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Principal Bridge Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Bridge Engineer with 15+ years of industry experience (i.e., Senior Associate/Associate Principal) to join our dynamic and diverse team of architects and engineers. With an in-depth ...

Bridge Engineer (PE)

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

As a bridge engineer, you will be involved in diverse transportation projects spanning multiple ... Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm. * Flexible paid time off ...

Entry Bridge Engineer Job Status: Exempt-salaried Location: Join us in either Helena, MT or Bozeman ... Principal knowledge of load calculations, structural analysis, and design engineering * Strong ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI

$102K - $140K/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 ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$102K - $140K/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 ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$100K - $138K/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 ...

We are seeking a Principal Structural Bridge Engineer to lead and support the planning, analysis, design, inspection, rehabilitation, and delivery of bridge projects throughout Denver, Colorado. This ...

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 ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$103K - $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 ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$107K - $160K/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 ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$103K - $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 ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$102K - $141K/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 ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$97K - $133K/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 ...

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Principal Bridge Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal bridge engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 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.

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 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.

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.
More about Principal Bridge Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Principal Bridge Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Bridge Engineer | 15+ Years

Wje

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Bring your problem-solving mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and established expertise to theAustin, Texasofficeof Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE). We are seeking a Bridge Engineer with 15+ years of industry experience (i.e., Senior Associate/Associate Principal) to join our dynamic and diverse team of architects and engineers.

With an in-depth knowledge of hands-on investigation and assessment, structural and materials failure mechanisms, and bridge rehabilitation and repair, you will support our established clients while also pursuing clients and projects from your existing professional network.

As an employee-owner at WJE, you will have the autonomy to shape your career while guiding the next generation of bridge engineers. You will be supported by a well-established organization offering industry-leading benefits, dedicated administrative resources, a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, and access toWJE's collective expertise and state-of-the-art laboratory and testing capabilities.

Responsibilities:

  • Technical project execution for the day-to-day success of multiple concurrent projects (whether or not you are the project manager), including:

    • Acting as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, and project teams

    • Leveraging a deep understanding of codes, standards, and historical industry practices and a first principles approach to develop practical solutions for a variety of bridge investigation, rehabilitation, and retrofit projects

    • Self-performing and advising others in structural analysis, hands-on field investigation, and preparation of technically excellent client deliverables

    • Providing high-quality technical reviews of work completed by others

    • Sealing project documents as the Engineer of Record, as appropriate

  • Project management, including client development; project initiation, scoping, and assembling appropriate project teams; and managing internal and external client expectations, deliverables, and financials

  • Mentorship, including exemplifying WJE's culture of shared destiny and knowledge sharing to better the team around you: locally and company-wide, formally and informally, on-and-off projects, for technical topics and overall career development

  • Contributions to structural engineering practice and company-wide objectives, including providing technical consultation to interdisciplinary project teams; fostering new and existing client relationships; participating in the attraction, development, and engagement of up-and-coming engineers; collaborating with WJE colleagues for in-house knowledge-sharing and training initiatives; and engaging in meaningful involvement in industry-related professional organizations, conferences, and technical committees

Qualifications:

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Texas or ability to obtain by comity; SE licensure a plus

  • Master's degree or PhDin civil/structural engineering or related field; significant relevant expertise will be considered in lieu of an advanced degree

  • Minimum fifteen years of relevant structural engineering industry experience, including technical and project management, with projects including forensics and litigation support; failure/damage investigation; non-destructive evaluation and instrumentation; and structural analysis and design for repair, retrofit, and rehabilitation of existing bridge structures)

  • Established regional network, including experience collaborating with state departments of transportation, e.g., TxDOT

  • Excellent technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills

  • The following certifications are preferred:

    • National Highway Institute (NHI) Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges (FHWA-NHI-130055 or FHWA-NHI-130056) and Bridge Inspection Techniques for Nonredundant Steel Tension Members or previous version (FHWA-NHI-130078)

    • Precertification in Bridge Design with state department(s) of transportation, e.g., TxDOT

Physical Requirements:

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, with or without a reasonable accommodation. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate computers, printers, copiers, telephones, voicemail, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:

  • Ability to travel and attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites

  • Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments

  • Ability to safely work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations, including outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes

  • Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment

  • Ability to lift and carry materials, tools, and other heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.

  • Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment

  • Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits:

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.

Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry's most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwaveringCommitment to our core and culture, strongExpertise, and genuineEnthusiasm for their work.

Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:

  • Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.

  • Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation.

A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range:

$115,650.00 - $192,750.00

WJE's industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:

  • Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options

  • Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately

  • Time off to care for yourself and others

  • Investments in employees' educational assistance and professional development

Learn more about WJE's total rewards package here.

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.