Bridge Design Manager - Chicago, IL

MissionHires; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

MissionHires is seeking a Bridge Design Manager in Chicago to lead a transportation structures practice. This role involves driving market development with state agencies, overseeing complex bridge design projects, and mentoring a high-performing engineering team. Compensation ranges from $150,000 to $200,000 based on experience.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, 12+ years of experience, and an Illinois PE license.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of bridge engineering experience.
• Extensive knowledge of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
• Ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and staffing effectively.

Responsibilities

• Research Illinois transportation infrastructure markets.
• Develop relationships with state transportation agencies.
• Provide senior technical direction on bridge design projects.

Skills

Bridge engineering experience

Project management

Technical direction

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license

Structural Engineer (SE) license

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

MissionHires is conducting a confidential search for a Bridge Design Manager to lead and grow a transportation structures practice in the Greater Chicago Area. This leader will drive market development with state transportation agencies, oversee complex bridge design/rehabilitation/inspection programs, manage multidisciplinary delivery, and mentor a high-performing structural engineering team. Compensation: $150,000–$200,000 DOE.

Responsibilities

• Research Illinois transportation infrastructure markets and identify strategic growth opportunities
• Develop and maintain relationships with state transportation agencies and consulting partners
• Recruit, mentor, and develop bridge engineering staff to support practice growth
• Support and lead proposal efforts and major project pursuits
• Provide senior technical direction on bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspection projects
• Serve as Project Principal or Lead Engineer on complex structural assignments
• Guide multidisciplinary teams through structural analysis and design development
• Lead preparation of design drawings, calculations, and specifications for fixed and movable bridges
• Manage project scope, schedule, staffing, and budgets across multiple concurrent projects
• Perform senior quality assurance reviews and ensure internal quality control standards are met
• Build a collaborative, high-performing structural engineering team and mentor PMs and engineers
• Track performance metrics and maintain project profitability targets
• Strengthen the firm’s presence with public-sector clients throughout the region

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Structural Engineer (SE) license strongly preferred
• 12+ years of bridge engineering experience
• Extensive knowledge of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
• Demonstrated experience with state transportation agencies and public infrastructure programs
• Proven leadership in project delivery, team development, and technical oversight
• Ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and staffing effectively
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal leadership skills
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Technical competency across bridge design, rehabilitation, inspection, structural analysis, load rating, steel and concrete bridge design, movable bridges, and transportation structures
• Familiarity with AASHTO Bridge Design, DOT/FHWA bridge standards, LRFD design, bridge load rating, and bridge inspection standards
• Experience in business development, practice development, client development, and engineering operations within transportation infrastructure markets