Bridge Engineer (TE)

American Society of Civil Engineers; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

IPERS retirement

Job summary

Iowa Department of Transportation seeks a Bridge Engineer to join the Bridges and Structures Bureau in the Final Design Unit. The engineer will apply principles to design highway structures and transportation projects across a broad scope, supporting safety and reliability of Iowa roadways.

Responsibilities include structural analysis, directing drafting, plan review, inspections, and project management. Licensure as a Professional Engineer in Iowa is required, with occasional travel and strong

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain license as a Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa.

Responsibilities

• Performs structural analysis and design as a licensed professional engineer of different types of moderately complex to complex highway structures utilizing steel, aluminum, reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, and wood.
• Draws or directs technicians in drawing the ideas conceived in the design of the proposed structure.
• Reviews plans for moderately complex to complex highway structures that are submitted by outside sources for approval.
• Makes inspections, analyzes any deficiencies and writes reports containing recommendations and cost estimates on structures that must be repaired or reconstructed to maintain serviceability of the highway system.
• Manages moderately complex to complex projects assigned to ensure the design plan is complete and personnel working on the project are informed.
• Make suggestions to improve current bridge policy and procedures based on new design and construction specifications.

Education

Professional Engineer license (Iowa)

Job description

Salary

$73,673.60 - $113,464.00 Annually

Location

Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00681

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

10/4/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

David Evans, [e-mail]

Description

Come be part of a dynamic team here at the Iowa Department of Transportation! The Bridges and Structures Bureau seeks to hire aBridge Engineer(Transportation Engineer) who will be an essential part of the Bridge Project Development team in our Final Design Unit. This position requires an individual capable of applying engineering principles in the design of highway structures and transportation improvement projects of a broad scope and complexity that is vital to make Iowa roadways safer while fulfilling our Mission -Making Lives Better Through Transportation This position will foster growth and support for its reporting team through the five core values of the department:Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Responsibilities

• Performs structural analysis and design as a licensed professional engineer of different types of moderately complex to complex highway structures utilizing steel, aluminum, reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, and wood. Moderately complex to complex highway structures include standard and nonstandard bridges, culverts, retaining walls, sign truss, other miscellaneous structures, and routine to unique overlay and repair projects.
• Draws or directs technicians in drawing the ideas conceived in the design of the proposed structure.
• Reviews plans for moderately complex to complex highway structures that are submitted by outside sources for approval.
• Makes inspections, analyzes any deficiencies and writes reports containing recommendations and cost estimates on structures that must be repaired or reconstructed to maintain serviceability of the highway system.
• Manages moderately complex to complex projects assigned to ensure the design plan is complete and personnel working on the project are informed.
• Make suggestions to improve current bridge policy and procedures based on new design and construction specifications.

Preferred Characteristics

• Ability to Analyze challenges, define successful solution alternatives, and proactively solves problems.
• Passion and commitment to excellence in our highway structures and bridges.
• Effectively communicates with all levels of management and a wide variety of individuals involved in our development process.
• A motivated, friendly, inclusive, and a get-it-done attitude.
• Embraces and encourages a culture that thrives on innovative ideas and leading changes that result in effective process and project improvements.
• Brings a professional and positive attitude to our team every day.

Location

Ames, Iowa

Shift Requirements

Days M-F, flex available. Occasional travel (overnight possible) may be required to national conferences, research workshops, and field exams for structural inspections or observation on construction sites.

Requirements

• Must possess and maintain license as a Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us! If you're interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment, and costs can be reviewed here.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

We encourage you to learn more about the State of Iowa Employee Benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

Immigration Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants who need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information on work authorization needs, please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant WorkersandGreen Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at [e-mail].

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.