Bridge Design Lead - Columbia, SC

Michael Baker International, Inc.; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Generous paid time off

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Columbia, SC is seeking a Bridge Design Lead to handle technical work and mentor staff. The ideal candidate will oversee projects, collaborate internationally, and contribute to business strategy. Requirements include a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, 10 years of engineering design experience and a Professional Engineering license in SC. The compensation range is $120,000 - $170,000 with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive structures engineering design experience.
• 5+ years of project management experience.
• Professional Engineering license in SC required.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural engineering, project management, and bridge analysis.
• Mentor and supervise engineers on bridge design projects.
• Meet with clients regarding project requirements and progress.

Skills

Structural engineering

Project management

Team leadership

Technical proposal preparation

Client relations

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Transportation Engineering

Tools

CSIBridge

SAP2000

LEAP Bridge

BrR

Microsoft Office

Job description

BRIDGE PRACTICE

Michael Baker International has addressed bridge design, construction and preservation challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. Exemplifying its depth and versatility in the bridge space, Michael Baker International, ranked Number Seven by Engineering News-Record in its annual ranking of Bridge Design Firms in the United States, has partnered with clients on a full spectrum of bridge types-from conventional grade separations to major, complex river crossings, including trusses, arches, box girders and cable-stayed bridges.

DESCRIPTION

The Michael Baker Columbia office is growing, alongside the firm's national bridge practice. To support this, the Columbia SC office seeks a Bridge Design Lead to handle technical work, mentor staff, and help grow the Bridge Department. The ideal candidate will lead teams, collaborate nationally, and contribute to business strategy, project delivery, and client development.

Key responsibilities include technical oversight, staff development, contract and proposal management, project performance, and client relations. The Bridge Design Lead will manage projects, support proposal preparation, and participate in industry events.

This role requires strong engineering expertise to oversee plans, specifications, estimates, and schedules, while guiding junior engineers in report and analysis development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform structural engineering, project management, bridge analysis, and prepare engineering designs.
• Mentor and supervise engineers on studies, reports, design calculations, and drawings for bridge and transportation projects.
• Oversee quantity takeoffs and construction cost estimates.
• Prepare technical proposals and reports as needed.
• Meet with client representatives regarding project progress and requirements.
• Conduct site visits to assess infrastructure conditions and document findings.
• Provide construction support for transportation-related projects.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of bridge and structural design; familiarity with load rating and safety inspection is preferred.
• Lead marketing activities relevant to the field.
• Participate in professional associations and boards.
• Publish technical articles and present at technical conferences.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Transportation Engineering, or equivalent experience, and a minimum of 10 years of progressive structures engineering design experience and 5+ years of project management experience.
• Ideal candidates will have extensive experience with SCDOT bridge replacement projects.
• A Professional Engineering license in SC required. Professional Engineering license in NC, VA, and MD is a plus.
• Ability to partner with coworkers and clients at different levels.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communications, excellent organizational skills, and strong project management skills.
• Experience with and understanding of AASHTO LRFD design and complex structural analysis software such as CSIBridge, SAP2000, LEAP Bridge, BrR, etc. is required.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of products is required.
• Experience with road and/or rail bridge rehabilitation design, and rating analysis is desired.
• Preferred qualifications include demonstrated experience managing projects across diverse disciplines such as roadway, drainage, geotechnical, and environmental engineering. Additional experience overseeing project execution, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring quality assurance on multiple concurrent assignments is also highly valued.

COMPENSATION

The approximate compensation range for this position is $120,000 - $170,000. This compensation range is a good‑faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

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