Junior Structural Engineer - Bridges & Field Inspections

Fickett Structural Solutions, Inc.; Nashville, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Paylocity is seeking a Staff Engineer I to support structural engineering and inspection projects through design, load rating, fieldwork, and documentation under supervision. The role involves working with Project Management, Field Operations, and QA teams to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with client and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities include assisting with project execution, budgeting, scheduling, and documentation; reviewing drawings and preparing reports; performing

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology and basic engineering principles.
• FE exam recommended for advancement; familiarity with inspection reporting is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and AutoCAD is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day project execution under supervision.
• Support estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and deliverables management.
• Review drawings, specifications and prepare inspection reports and calculations.
• Conduct field condition verifications and nondestructive testing tasks.
• Maintain project records and assist with client communication.
• Follow applicable standards (AASHTO, AWS, ASTM, IBC, OSHA).
• Perform additional engineering or field-related duties as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Task prioritization

Field-based work

Safety awareness

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology

FE examination (NCEES) recommended

Tools

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Staff Engineer I supports the delivery of structural engineering and inspection projects through design, load rating, hands-on fieldwork, technical documentation, and coordination with internal teams. This entry-level position assists with project execution under the direct supervision of professional engineers, senior engineers and project managers.

Working closely with Project Management, Field Operations, and Quality Assurance Specialist teams, the Staff Engineer I help ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company, client, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination & Oversight

• Assist Project Management, Field Operations, and Quality Assurance staff with day-to-day project execution.
• Participate in estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and maintaining project deliverables.
• Support senior staff in managing project documentation and field coordination.
• Communicate project progress and needs clearly to supervisors and team members.

2. Technical Review & Documentation

• Assist in reviewing engineering drawings, design documents, and specifications.
• Assist in shop drawings and field condition verification.
• Help prepare inspection reports, calculations, and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate and complete project records consistent with company and client standards.

3. Structural Inspections

• Perform in-service bridge and ancillary structure inspections under direct supervision of a Team Leader in accordance with?FHWA, AASHTO, and?SNBI standards.
• Support Quality Assurance Specialists with nondestructive testing tasks.
• Assist with condition documentation, photo logs, and field measurements.
• Apply basic engineering principles and judgment in identifying field conditions.
• Compile field condition reports following client and company standards.

4. Engineering Services

• Perform a wide variety of tasks under the direct supervision of a professional engineer. Including but not limited to structural design, load rating and hydraulic services.
• Support the development and review of inspection plans and procedures.

5. Client & Team Interaction

• Participate in client meetings and field coordination sessions as directed.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, clients, and internal staff.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to safety on every project.

6. Regulatory Compliance & Standards

• Apply fundamental understanding of AASHTO, AWS, ASTM, IBC, OSHA, and other applicable standards.
• Follow company and client safety requirements and maintain compliance with field protocols.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of quality and safety processes.

7. Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform additional engineering or field-related duties as required by management.
• Maintain flexibility to support multidisciplinary projects and evolving company needs.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology from an accredited college or university.
• Entry-level engineer or engineer with two (2) years or less of experience in bridge design, bridge inspection, or load ratings.
• Understanding of basic engineering principles, inspection methods, and safety standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and perform in a dynamic, field-based environment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company insurability standards

Recommended Qualifications:

• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
• Familiarity with DOT (or similar) inspection reporting, documentation, and materials verification.
• Experience or internship in in-service inspections, structural analysis, or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel), AutoCAD, and other relevant tools.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments, including bridges structures, fabrication shops, and construction sites.
• Capable of sitting, standing, walking, climbing, bending, or working at heights, and in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close and distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Strong awareness of safety practices and the ability to recognize and mitigate hazards.
• Willingness to maintain a minimum 40-hour working week with the flexibility to work overtime, travel overnight, and support projects that may require multiple consecutive days away.