Job Description

Overview

The Bridges Structural Engineer will perform transportation structural engineering assignments related to bridges, retaining walls, and culverts for various projects. The role involves working under the supervision of a Senior Engineer and contributing to the design and preparation of structural plans while collaborating with a talented team in a people-first organization.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the design process for bridge, culvert, or retaining wall structures.
  • Prepare structural plans, specifications, cost estimates, supporting documents, and permit applications.
  • Handle project coordination and maintain project documentation.
  • Connect and collaborate with coworkers, vendors, and clients.
  • Learn and grow in structural engineering by assisting senior engineers.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering with a structural emphasis.
  • 5+ years of experience in structural/civil engineering.
  • Licensed professional engineer required.
  • 1-3 years of experience in the transportation market.
  • Knowledge of relevant codes and standards (AASHTO, IDOT, ISTHA, AREMA).
  • Design knowledge of key structural elements such as bridges, foundations, retaining walls, and culverts.
  • Strong research and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, Microstation, and/or AutoCAD.

Benefits

  • 401k
  • PTO

Additional Information

  • Flexible work scheduling in a fast-growing company.
  • Inclusive and collaborative environment.

Benefits

401k
PTO

How this job compares in Chicago, IL

Pay in context

At roughly $40/hr, this posting comes in about 27% below the $55/hr median for structural welder jobs in Chicago, IL, where the middle half runs $43–$63/hr across 11 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 9% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. That gap is worth raising directly — in a market this size there is normally room to negotiate toward the median, particularly if you already hold the certifications the posting asks for.

The local market in Chicago, IL

We're tracking 104 other active welding openings in Chicago, IL right now, from 65 different employers. 45 of them were added in the last week. Across Illinois as a whole we're tracking 371 other active welding openings from 240 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Chicago, or widen the search to Illinois.

The most active employers in Illinois at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Staff on Site (13), S&C Electric Company (12), and Gerber Collision & Glass (11). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Illinois, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Chicago at $38/hr, Itasca at $36/hr, and Downers Grove at $36/hr. Chicago is among them.

Similar openings near Chicago, IL

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Bridges Structural Engineer figures were last recalculated when this page was built.