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Structural Engineering Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Bridge Inspection District Manager

Mooresville, NC · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution. * Professional Engineer (PE) license required; multi-state licensure (NC & SC preferred). * 12+ years of ...

PrysmianGroup

Project Engineer

Claremont, NC

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience). * Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar drafting/design software. * Comfortable working on-site and ...

Prysmian Group

Project Engineer

Claremont, NC · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience). * Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar drafting/design software. * Comfortable working on-site and ...

DRAKA CABLETEQ USA

Project Engineer

Claremont, NC

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience). * Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar drafting/design software. * Comfortable working on-site and ...

DRAKA CABLETEQ USA

Project Engineer

Claremont, NC · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience). * Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar drafting/design software. * Comfortable working on-site and ...

Tube Specialties Co, Inc

Quality Engineer

Statesville, NC · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

... Structural, Acoustic, and Thermal Management Solutions. Nelson Global partners with the world's leading OEMs. With 22 global manufacturing and distribution facilities and unparalleled engineering and ...

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All JobsStructural Engineering JobsStructural Engineering Jobs in Hickory, NC

Structural Engineering information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$44.8K

$89K

$136.1K

How much do structural engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural engineering in Hickory, NC is $88,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety and stability of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Structural engineers work to make sure that structures can withstand the loads and forces they encounter, such as gravity, wind, earthquakes, and human use. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, creating blueprints, and sometimes inspecting construction sites to ensure compliance with design specifications. Structural engineering plays a vital role in the safety and durability of the built environment.

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

To thrive as a Structural Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and relevant licensure (such as a PE license). Proficiency in structural analysis software (like SAP2000, ETABS, or AutoCAD) and familiarity with building codes are essential technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients. These skills ensure the safety, stability, and efficiency of structures while facilitating teamwork and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges structural engineers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Structural engineers often collaborate closely with architects, civil engineers, and construction teams on multidisciplinary projects. One common challenge is aligning structural requirements with architectural aesthetics and project budgets without compromising safety or functionality. Effective communication and early involvement in the design process are key to resolving conflicts and ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, adapting to changing project scopes and coordinating with multiple stakeholders can require strong project management and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectStructural EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsRequires a bachelor's degree in structural or civil engineering, PE license often preferredRequires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and analyzing structural systems for buildings, bridges, and towersEncompasses a broader range of infrastructure projects including roads, water systems, and urban planning
Industry UsageSpecialized within construction, architecture, and engineering firmsUsed across construction, transportation, urban development, and environmental sectors

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing and analyzing structures to ensure safety and stability. Civil engineering covers a broader scope of infrastructure projects. While structural engineers concentrate on the integrity of individual structures, civil engineers handle a wide range of infrastructure systems. Both roles often require similar credentials and work environments, but their project focus and scope differ significantly.

What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Structural Engineering jobs? Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Structural Engineering job openings:
Structural Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Engineering job openings in Hickory, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,996 per year, or $42.8 per hour.
Bridge Inspection District Manager

Bridge Inspection District Manager

WSP

Mooresville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 73 rated business consultants

Job description


WSP is seeking an experienced Bridge Inspection District Manager!
This position is HYBRID and can sit out of any of the following areas:
Mooresville, NC - Charlotte, NC - Raleigh, NC - Columbia, SC - Greenville, SC
This Opportunity
The Bridge Inspection District Manager will provide strategic, technical, operational, and business leadership for our North and South Carolina Bridge Inspection practice. This role has responsibility for district-wide performance, including oversight of statewide Technical Excellence Center (TEC) Leads, execution of multi-year bridge inspection programs, and delivery of sustainable revenue growth and profitability.
The District Manager partners closely with the Southeast Group Lead for the Bridge Inspection National Business Line (NBL) to implement national strategy at the district level, while serving as a senior leader and trusted advisor to NCDOT, SCDOT, municipalities, counties, and other transportation agencies.
Your Impact
District Leadership & People Management
  • Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to statewide Bridge Inspection TEC Leads, ensuring technical excellence, staff development, performance management, and succession planning.
  • Establish and maintain consistent inspection practices, QA/QC standards, and delivery processes across North and South Carolina.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and ethical decision-making aligned with WSP policies and values.
  • Partner with regional and national leadership to anticipate workforce needs, identify skill gaps, and support strategic hiring aligned with current and future DOT programs.
  • Ensure all bridge inspection activities comply with NBIS, the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation, and applicable state- and client-specific requirements.
  • Provide senior technical review and guidance for complex inspections, including load ratings, fracture-critical bridges, scour evaluations, ancillary structures, and specialty inspection programs.
  • Serve as the district-level technical authority for inspection methodologies, risk management, QA/QC, and adoption of innovative inspection technologies (e.g., UAS, NDT, rope access).
  • Identify, mitigate, and escalate technical, contractual, and delivery risks to protect WSP and its clients.

Technical Oversight & Compliance
Business Development, Growth & Client Engagement
  • Lead and support business development efforts for bridge inspection and related services across NC and SC, including pursuit strategy, proposals, fee development, and client interviews.
  • Serve as a key participant in Go/No-Go decisions, pursuit risk assessment, and staffing strategy for district opportunities.
  • Maintain and expand strong relationships with NCDOT, SCDOT, local agencies, and transportation clients, acting as a senior and trusted client advisor.
  • Coordinate with District, Regional, and National Business Line leadership to align pursuits with national growth priorities and market strategy.

Program, Operational & Financial Accountability
  • Provide executive oversight for statewide and multi-year bridge inspection programs, including IDIQ and on-call contracts.
  • Oversee district-level workload planning, staffing utilization, and resource sharing across North and South Carolina.
  • Accountable for district revenue growth, backlog development, operating margin, and financial performance, in alignment with regional and national targets.
  • Support development of annual business plans, revenue forecasts, and tactical action plans for the district.

Collaboration & Industry Representation
  • Act as a senior liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, and internal WSP leadership.
  • Collaborate with other WSP disciplines to support cross-selling and integrated infrastructure solutions.
  • Represent WSP as an industry leader in bridge inspection services throughout the Carolinas, supporting thought leadership and innovation initiatives.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required; multi-state licensure (NC & SC preferred).
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in bridge inspection under NBIS, including leadership of complex programs, districts, or regions.
  • Demonstrated experience managing bridge inspection programs for NCDOT, SCDOT, and/or comparable transportation agencies.
  • Proven success leading senior technical leaders and managing multi-state or district-level teams.
  • Strong understanding of QA/QC, safety management, risk mitigation, project delivery, and financial performance.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills with technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel within NC and SC as required.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Advanced FHWA/NHI training (e.g., fracture-critical inspection, load rating, scour).
  • Experience with complex bridges, rail bridges, tunnels, or ancillary structures.
  • Familiarity with advanced inspection technologies (UAS, NDT, rope access).
  • Prior experience in district, regional, or multi-state leadership roles within bridge inspection or transportation infrastructure.

#LI-MC1
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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