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Retaining Wall Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Preparation of bridge, roadway, retaining wall foundation, and structure recommendations ... Professional Engineer License is required * Four (4) + years of Geotechnical Design experience

Design of transportation-related structures including bridges, culverts, and retaining walls with ... Develop engineers cost estimates * Guide junior staff by providing direction and constructive ...

Design of transportation-related structures including bridges, culverts, and retaining walls with ... Develop engineers cost estimates * Guide junior staff by providing direction and constructive ...

Design of transportation-related structures including bridges, culverts, and retaining walls with ... Develop engineers cost estimates * Guide junior staff by providing direction and constructive ...

Design of transportation-related structures including bridges, culverts, and retaining walls with ... Develop engineers cost estimates * Guide junior staff by providing direction and constructive ...

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Retaining Wall Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$7

$30

$57

How much do retaining wall engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for retaining wall engineer in Tennessee is $30.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.23 and $41.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Retaining Wall Engineers face during project execution, and how can they be addressed?

Retaining Wall Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected soil conditions, water drainage issues, and site accessibility constraints. Successfully addressing these challenges requires close collaboration with geotechnical engineers, regular site inspections, and proactive communication with construction teams. Utilizing advanced modeling software and thorough site investigations before construction begins can help mitigate risks. Staying up-to-date on local regulations and best practices also ensures compliant and durable designs.

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

To thrive as a Retaining Wall Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, a relevant engineering degree, and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and structural analysis tools, along with knowledge of construction codes and standards, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and construction teams. These competencies ensure the safe, cost-effective, and durable design and construction of retaining wall structures.

What is the difference between Retaining Wall Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectRetaining Wall EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in retaining structuresEngineering degree, broad civil engineering certification
Work EnvironmentDesigning and analyzing retaining walls, site-specific projectsWide range of infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and buildings
Industry UsageSpecific to geotechnical and structural projects involving retaining wallsGeneral industry usage across various civil engineering sectors

Retaining Wall Engineers focus specifically on designing and analyzing retaining structures, requiring specialized knowledge in geotechnical engineering. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on diverse infrastructure projects. While both roles require an engineering degree, Retaining Wall Engineers possess targeted expertise in retaining structures, making them more specialized for projects involving retaining walls.

What does a Retaining Wall Engineer do?

A Retaining Wall Engineer is a specialized civil engineer who designs, analyzes, and oversees the construction of retaining walls, which are structures built to hold back soil or rock from a building, structure, or area. Their responsibilities include conducting site assessments, selecting appropriate materials, ensuring structural stability, and complying with local building codes. They work closely with contractors, architects, and geotechnical engineers to create safe and cost-effective retaining wall solutions. Their expertise is essential in preventing soil erosion, managing sloped landscapes, and protecting properties from landslides or flooding.
What are popular job titles related to Retaining Wall Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Retaining Wall Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Retaining Wall Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Retaining Wall Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Retaining Wall Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Retaining Wall Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Retaining Wall Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,595 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Bridge Project Manager - Guaranteed Sign-On Bonus

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

At SSR, we’re more than a leading engineering design, consulting, and planning firm—we’re a team of owners committed to solving complex projects and delivering innovative solutions for facility and infrastructure challenges. With locations across the U.S. and expertise spanning diverse markets and services, our collaborative approach empowers us to build lasting partnerships with each other, our clients, and our communities.

We believe high performance and a people-first culture go hand in hand. As an owner from day one, our colleagues thrive in an environment that values accountability, celebrates achievement, and supports personal and professional growth. As owners, we take pride in our work and in each other—driving results while fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Want to hear directly from our team? Visit http://www.ssr-inc.com/life-at-ssr and explore our culture on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Location Open To: Nashville, Atlanta, Memphis, Birmingham, Houston, Dallas, and Tampa

Role Summary

The Bridge Project Manager duties include planning and executing a specific project plan, delivering quality products and services to the client in a timely manner, managing project financials, and serving as the primary contact between the SSR project team and the client. This position is ideal for Bridge Engineers who have the desire to lead and broaden their expertise through projects like bridge replacements, bridge repairs, retaining wall designs, and load ratings. It offers the opportunity to elevate impact by serving a diverse range of clients, such as DOTs, municipalities, and private entities.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will own project delivery from planning through construction documents while guiding teams and clients to successful outcomes.

  • Lead bridge projects—from replacements and repairs to retaining wall designs and load ratings—from initial planning through final construction documents.
  • Confirm project scope, requirements, and deliverables with clients and internal stakeholders, partnering with the Client Relationship Manager (CRM), Department Head, Operations Director, and Senior Project Manager as needed.
  • Develop proposal letters, project staffing plans, and discipline work plans that translate into realistic man-hour budgets and schedules.
  • Plan and facilitate project kick-off and regular coordination meetings, clearly communicating scope, budget, schedule, client standards, and expectations to the design team.
  • Monitor project performance against scope, schedule, and budget; proactively identify and address risks to quality, schedule, and financial goals.
  • Coordinate and update resource planning tools (e.g., eResource), track profit variance, and support accurate monthly revenue forecasting, invoicing, and accounts receivable follow-up.
  • Prepare and implement proactive project-specific QA/QC plans and ensure project documentation is complete, accurate, and properly stored.
  • Assist in the technical development of bridge design, repair, and retaining wall projects, including design approaches, concepts, and load ratings.
  • Utilize industry software such as OpenBridge, AASHTOWare, and MathCAD to support discipline design and analysis.
  • Maintain timely, clear communication with contractors and clients, including responding efficiently to requests for information and documenting key decisions and issues.
  • Invest in your growth by actively participating in internal and external training to strengthen both technical bridge engineering and project management skills.

Who We’re Looking For:

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET accredited college with four years of relevant experience in discipline design and analysis
  • Registered Professional Engineer in the state of TN or ability obtain license within six months of hire OR ten years of practical experience on similar projects

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Six or more years of progressive bridge engineering experience, including design and analysis for bridge replacements, repairs, and retaining structures.
  • Experience managing multi-discipline transportation projects for DOTs, municipalities, or similar public-sector clients.
  • Proficiency with OpenBridge, AASHTOWare, and MathCAD in bridge design and load rating workflows.
  • Experience developing and managing project budgets, revenue projections, and fees for additional services.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead project teams, delegate effectively, and build strong, trust-based relationships with clients and partners.
  • Strong presentation, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to facilitate meetings and adapt messaging to different audiences.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Commitment to collaborative learning, constructive feedback, and continuous improvement, including mentoring early-career engineers.

What We Offer

  • 100% Employee-Owned – Ownership from day one with immediate ESOP vesting.
  • Retirement Savings – 401(k) with immediate vesting and a generous company match.
  • Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-funded HSA contributions for HDHP plans.
  • Company-Paid Protection – Life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability at no cost to you.
  • Work-Life Balance – Flexible schedules, paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid company holidays.
  • Career Growth – Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development support.

SSR is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

EEO Disabled/Veterans

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

Recruiters or staffing agencies: SSR is not obligated to compensate any external recruiter or search firm who presents a candidate, their resume, or profile to an SSR employee without 1) a current, fully executed agreement on file and 2) being assigned to the open position via HR

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