Structural Bridge Project Engineer

Benesch; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9% retirement contribution

Flexible schedule

Generous paid time off

Parental leave

Mentorship and development

Job summary

Benesch is hiring a Structural Project Engineer in Michigan to work on MDOT bridge projects. The role focuses on design, load rating, and inspection with a team of professionals in East Lansing, MI. Candidates should hold a Michigan PE license or ability to obtain one.

The position requires collaboration across disciplines, preparation of calculations, and coordination of project deliverables within scope, schedule, and budget guidelines.

Qualifications

• B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline required.
• PE License in Michigan or ability to obtain.
• Minimum of 4 years of bridge design, load rating, and/or inspection experience
• Experience with MDOT projects preferred
• Strong communication and client relation skills
• Proficiency in creating design drawings using MicroStation and/or AutoCAD

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design for MDOT bridge projects, including new construction, rehabilitation, and replacement.
• Prepare detailed calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Conduct load rating analyses using MDOT-approved methods.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to develop integrated project solutions.
• Lead structural designers and inspectors on bridge design, load rating, and inspection projects.
• Prepare and review project cost estimates and schedules.

Skills

Bridge design

Load rating

Inspection

Communication

Client relations

Project coordination

Team leadership

Design budgeting

MDOT project experience

Education

B.S. Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Job description

Simply Put, A Great Place to Work

Benesch is a growing, multi-disciplined planning, engineering, and professional services firm. We enhance infrastructure and communities across the country – creating spaces and providing connections in ways that make a difference.

We pride ourselves on being nimble enough to remain responsive to client needs yet large enough to offer exceptional bench strength. As a member of our team, you’ll have an opportunity to draw from those resources when you need them and, likewise, contribute your expertise when you have something to share.

At Benesch, we are looking for candidates with varied backgrounds and worldviews. We are committed to offering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. If this statement resonates with you, don’t be so hard on yourself—

Structural Project Engineer

Our Michigan division is hiring a Structural Project Engineer to work on complex projects in our East Lansing, MI office. The ideal candidate for this role will hold a Professional License in Michigan. They will collaborate with a team of professionals, focusing on the design, load rating, and inspection of bridge structures, preferably with experience working on MDOT projects.

The Impact You Will Have

• Perform structural analysis and design for MDOT bridge projects, including new construction, rehabilitation, and replacement, in compliance with MDOT Bridge Design Guide (BDG) and AASHTO LRFD specifications.
• Prepare detailed structural calculations, design drawings, and technical specifications.
• Conduct load rating analyses using MDOT-approved methods and software.
• Review and interpret survey data, geotechnical reports, and roadway alignments to support structural design.
• Coordinate with roadway, hydraulics, geotechnical, and environmental teams to develop integrated project solutions.
• Provide technical support during project development, from concept through final design and construction.
• Participate in quality control (QC) reviews of structural calculations, drawings, and reports.
• Assist in preparing project cost estimates and construction schedules.
• Review shop drawings, contractor submittals, and RFIs for compliance with project requirements.
• Perform site visits for bridge inspections, construction observation, and field verification.
• Prepare technical reports, design narratives, and calculation packages for submittals to MDOT and other clients.
• Communicate project status, technical issues, and design decisions to the project manager, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain professional licensure in Michigan and complete required continuing education.
• Prepare and review structural and geometrical calculations for bridge design projects.
• Manage the process of compiling and coordinating plans, specifications, cost estimates and pay items in accordance with MDOT standards.
• Prepare and review bridge load rating reports to MDOT design standards.
• Plan, prepare, and perform bridge and tunnel inspections to MDOT design standards.
• Coordinate the above tasks with the Project Manager
• Lead structural designers and inspectors on bridge design, load rating, and inspection projects.
• Assume responsibility for assigned design calculation files and plans, assuring adequate independent QC reviews on that work.

What We Are Looking For

• B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline required.

• PE License in Michigan or ability to obtain.

• Minimum of 4 years of bridge design, load rating, and/or inspection experience

• Successful completion of one or more of the following FHWA-NHI courses preferred but not required:

  • Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges
  • Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges
  • Bridge Inspection Refresher Training

• Experience working with MDOT and/or municipalities.

• Strong communication and client relation skills

• Progressive experience with developing design drawings and utilizing MicroStation and/or AutoCAD.

• Strong organization and leadership skills with a track record for adhering to design budgets and schedules.

• Ability to perform complex analysis and design.

• Ability to assemble a complete design package for assigned elements or projects.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Why Benesch

It’s simple. We invest in our people, not just our projects.

• Career growth that’s real with leadership development, training, and clear paths forward
• Strong financial future with up to 9% retirement contribution for benefit-eligible employees
• Flexibility that works with schedules that support your life
• Time to recharge with generous paid time off and parental leave for benefit-eligible employees
• Support beyond work through mentorship, hands-on experience, and opportunities to make an impact from day one

Whether you’re starting your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll have the support and exposure to grow here.

Explore our full benefits here: Click here

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

At Benesch, we believe great work starts with great people and that means creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Benesch is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants in all protected groups, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Benesch is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with a physical disability or other impairment.

If you are limited in your ability or are unable to access Benesch’s Careers website due to a physical disability or other impairment, you may request a reasonable accommodation by emailing [e-mail]. This option is only available to those in need of an accommodation due to a disability or other impairment. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications, as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be responded to as soon as possible on a case-by-case basis.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here.

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