for general compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and ...

Bridge Inspection Team Leader

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

GFT is seeking a Bridge Inspection Team Lead to join our Bridge Group in Austin, TX! This role ... Reviews project design for general compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and ...

Bridge Inspection Team Leader

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

GFT is seeking a Bridge Inspection Team Lead to join our Bridge Group in Austin, TX! This role ... Reviews project design for general compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and ...

Candidates will perform routine bridge design project work, prepare field notes and reports, assist ... Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. * FHWA-NHI Certification 130055 Safety Inspection of In ...

Showing results 21-40

Bridge Design Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$22

$43

$70

How much do bridge design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for bridge design engineer in Austin, TX is $43.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.44 and $50.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Bridge Design Engineer vs Civil Structural Engineer?

AspectBridge Design EngineerCivil Structural Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentSpecializes in bridge projects, often in transportation agencies or engineering firmsWorks on various structures like buildings, bridges, dams across multiple sectors
Industry UsagePrimarily in transportation, infrastructure, and public worksBroader industry application including commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects

Bridge Design Engineers focus specifically on designing and analyzing bridges, ensuring safety and compliance. Civil Structural Engineers have a wider scope, working on various structures including bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in related environments, but their project focus differs.

What does a bridge design engineer do?

A Bridge Design Engineer is responsible for designing new bridges and ensuring the safety, stability, and functionality of existing ones. They analyze site conditions, select appropriate materials, and create detailed blueprints and technical specifications. Their work also includes collaborating with architects, construction teams, and government agencies to meet regulatory standards and project requirements. Bridge Design Engineers play a crucial role in maintaining and improving transportation infrastructure.

Is a bridge design engineer a good career?

A bridge design engineer is a specialized civil engineer who focuses on designing and analyzing bridge structures, often requiring knowledge of materials, structural analysis, and engineering software. The career offers opportunities for growth, involvement in infrastructure projects, and typically requires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and professional licensure. Job stability and demand are generally strong due to ongoing infrastructure needs worldwide.

What are some common challenges faced by bridge design engineers when working on large infrastructure projects?

Bridge Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards, and managing tight project timelines. Navigating site-specific constraints—like unique geological conditions or limited construction access—requires creative problem-solving and adaptability. Additionally, ensuring effective communication with contractors, architects, and government agencies is crucial for project success and can be a significant part of the daily workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bridge design engineer?

To thrive as a Bridge Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SAP2000, and structural analysis tools, along with knowledge of industry codes like AASHTO, is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help in collaborating with project teams and clients. These skills ensure that bridges are designed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards, supporting successful project outcomes.
What job categories do people searching Bridge Design Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Bridge Design Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Bridge Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Bridge Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Bridge Design Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,566 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Bridge Inspection Team Leader

GFT.

Austin, TX • On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a Bridge Inspection Team Lead to join our Bridge Group in Austin, TX! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at either our Austin, Houston, or Fort Worth, TX Offices.

What you'll be challenged to do:

GFT has an opportunity for a Bridge Inspection Team Leader in our growing Texas practice. Projects include non-redundant steel tension member (NSTM) bridge inspections, routine bridge inspections, special bridge inspections, bridge load ratings, new structure design, as well as the inspection and rehabilitation or repair of existing structures for both roadways and railroads. Candidates will be responsible for leading field structure inspections, leading structural design tasks on projects, monitoring and adhering to budgets and schedules, performing QC or QA reviews, and working with other staff in completing projects. Applicants must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to travel for projects site visits, the ability to work in the field conducting bridge inspections approximately 30% of the time and must be able to work well in a team environment on multi-disciplinary projects.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

  • Preparation and modification of technical reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, and designs for structures.
  • Reviews project design for general compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer contract requirements, and related specifications.
  • Coordinates activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling, and manpower, resolving engineering design problems 
  • Evaluates and approves design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
  • Assures that the project is completed within the allocated period of time and within the budget that has been assigned.
  • Assist Client Managers on proposals to clients.
  • Coordinates and leads Staff Meetings
  • Assures the project meets quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
  • Maintain professional, technical, and supervisory skills by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
What you will bring to our firm: 
  • Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering 
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in civil/structural design, bridge inspections, rehabilitation and evaluation of bridges along with the preparation of load ratings, construction documents, and specifications and estimates
  • Professional Engineer (civil) or Structural Engineer license in the state of Texas (or other state with the ability to become licensed in Texas through comity or reciprocity within 6 months) 
  • Successful completion of NHI Course 130055 Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges, and are current in the state of Texas on NHI Course 130053A Bridge Inspection Refresher Training (if applicable)
  • Successful completion of NHI Course 130078 Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges or Bridge Inspection Techniques for Nonredundant Steel Tension Members (NSTM).
  • Familiarity with structural programs such as STAAD, AASHTOWare BrR, MDX, Bentley, and LEAP as well as Microsoft Suite
  • Familiarity with Bridge Database software including Bentley AssetWise, AASHTOWare BrM, or similar.
  • Familiarity with bridge design/layout programs used by TxDOT including BridgeLink, Cap18, Culv5, and BGS
  • Experience with Texas Department of Transportation standards and requirements for structures
Compensation:The salary range for this role is $125,000 - $145,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits:  Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: Austin, TX; Houston, TX; Fort Worth, TXCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

#LI-SS1

#LI-hybrid

Employment Type: FULL_TIME