Civil Engineer Design Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Why 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.

Bridges and Structures

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!

The Bridge Design Engineer is responsible for independently performing engineering tasks related to structural design and analysis. The person in this position must be licensed to practice civil engineering in the state of primary practice or should be licensed in a different state with the ability to get the required license within 6 months of hire. This person is expected to exercise strong engineering judgment and demonstrate strong structural engineering fundamentals. The person in this position should show a strong working knowledge in AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications; and/or the International Building Code and ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures. The person in this position should be able to quickly learn and apply other design codes as needed. The person in this position is also expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary. This position requires a willingness to learn skills and perform a variety of tasks not directly related to the field of structural engineering, including, but not limited to: construction support assignments, in-service inspections, structural, roadway, and other civil engineering tasks.

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Basic
• Market Sector Software (MathCAD, AutoCAD or MicroStation) - Basic
• Advanced understanding of structural analysis software
• Model complex structures with mentoring

• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals
• Performs complex structural design tasks independently
• Independently checks basic designs

Anticipates needs of other disciplines. Collaborates on conceptual design of complex structures/elements. Meets interim deadlines to support downstream project execution.

• Advanced understanding of technical writing skills
• Prepares simple memos and technical reports
• Reviews memos and reports deliverables
• Tailors communication style, level of detail, and messaging to suit diverse audiences
• Communication is clear, timely, relevant, and effective

• Effectively divides projects into individual tasks
• Leads design efforts as engineer-of-record on small projects
• Leads small structural design teams to complete structural tasks

• Prepares structural calculations and cost estimates independently
• Creates CAD markups
• Writes technical specifications and develops contract plans independently
• Assembles structural calculation books
• Oversees file management
• Mentors others on above

Advanced understanding of scopes, budgets, and schedules (i.e., estimate schedule for complex tasks). Able to predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort. Able to consistently meet budget and schedule expectations on projects. Proactively identify and inform PM of out-of-scope work.

Advanced understanding of standard design codes. Employs standard design codes and client specific design manuals. Familiar with design codes from multiple jurisdictions.

Participate in quality processes as assigned by PM/EOR. Complete required checklists. Understand applicable OpEx procedures. Deliverables and documentation are consistently review-ready at start of review cycles. Schedule and initiate quality control processes on small projects. Engage reviewers appropriately to vet concepts prior to formal review cycles.

Answers questions and resolves issues related to individual design tasks. Resolves project issues on small projects with internal team. Attends client meetings. Consistently uses appropriate communication tools (e.g., email versus phone).

Other duties as assigned.

Performs moderate to advanced levels of technical work on larger and more complex projects as assigned by the market sector. Operates with a moderate level of autonomy. Closes out daily priorities before signing off. May assist with some project management tasks.

None

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred
• Years of experience required: 4 years
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: 3 years

• PE required

Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

Engineers and designers frequently travel to job sites to assess site conditions of infrastructure such as transportation infrastructure, structures, water-related facilities, utility systems, and more. These visits are essential for:

• Assessing site conditions for design feasibility and compliance.
• Monitoring construction progress and ensuring structural safety.
• Coordinating with contractors, surveyors, and clients at off-site locations.
• Responding to urgent issues, such as structural failures or safety concerns.
• Submitting permits and attending plan reviews at municipal offices.
• Participating in public in-person meetings and stakeholder consultations related to project development.

Given the need for timely and flexible travel to various locations with limited notice—including remote or active construction sites—the ability to drive is essential for fulfilling these responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.