Senior Bridge Engineer

CDM Smith; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a senior structural engineer to lead bridge design and analysis across prestressed and reinforced concrete and steel structures. You will guide teams through design phases using SCDOT and AASHTO criteria to deliver safe, cost-effective solutions.

The role requires a PE license, 12 years of related experience, and willingness to travel domestically or internationally as needed. Location options include Columbia, SC, Charleston, SC, Greenville, SC or Charlotte, NC offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Architectural or Structural Engineering.
• PE license required; travel may be required.
• Equivalent related experience considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of structural models, drawings and specs for bridges.
• Plan and layout structural systems balancing strength, stability and efficiency.
• Review design calculations to ensure compliance with SCDOT and AASHTO criteria.
• Coordinate bridge design with multidisciplinary teams for timely delivery.
• Ensure adherence to firm standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with sales to develop competitive proposals for clients.
• Meet with clients to discuss upcoming needs and design strategies.
• Represent the firm at conferences and industry events.

Skills

Bridge design

Structural analysis

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

Master's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

*This opportunity can be based either our Columbia, SC, Charleston, SC, Greenville, SC or Charlotte, NC offices.

In this role, you’ll take the lead on delivering high‑quality structural analyses, designs, and final construction plans for prestressed concrete, reinforced concrete, and structural steel bridges. You’ll guide teams through all phases of design using the latest SCDOT and AASHTO criteria to deliver safe, resilient, and cost‑effective structures. This position requires extensive experience producing final SCDOT bridge plans and strong seismic design expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of structural models, drawings, and specifications, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and clarity.
• Plan and lay out structural systems that balance strength, stability, and construction efficiency.
• Review design calculations and quantity takeoffs to confirm conformance with SCDOT requirements.
• Coordinate bridge design efforts with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Ensure adherence to firm standards, quality practices, and applicable regulations across all design work.
• Partner with the sales team to develop competitive, well‑structured proposals for current and prospective clients.
• Review proposal materials for compliance with firm, industry, and regulatory requirements.
• Meet with clients to understand their upcoming needs and provide expert guidance on project approaches and design strategies.
• Represent the firm at conferences and industry events to support visibility and client engagement.
• Collaborate with clients and agency reviewers to address technical questions and provide project updates.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and training to junior engineers, helping support their long‑term growth.
• Supervise and guide junior staff on project assignments to ensure technical excellence and project success.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support project and team success.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Architectural or Structural Engineering or related discipline. Professional engineering (PE) license. 12 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Certification/License Requirements

Professional Engineer

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering/Structural.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in South Carolina.
• Working knowledge of CSI Bridge Seismic Modeling/Analysis.