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Principal Bridge Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Senior Bridge Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$102.20K - $140.40K/yr

... Principal for project reviews. This position may be assigned to serve on larger bridge projects ... In the role of Senior Bridge Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Serve in a lead technical role on ...

HDR

Senior Bridge Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$102.20K - $140.40K/yr

... Principal for project reviews. • This position may be assigned to serve on larger bridge projects nationally and may include mega alternate delivery projects. In the role of Senior Bridge Engineer ...

Dar Group

Assistant Bridge Inspector

Dallas, TX · On-site

This position will report to the Principal Bridge. In this role, you will be responsible for ... Perform engineering calculations and analysis for the load rating of bridges or rehabilitation of ...

Northern Impact

Bridge Practice Leader

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Act as Project Principal or Lead Engineer on bridge design, rehab, and inspection projects, managing scope, schedule, staffing, budget, etc. * Make key contributions to project pursuits, facilitating ...

Stantec

Senior Bridge Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$117.80K - $176.80K/yr

Your Opportunity As the Senior Bridge Engineer, you must be highly engaged with exceptional team ... Identify and analyze the principal design features and major design alternatives that satisfy the ...

Stantec

Senior Bridge Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$102.90K - $141.40K/yr

Your Opportunity As the Senior Bridge Engineer, you must be highly engaged with exceptional team ... Identify and analyze the principal design features and major design alternatives that satisfy the ...

Stantec

Senior Bridge Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$103.40K - $142K/yr

Your Opportunity As the Senior Bridge Engineer, you must be highly engaged with exceptional team ... Identify and analyze the principal design features and major design alternatives that satisfy the ...

Stantec

Senior Bridge Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$97.30K - $133.60K/yr

Your Opportunity As the Senior Bridge Engineer, you must be highly engaged with exceptional team ... Identify and analyze the principal design features and major design alternatives that satisfy the ...

Stantec

Senior Bridge Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$107.60K - $147.70K/yr

Your Opportunity As the Senior Bridge Engineer, you must be highly engaged with exceptional team ... Identify and analyze the principal design features and major design alternatives that satisfy the ...

Dar Group

Assistant Bridge Inspector

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

This position will report to the Principal Bridge. In this role, you will be responsible for ... Perform engineering calculations and analysis for the load rating of bridges or rehabilitation of ...

Stantec

Senior Bridge Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$100.80K - $138.50K/yr

Your Opportunity As the Senior Bridge Engineer, you must be highly engaged with exceptional team ... Identify and analyze the principal design features and major design alternatives that satisfy the ...

Parsons

Senior Bridge Engineer

Memphis, TN

$88.40K - $154.70K/yr

Parsons is now hiring a Senior to Principal-level Bridge Engineer to join our Memphis office! In this role, you'll have the opportunity to work on major road and highway projects in the region and ...

Stantec

Senior Bridge Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$101.30K - $139.10K/yr

Your Opportunity As the Senior Bridge Engineer, you must be highly engaged with exceptional team ... Identify and analyze the principal design features and major design alternatives that satisfy the ...

Stantec

Senior Bridge Engineer

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$103.40K - $142K/yr

Your Opportunity As the Senior Bridge Engineer, you must be highly engaged with exceptional team ... Identify and analyze the principal design features and major design alternatives that satisfy the ...

Parsons Corporation

Senior Bridge Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$88.40K - $154.70K/yr

Parsons is now hiring a Senior to Principal-level Bridge Engineer to join our Memphis office! In this role, you'll have the opportunity to work on major road and highway projects in the region and ...

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Principal Bridge Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal bridge engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal bridge engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Bridge Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Bridge Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of structural engineering, extensive experience in bridge design and construction, and a professional engineering license (PE or Chartered Engineer). Proficiency in bridge analysis and design software such as SAP2000, MIDAS Civil, and AutoCAD, as well as familiarity with relevant codes and standards, is essential. Leadership, effective communication, and strong project management skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These capabilities are vital for ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and the successful delivery of complex bridge projects.

How does a Principal Bridge Engineer collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during large infrastructure projects?

As a Principal Bridge Engineer, you'll frequently work alongside professionals from various disciplines such as geotechnical engineers, transportation planners, and construction managers. Collaboration is essential, especially during the design and construction phases, to ensure that bridge structures integrate seamlessly with broader project goals and constraints. You'll lead technical discussions, coordinate design reviews, and provide guidance to junior engineers, ensuring all aspects meet safety standards and client requirements. Effective communication and teamwork are key to managing complex schedules and delivering successful outcomes.

What does a Principal Bridge Engineer do?

A Principal Bridge Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the design, analysis, and construction of bridges and related structures. They lead project teams, ensure compliance with safety and engineering standards, and provide technical guidance on complex bridge projects. Their duties often include project management, client consultations, quality assurance, and mentoring junior engineers. This role requires extensive experience in civil or structural engineering and strong leadership skills.

What is the difference between Principal Bridge Engineer vs Bridge Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Bridge EngineerBridge Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, PE license beneficial
Work EnvironmentLead design projects, oversee teams, coordinate with clients and stakeholdersAssist in design, analysis, and inspection of bridges under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in consulting firms, government agencies, and large engineering projectsCommon entry to mid-level role in engineering firms and construction companies

The Principal Bridge Engineer typically holds a senior position, leading projects and teams, while the Bridge Engineer focuses on technical design and analysis tasks. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in responsibility and scope within the industry.

More about Principal Bridge Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Principal Bridge Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Bridge Engineer jobs are:
Principal Bridge Engineer jobs near you

Bridge Practice Leader

ExcelliSearch, Inc.

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Bridge Practice Leadership Opportunity - Midwest / Northeast Infrastructure Markets
(Confidential Client - Do Not Post or Distribute Without Permission)
Possible Work Regions (Flexible Based on Candidate):
  • Greater Chicago Area, Illinois
  • Southeastern Wisconsin Region
  • Upper Midwest (Twin Cities Metro Area)

A well-established national engineering and infrastructure consulting organization is expanding its structural transportation group and is seeking a senior Bridge Practice Leader to guide the continued growth of its bridge and transportation structures practice.
This leadership role will oversee practice development, client strategy, technical direction, and delivery of complex bridge programs across multiple markets. The position may be based within the Midwest region or the Northeast U.S. depending on the candidate's network and leadership experience.
Compensation
Estimated Range: $160,000 - $220,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
Key Responsibilities
Practice Growth & Strategy
  • Analyze regional bridge infrastructure markets and identify strategic growth opportunities
  • Develop relationships with public-sector transportation agencies and major infrastructure clients
  • Lead recruiting and development of bridge engineering staff to support practice expansion
  • Support national transportation initiatives and cross-office collaboration

Technical Leadership
  • Provide senior-level oversight for bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspection programs
  • Serve as Project Principal or Lead Engineer on complex structural projects
  • Guide multidisciplinary teams in structural analysis, design development, and documentation
  • Direct preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, reports, and specifications

Project Delivery & Operations
  • Manage project scope, staffing plans, schedules, and budgets
  • Lead proposal development and support major transportation pursuits
  • Perform senior quality assurance reviews of structural deliverables
  • Oversee multiple concurrent bridge engineering programs

Team Development
  • Mentor structural engineers and project managers
  • Establish performance goals for the bridge practice and track operational metrics
  • Build and maintain a high-performing technical team capable of delivering large infrastructure programs
Required Background
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Advanced degree preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required
  • Structural Engineer (SE) credential strongly preferred
  • Minimum 12+ years of bridge engineering experience
  • Extensive knowledge of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
  • Demonstrated experience working with state Departments of Transportation and public infrastructure clients
  • Proven leadership in business development, project delivery, and team building
Additional Qualifications
  • Strong client network within transportation infrastructure markets
  • Ability to manage financial performance for projects or practice groups
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational and leadership capabilities

Work Authorization:
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Confidential Search Notice:
This opportunity is being presented as a confidential search. Please do not repost, publish, or distribute this description without explicit authorization.
Core Role Tags
Bridge Practice Leader
Bridge Engineering Manager
Bridge Department Manager
Structural Engineering Manager
Transportation Structures Leader
Bridge Program Manager
Bridge Design Manager
Bridge Group Leader
Bridge Technical Director
Bridge Engineering Lead
Technical Discipline Tags
Bridge Design
Structural Engineering
Transportation Infrastructure
Highway Structures
Bridge Rehabilitation
Bridge Inspection
Structural Analysis
Load Rating
Bridge Retrofit
Steel Bridge Design
Concrete Bridge Design
Movable Bridges
Transportation Structures
Standards / Technical Knowledge
AASHTO LRFD
AASHTO Bridge Design
DOT Bridge Design
State DOT Projects
FHWA Bridge Standards
LRFD Design
Bridge Load Rating
Bridge Inspection Standards
Client / Market Tags
DOT Projects
State DOT
Transportation Agencies
Public Infrastructure
Transportation Engineering
Municipal Infrastructure
Federal Infrastructure Programs
Leadership / Practice Growth Tags
Engineering Leadership
Business Development
Practice Development
Technical Oversight
Project Delivery
Team Leadership
Client Development
Engineering Operations
Credentials Tags
PE License
Professional Engineer
Structural Engineer SE
Licensed Structural Engineer
Civil Engineer PE
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