Senior Structural Bridge Engineer

Location: Columbia, SC
Company: System One
Employment Type: Full-Time | Engineering

System One is seeking a Senior Structural Bridge Engineer to join a high-performing transportation design team in Columbia, SC. This is a strategic, high-impact position with a clear long-term growth trajectory—ultimately stepping into a senior leadership role as a key engineer transitions into retirement.

If you’ve designed dozens of bridges, enjoy mentoring engineers, and want a role that blends hands-on engineering with leadership development, this is a rare opportunity to accelerate your career.

About the Role

As a Senior Structural Bridge Engineer with System One, you will take ownership of complex bridge and structural design projects, lead design tasks, guide junior staff, and serve as a technical cornerstone for the team. You’ll have the autonomy to solve meaningful engineering challenges while playing a critical succession role for the future of the bridge group.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural and bridge design projects from concept through final plans.

• Perform advanced analysis using OpenBridge Designer, Merlin, CSI Bridge, or similar software.

• Apply AASHTO LRFD and state DOT guidelines/standards to deliver accurate, compliant designs.

• Manage task planning, scheduling, and workload distribution across engineering teams.

• Provide mentorship, training, and technical oversight to junior and mid-level staff.

• Serve as a “boots-on-the-ground” engineer when needed—providing field support, inspections, and real-time engineering insights.

• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure technical quality and timely delivery.

• Prepare to move into a senior leadership role as part of a planned succession path.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

• South Carolina Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain within 1 year.

• 10 years of progressive bridge design experience strongly preferred.

  • Candidates with 8 years and strong bridge portfolios will also be considered.

• Experience designing at least 20 bridges (ideal candidates will have 30 ).

• Strong verbal communication and analytical/problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency with structural design tools such as OpenBridge Designer, Merlin, CSI Bridge, or equivalent.

• Familiarity with AASHTO LRFD and state DOT design standards and guidelines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Valid driver’s license.

What We’re Looking For

• A seasoned bridge engineer ready to elevate into senior leadership.

• Someone who has designed multiple bridge types and can take on complex structural challenges independently.

• A mentor—patient, collaborative, and eager to develop the skills of junior engineers.

• A hands-on engineer who’s comfortable splitting time between design, leadership, and field support.

• A candidate motivated by the opportunity to “fill the shoes” of a retiring senior engineer and become a long-term technical anchor.