Physical Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Irmo, SC

Company Overview
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Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
Job Description
This role offers the opportunity to take technical ownership of complex bridge projects while mentoring engineers and partnering closely with transportation clients throughout the Southeast. You'll serve as a technical leader on the analysis, design, and delivery of prestressed concrete, reinforced concrete, and structural steel bridges, guiding projects from preliminary engineering through final construction plans. The work spans state DOT and transportation agency clients-including South Carolina DOT (SCDOT)-and applies AASHTO LRFD and state-specific design criteria to deliver safe, resilient, and constructible solutions. Experience with SCDOT is valued, but the focus remains on strong technical judgment, hands-on design expertise, and collaborative leadership. What You'll Do Lead bridge design projects through all phases, from concept development to final PS&E. Perform and oversee structural analysis, design calculations, and plan production for transportation bridge projects. Prepare and review final bridge plans, specifications, and quantities for DOT and agency clients. Apply AASHTO and applicable state DOT standards, including navigating agency review processes. Develop efficient structural layouts that balance strength, durability, cost, and constructability. Coordinate with roadway, geotechnical, hydraulics, and construction engineers to deliver integrated designs. Collaborate directly with clients and reviewers to address comments, resolve technical issues, and maintain schedules. Provide hands-on technical mentorship to junior engineers through design guidance and quality reviews. Support proposal development by shaping technical approaches, scopes, and project strategies. Participate in client meetings, industry events, and internal initiatives that support business and technical growth.
Skills & Abilities
Expert Knowledge of computer assisted design and drafting (CADD) 3D and 4D software and practices. Expert Knowledge of engineer principles of design. Expert Knowledge of Microsoft business software (excel, word, etc.). Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Strong knowledge of federal, state and local regulations. Ability to arrange/layout structural systems and elements for strength, stability, constructability, and construction economy. Expert knowledge of engineering analysis/design software (e.g. Revit, STAAD, RISA).
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil, Architectural or Structural Engineering or related discipline. Professional engineering (PE) license. 10 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Civil Engineering/Structural.Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in South Carolina.Working knowledge of CSI Bridge Seismic Modeling/Analysis.#LI-MS1#LI-HYBRID
Amount of Travel Required
10% or less
EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Pay Range Min
USD $105,227.00
Pay Range Max
USD $184,142.00
Additional Pay Range Information
CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate's salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available
No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.