Senior Bridge Engineer

Thompson Engineering; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Engineering seeks a Senior Structural Engineer specializing in bridge design to join our Structural Engineering Team. Candidates should have extensive experience with bridges for federal, state, and local projects and a PE license.

Proficiency in OpenBridge LEAP, MicroStation, and MS Office is required. Responsibilities include analysis, design, reporting, and ensuring compliance with state transportation guidelines.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited civil/structural engineering degree.
• Minimum 10 years of bridge design experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Proficient in design software and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis, modeling, and design for bridges and related structures.
• Lead state and local highway bridge design and evaluation tasks.
• Prepare technical reports and design documents for clients.
• Ensure compliance with AASHTO codes and state procedures.
• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.

Skills

Structural FEA Analysis

OpenBridge (LEAP)

MicroStation

Microsoft Office

Education

ABET-accredited university

Tools

OpenBridge (LEAP)

MicroStation

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

Thompson Engineering is seeking a Senior Structural Engineer with specialized experience in bridge design to join our growing Structural Engineering Team. This role is ideal for a seasoned engineer with a strong background in the design of bridges for federal, state, and local government projects.

The primary responsibility of this position is to ensure the safety, strength, and integrity of structures we design. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in the application of AASHTO codes and state-specific transportation design procedures and will play a key role in the evaluation, design, and reporting of structural systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis, modeling, and design for a variety of public and private sector projects.

• Focus on state and local highway bridge design, with additional work including:

  • Commercial building structures

  • Industrial structures (e.g., pipe racks, personnel platforms)

  • Heavy civil foundations

  • Marine and waterfront structures (e.g., piers, bulkheads, wharfs)

  • Retaining walls and similar infrastructure

• Utilize OpenBridge (LEAP) software for bridge structural analysis.

• Ensure compliance with state bridge bureau guidelines and specifications.

• Select materials appropriate for each project to ensure durability and code compliance.

• Produce technical reports, design documents, and support client communication.

• Maintain high-quality deliverables and ensure accuracy in engineering documentation.

• Manage time efficiently across multiple projects with minimal supervision.

• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited university

• Experience:

  • Minimum 10 years of bridge design experience

• Licensure:

  • Must have a current Professional Engineer (PE) license

• Technical Skills:

  • Proficient in:

    • Structural FEA Analysis

    • OpenBridge (LEAP)

    • MicroStation

    • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

• Certifications:

  • Not required

• Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work flexible schedules and overtime as needed

  • Must be able to sit and operate a computer for extended periods

  • Travel required to support projects (as needed)

About Thompson Engineering

Founded in 1953, Thompson Engineering has a longstanding reputation for delivering high-quality services in construction quality assurance, materials testing, inspection, and geotechnical analysis. Originally serving the Gulf Coast's industrial and infrastructure projects, we've grown into a multidisciplinary firm working on major transportation, economic development, and coastal projects.

Today, our teams lead projects that define skylines, coastlines, and transportation corridors across the Southeast. From early-stage environmental assessments and land surveys to cutting-edge design solutions and construction management, we are there from concept to completion.