Bridge Design Manager - Chicago, IL
Location: On Site in Chicago, IL, United States
Employment type: Full-time
Salary: $200,000 per year
Posted: 2 months ago
Why This Role Matters
MissionHires is conducting a confidential search for a Bridge Design Manager to lead and grow a transportation structures practice in the Greater Chicago Area. This leader will drive market development with state transportation agencies, oversee complex bridge design/rehabilitation/inspection programs, manage multidisciplinary delivery, and mentor a high-performing structural engineering team. Compensation: $150,000–$200,000 DOE.
How You'll Contribute
- Research Illinois transportation infrastructure markets and identify strategic growth opportunities
- Develop and maintain relationships with state transportation agencies and consulting partners
- Recruit, mentor, and develop bridge engineering staff to support practice growth
- Support and lead proposal efforts and major project pursuits
- Provide senior technical direction on bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspection projects
- Serve as Project Principal or Lead Engineer on complex structural assignments
- Guide multidisciplinary teams through structural analysis and design development
- Lead preparation of design drawings, calculations, and specifications for fixed and movable bridges
- Manage project scope, schedule, staffing, and budgets across multiple concurrent projects
- Perform senior quality assurance reviews and ensure internal quality control standards are met
- Build a collaborative, high-performing structural engineering team and mentor PMs and engineers
- Track performance metrics and maintain project profitability targets
- Strengthen the firm’s presence with public-sector clients throughout the region
What Makes You a Great Fit
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master’s preferred)
- Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Structural Engineer (SE) license strongly preferred
- 12+ years of bridge engineering experience
- Extensive knowledge of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
- Demonstrated experience with state transportation agencies and public infrastructure programs
- Proven leadership in project delivery, team development, and technical oversight
- Ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and staffing effectively
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal leadership skills
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Technical competency across bridge design, rehabilitation, inspection, structural analysis, load rating, steel and concrete bridge design, movable bridges, and transportation structures
- Familiarity with AASHTO Bridge Design, DOT/FHWA bridge standards, LRFD design, bridge load rating, and bridge inspection standards
- Experience in business development, practice development, client development, and engineering operations within transportation infrastructure markets
Who We Are, What We Stand For
MissionHires is the AI hiring partner of top talent teams. Our platform helps recruiters, agencies, and top companies source, engage with, and evaluate top talent 10 times faster than job boards.
To bridge the gap between companies and passionate talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for the Bridge Design Manager role in Chicago?
$150,000–$200,000 annually, depending on experience.
Is this position onsite or remote?
It is an onsite role in the Greater Chicago Area.
Will the company provide relocation assistance to Chicago?
No, relocation is unpaid and no assistance is provided.
Do I need an Illinois PE for this job?
Yes, an active Illinois PE license is required; an SE license is strongly preferred.
How many years of bridge engineering experience are required?
At least 12 years of bridge engineering experience.
What kinds of projects will I lead day to day?
Bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspection programs, including fixed and movable bridges.
Which standards and codes should I be proficient in?
AASHTO LRFD, DOT/FHWA bridge standards, bridge load rating, and bridge inspection standards.
Is U.S. work authorization required or will you sponsor visas?
You must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is not indicated.