Bridge Design Manager - Chicago, IL

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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