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Principal Bridge Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clark Nexsen

Bridge Inspector Graduate

Roanoke, VA · On-site

Obtaining guidance from Bridge Inspection Team Leaders and Bridge Engineers as necessary to resolve ... Working with, responding to, and taking direction from the Managing Principals, Practice Leaders ...

Northern Impact

Bridge Design Manager

Minneapolis, MN · 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 on project pursuits, facilitating ...

Parsons

Bridge Designer, Principal

Washington, DC · On-site +1

About Parsons Parsons is a leading provider of engineering, design, and program management services ... This role will focus on bridge design and complex structural systems for highways and urban ...

Fute IT Inc

BRIDGE PRACTICE LEADER

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

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

The Misch Group

Principal Solution Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $240K/yr

Principal Solution Engineer Department: Technology & Software Employment Type: Full Time Location ... Bridge the gap between business needs and technical capabilities. * Collaborate with Sales Teams to ...

Popli Design Group

Team Leader, Bridge Design

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Manages Bridge Design projects * Manages the preparation of design calculations and details ... Possesses advanced knowledge of applicable engineering principals and techniques * Effectively ...

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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 Jun 23, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Bridge Engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with senior-level positions, specialized skills, and working in regions with high cost of living or large infrastructure projects.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Principal Bridge Engineers, a specialized civil engineering role, can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Such high salaries are typically found in senior positions within large firms or consulting agencies, often involving project management, complex design work, and geographic location factors. Overall, reaching this level requires significant expertise and a strong track record in the field.

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 much money do bridge engineers make?

Bridge engineers, often called structural or civil engineers specializing in bridges, typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills and project management responsibilities can earn higher salaries, especially in large infrastructure projects or consulting firms.

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.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Bridge Engineers or senior civil engineers specializing in bridge design and construction can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large infrastructure projects. High compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or consulting fees in addition to base salary.
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
Infographic showing various Principal Bridge Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Bridge Inspector Graduate

Bridge Inspector Graduate

Clark Nexsen

Roanoke, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Come join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company and be a part of a talented and energetic team that provides superior service to our clients, while enjoying camaraderie with your colleagues and the knowledge that you are helping to better our surrounding communities and the world through the projects we bring to reality. Clark Nexsen, a JMT company is seeking a motivated and experienced Bridge Inspector to join our growing bridge safety inspection practice. This role involves assisting bridge inspection team leaders in performing in-depth structural condition assessments, and preparing thorough inspection reports compliant with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). The ideal candidate will have a strong education and background in fields related to bridge inspection including engineering, construction, and field sciences, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to safety and quality.
A Bridge Inspector will be responsible for assisting in various aspects of bridge safety inspection projects for a variety of federal, state, municipal, and private infrastructure clients under the close supervision and guidance of a nationally-certified bridge inspection team leader or bridge engineer. Typical responsibilities include assisting in performing field inspections to include bridge, culvert, tunnel, and ancillary highway safety inspections and other structural condition assessments and preparing safety inspection reports. May be required to perform other duties as assigned which include the planning and organization of a bridge safety inspection or a group of bridge safety inspections, and the coordination and field liaison of various access equipment and maintenance of traffic providers as well as the owner/agency as appropriate.
General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Serving as a Bridge Inspector for NBIS bridge safety inspections
  • Preparing accurate and complete bridge safety inspection reports
  • Performing or assisting in the development and calculation of bridge element quantities
  • Directing the work of CADD technicians as appropriate
  • Coordinating with vendors, subconsultants, and owners/agencies as appropriate in the field and/or office
  • Obtaining guidance from Bridge Inspection Team Leaders and Bridge Engineers as necessary to resolve technical and coordination issues and conflicting criteria
  • Complying with and adhering to project, Market Sector/Service Line, and Company quality assurance/quality control procedures as appropriate
  • Adhering to project budget and schedule
  • Working with, responding to, and taking direction from the Managing Principals, Practice Leaders, Market Sector/Service Line Leaders, Project Managers, and other senior management
  • Participating in team meetings and coordinating efforts with other team members

Required Skills
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to effectively utilize current company software programs for word processing, e-mail, accounting, and information management
  • Ability to prepare effective and concise documents and correspondence
  • Ability to make presentations to a variety of groups
  • Have a client-oriented attitude with a desire to provide outstanding professional services
  • Be dedicated to his or her professional development as well as the success of colleagues and the firm as a whole
  • Be dedicated to the advancement of the engineering profession
  • Travel an average of 50% of the time
  • Work times both inside and outside normal working hours (nighttime) and on weekends
  • Work outdoors with varying terrain and all types of weather
  • Stand, walk, and climb for 8+ hours a day
  • Be able to lift 50-60 lbs and operate bridge safety inspection equipment
  • Be able to work at heights, over water, and in confined spaces
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Be able to pass a VDOT background check

Required Experience
  • Graduation from or expected graduation within the next 6 months from an ABET-accredited 4-, 5-, or 6-year undergraduate degree program in one of the following majors:
    • Civil Engineering
    • Civil and Environmental Engineering
    • Civil Engineering Technology
    • Building Construction, Environmental or other Field Science related degrees
  • Post-graduate degree in any of the above degree programs will be given additional consideration
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) credential is desirable
  • Certification as a Level I, II, III, or IV Bridge Safety Inspector under the National Society of Professional Engineer's program for National Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is desirable
  • Minimum of two (2) years of bridge experience in design, inspection, construction or other engineering or science related field is desirable
  • Successful completion of NHI Course #130055 Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges is desirable
  • Successful completion of NHI Course #130053 Bridge Inspection Refresher Training as per NBIS requirements is desirable
  • Successful completion of NHI Course #130078 Bridge Inspection Techniques for Nonredundant Steel Tension Members (NSTM) and NHI Course #130087 Inspection and Maintenance of Ancillary Highway Structures is desirable
  • Knowledge and familiarity of the National Bridge Inspection Standards, AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation, AASHTO Manual for Bridge Element Inspection, and the Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual is desirable
  • Working familiarity with analysis, design, and production software including but not limited to Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Bluebeam Revu, and additional web-based software for data entry, AASHTOWareBrR, and MicroStation, to a point of being able to understand the capabilities and limitations of the programs and interact with the support staff in their use of the software is desirable
  • Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) training Types 1, 2, and 3 is desirable
  • Prior experience on VDOT and/or Federal bridge inspection projects is desirable

Working Conditions
At Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, we prioritize a healthy work/life balance and offer a flexible hybrid working schedule. Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company offers a hybrid work schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work in a Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company office location at least three days per week or as needed to perform assigned duties. Work is a combination of active and sedentary dependent upon the Market Sector/Service Line's schedule. While in the office, work is desk based and our office environment is comfortable, has adequate lighting and temperature, and is free from noise, dust, and other hazards. Time spent in the office for this position may require extended periods of standing, walking, bending and lifting of minimal weight. Work outside of the office is active and is spent outdoors with varying terrain and all types of weather. Field work involves times both inside and outside normal working hours (nighttime) and on weekends. Must be able to lift 50-60 lbs and operate bridge safety inspection equipment at varying heights to include over water and in confined spaces. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

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