Structural Bridge Project Engineer

Benesch • East Lansing, MI

5d

About The Position

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—apply for the job! 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.

Requirements

• 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 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• At Benesch, we prioritize the health and wellness of our employees, understanding that their well-being is crucial for both personal and professional success. We offer a range of benefits for eligible employees, including insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Our Total Rewards package is designed to support a healthy lifestyle and can be customized to meet the needs of our employees and their families.
• Professional Development Opportunities for management and leadership development at all levels, including executive coaching and leadership development for Team Leaders, Group Managers, Division Managers, and Executive Leaders Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses Ongoing professional development through resources like Red Vector, LinkedIn Learning, technical team meetings, knowledge-sharing training sessions Personalized training and career development plans with your manager Funding for training, committee work, professional organization memberships, and licenses/certifications Support for active participation in professional organizations to foster leadership and community engagement
• Retirement Benefits Access to valuable retirement planning tools, education, and individual meetings with plan advisors at no charge Potential for Benesch to contribute up to 9% of your gross compensation to your retirement plan (5% profit-sharing contribution to your 401(k) plan, regardless of your own contributions & 80% match on your contributions, up to a maximum company contribution of 4%)
• Work/Life Balance Flexible work schedules and hours, including work-from-home options (dependent on the role) Generous Paid Time Benefits (PTB) that increase with your career Immediate use of annual PTB; no accrual needed with the ability to bundle time-off plans for extended vacations or life events Ten days of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement
• Employee Engagement At Benesch, we encourage our team members to extend their impact beyond their core responsibilities. Join our employee resource groups and committees to enhance your work-life balance and contribute to our community-focused initiatives. We support a variety of programs including community service, student scholarships, and matching gift opportunities, reflecting our commitment to a vibrant and diverse workplace.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level