Structures Design Manager ( Bridge Engineering )

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structures Design Manager (Bridge Engineering) Company: AECOM Location: Baltimore, Maryland, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Transportation Engineering Operations / Infrastructure Design Management Date Posted: September 17, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead structural engineering design efforts for transportation infrastructure projects, with a primary focus on bridge engineering, utilizing alternative delivery methods.
• Drive technical excellence and ensure structural designs meet all contractual obligations, quality standards, and project-specific requirements.
• Manage and mentor engineering teams, fostering a collaborative environment focused on innovation and timely project delivery.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for structural aspects, coordinating with inter-disciplinary teams and external stakeholders, including contractor clients.
• Provide expert technical support throughout the project lifecycle, from conceptual design through construction, ensuring seamless execution and problem resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the structural engineering aspects within the transportation sector, emphasizing leadership and management within alternative project delivery frameworks like Design-Build. The operations aspect is tied to the management of design processes, team resources, and project execution to ensure successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the structural engineering design process for bridge and transportation infrastructure projects, particularly those employing alternative delivery methods (e.g., Progressive Design-Build, Design-Build, CM/GC).
• Oversee the development of structural scope, work plans, and schedules in collaboration with Project/Design Managers, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements and project objectives.
• Coordinate all structural engineering technical aspects, ensuring seamless integration with other disciplines such as highway, environmental, traffic, and public involvement.
• Serve as the primary structural technical point of contact for contractor clients during design progression and construction phases.
• Ensure structural designs are completed in strict accordance with contract guidelines, design documents, and applicable codes and standards.
• Implement and enforce robust Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures for all structural design deliverables, leading response efforts for client comments.
• Train, mentor, and develop junior engineers and designers, fostering their technical growth and career advancement within the organization.
• Actively participate in marketing efforts and proposal preparation, including client interviews, to secure new projects.
• Proactively identify and manage potential budget and schedule impacts related to structural design, initiating corrective actions and alternative plans as needed.
• Drive innovation in design approaches and delivery methods to enhance project efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and technical quality.
• Maintain and promote compliance with AECOM's safety awareness program and policies across all structural engineering activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project management within a technical engineering context. The role requires not only technical expertise in bridge engineering but also the ability to manage design teams, client relationships, and project execution under alternative delivery models, which are key operational aspects of large-scale infrastructure development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant design experience specifically in bridge engineering, encompassing analysis and design.
• Demonstrated experience in managing engineering teams and leading structural design efforts on complex infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record of working with alternative project delivery methods (e.g., Design-Build, CM/GC) or projects involving early contractor involvement.

Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one US state, with a willingness to obtain reciprocity in other jurisdictions as project needs dictate.
• Strong technical proficiency in structural analysis and design of bridges and related transportation structures.
• Expertise in project management principles, including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation for design phases.
• Excellent inter-discipline coordination and communication skills to effectively collaborate with various engineering and non-engineering teams.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with contractor clients and other project stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and mentoring engineering staff, fostering professional development.
• Proficiency in proposal preparation and client interview participation.
• Strong understanding of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes in engineering design.
• Valid US Driver’s License and a clean Motor Vehicle Records review to facilitate site visits and client meetings.

Preferred Skills:

• Twenty (20) or more years of progressive design experience in bridge engineering.
• Direct experience serving as a Design Manager or Structural Discipline Lead Engineer on recent Design-Build projects.
• Established network and relationships with contractors involved in alternative delivery projects.
• Advanced degree in Structural Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with specialized bridge types or complex structural systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep technical expertise in bridge engineering, practical project management experience within alternative delivery methods, and leadership capabilities. The PE license requirement underscores the critical nature of technical accountability and professional responsibility inherent in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 major bridge or transportation infrastructure projects where you served as a lead structural engineer or design manager, ideally under alternative delivery methods.
• For each project, provide a concise overview of the structural challenges, design solutions implemented, and your specific role and contributions.
• Highlight examples of successful inter-discipline coordination and integration of structural design with other project elements (e.g., highway alignment, utilities).
• Demonstrate experience in managing design deliverables within specific timelines and budgets, showing evidence of process adherence and efficiency.
• Include evidence of QA/QC implementation and any significant technical review findings or resolutions related to structural design.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples or descriptions of how you have structured and managed the design process for bridge projects, including phases from conceptualization to final design.
• Detail your approach to establishing design criteria, scope definition, and work breakdown structures for structural engineering tasks.
• Illustrate your methods for tracking design progress, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with project schedules and client requirements.
• Include a description of your approach to technical problem-solving and decision-making throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement, the responsibilities strongly imply the need to demonstrate past performance in managing and executing structural design processes. Candidates should prepare to discuss their project management methodologies, team leadership, and problem-solving approaches using specific project examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on AECOM's typical compensation structures for similar roles and experience levels in the Baltimore, MD area, and considering the specialized nature of bridge engineering and management responsibilities, an estimated annual salary range could be between $140,000 to $190,000. This range is subject to variation based on candidate qualifications, specific project requirements, and prevailing market conditions.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Disability Benefits (Short-term and Long-term).
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Leaves of Absences.
• Access to Voluntary Benefits to supplement core offerings.
• Employee Perks and Well-being Resources to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
• Business Travel Insurance for work-related travel.
• Service Recognition Awards to acknowledge long-term contributions.
• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for opportunities to invest in AECOM.
• Flexible Work Options may be available depending on project needs and company policy.

Working Hours: Typically a standard 40-hour work week. However, project demands, particularly during critical design phases or pursuit periods, may require extended hours or weekend work to meet deadlines. Flexibility and a commitment to project success are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in the Baltimore metropolitan area, factoring in specialization in bridge engineering and leadership responsibilities within a large, global firm like AECOM. Benefits are comprehensive and typical for a company of AECOM's size and stature in the engineering consulting sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the global infrastructure consulting sector, a critical industry focused on planning, designing, building, and managing public and private infrastructure projects worldwide. This includes transportation, water, environment, energy, and buildings. Company Size: AECOM is a global firm with over 50,000 employees, positioning it as a large enterprise. This scale offers extensive resources, diverse project opportunities, and significant career development potential, while also requiring structured processes and coordination. Founded: AECOM's history traces back to 1910, meaning it has a long-standing legacy and deep experience in the infrastructure industry. This longevity suggests a stable company culture with established practices and a commitment to long-term growth and client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Structures Design Manager will likely be part of AECOM's East Region Transportation Business Line, which covers a broad geographical area.
• Within this business line, they will lead a team of structural engineers, designers, and specialists focused on bridge and transportation infrastructure projects.
• The role involves significant inter-discipline coordination with other technical leads (highway, environmental, traffic, etc.) and collaboration with project managers and business development teams.
• Reporting likely goes up through a regional or divisional engineering director or operations lead within the Transportation sector.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to project delivery, utilizing advanced analytics and digital tools for design, simulation, and project management.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially for alternative delivery methods, requiring agile and efficient design processes.
• Automation and efficiency practices are increasingly adopted in engineering design, leveraging BIM, generative design, and other digital technologies to streamline workflows and improve outcomes.

Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global scale and long history imply a professional and structured work environment. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" and tackling complex challenges suggests a culture that values innovation, expertise, and impactful project delivery. The role's focus on alternative delivery methods indicates a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to project execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level management role within the engineering operations of a major infrastructure consulting firm. It requires advanced technical expertise, proven leadership capabilities, and significant experience in managing complex design processes and teams. The scope includes direct responsibility for the quality and successful delivery of structural design elements on high-stakes projects.

Reporting Structure: The Structures Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership position within AECOM's Transportation Business Line, such as a Regional Director of Engineering, a Sector Lead, or a Vice President of Operations. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of structural engineers and designers. Collaboration will extend across project teams, business development, and other technical disciplines.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on AECOM's operational success and revenue generation. By leading the structural design on key projects, especially those utilizing alternative delivery methods, this manager influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the firm's reputation for technical excellence and efficiency. Effective management of design processes and teams ensures project milestones are met, reducing risks and enhancing the overall project delivery capability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in alternative project delivery models, advanced structural analysis techniques, and project financial management.
• Leadership Development: Potential to move into broader project management roles, regional engineering leadership positions, or specialized technical director roles overseeing multiple projects or disciplines.
• Business Development: Involvement in client relationship management, proposal development, and strategic market positioning for the transportation sector.
• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to become a recognized subject matter expert (SME) in specific bridge engineering areas or advanced design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step towards senior operational leadership within AECOM's engineering domain. The combination of technical management, team leadership, and business development involvement offers a robust platform for career advancement in the infrastructure consulting sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in an office environment, likely a modern AECOM office in Baltimore, MD. This setting would typically provide collaborative workspaces, private offices for focused work, meeting rooms equipped with presentation technology, and access to necessary engineering software and hardware.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Baltimore, Maryland. AECOM's East Region footprint suggests potential for travel to other AECOM offices within the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic sub-regions for project collaboration, client meetings, or team coordination.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among engineering teams, allowing for seamless interaction on complex projects.
• Access to cutting-edge engineering software, BIM platforms, and digital tools is standard, supporting efficient design and analysis.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with other operations leaders, project managers, and technical specialists are abundant, promoting knowledge sharing and cross-functional problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is the baseline, the nature of project-driven work, especially in infrastructure and alternative delivery, may necessitate flexibility. Employees are expected to commit the time required to meet project deadlines and client expectations. This could include occasional evening or weekend work, particularly during critical pursuit or design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Baltimore office environment is expected to be professional and technologically equipped, supporting the demands of complex engineering projects. The role requires adaptability to project-specific schedules while maintaining a strong focus on collaborative problem-solving and technical rigor.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications by HR or a hiring manager to assess basic fit.
• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focused on your bridge engineering expertise, design methodologies, project management experience, and leadership skills. Expect questions related to structural analysis, design codes, constructability, and familiarity with alternative delivery methods.
• Behavioral / Situational Interviews: Assess your ability to lead teams, manage conflict, handle pressure, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and align with AECOM's values. Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to present a selection of your most relevant projects, highlighting your role, technical contributions, and management approach.
• Final Interview: Often with senior leadership, focusing on strategic fit, vision for the role, and overall suitability for AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your experience as a Structural Design Manager for bridge/transportation projects, especially those using Design-Build or similar methods.
• Highlight Leadership & Management: Clearly articulate your responsibilities in managing design teams, coordinating disciplines, and interfacing with clients and contractors.
• Showcase Technical Acumen: Detail specific engineering challenges and the innovative or effective solutions you implemented.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate successful outcomes related to budget, schedule, quality, or innovation.
• Focus on Alternative Delivery: Emphasize your experience and understanding of the unique operational demands and collaborative requirements of Design-Build and other progressive delivery methods.
• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your design decisions, management philosophies, and how you've handled specific project challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical bridge design challenge or a problem from a past project that requires you to outline your approach to analysis, design, and team coordination.
• Process Improvement Task: Be prepared to discuss how you would optimize a specific stage of the bridge design process or improve team collaboration for efficiency.
• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage communication and resolve conflicts with different project stakeholders (e.g., contractor, owner, other disciplines).

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also strong leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases relevant project experience and management approaches will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Structural Analysis Software: Proficient use of industry-standard software such as STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, MIDAS Civil, LUSAS Bridge, or similar for bridge and structural analysis.
• CAD/BIM Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD, MicroStation, and BIM platforms like Autodesk Revit or Bentley Systems' OpenBuildings Designer for creating and managing design models and drawings.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and resource management.
• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Bluebeam Revu for document sharing, communication, and review processes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize data from structural analysis software and project management tools for decision-making and performance tracking.
• Reporting Tools: Experience generating reports on design progress, budgets, schedules, and QA/QC findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not core to the design manager role, an understanding of how CRM systems interact with project management and client management is beneficial.
• Familiarity with any automation tools used for design documentation, reporting, or workflow management within AECOM's systems would be an asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized structural engineering software is essential. Experience with project management tools and BIM platforms is critical for effective design execution and inter-discipline coordination.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and constructible designs that meet or exceed client expectations.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together effectively, sharing knowledge and problem-solving collaboratively.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, adopting advanced technologies, and continually seeking ways to optimize design processes and project outcomes.
• Safety and Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of safety in design and operations, coupled with ethical conduct and transparency in all dealings.
• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and building strong, long-term relationships by delivering value and exceeding expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with highway engineers, environmental specialists, geotechnical engineers, and construction teams to ensure holistic project development.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with all stakeholders, including project teams, clients, and contractors, to address issues promptly.
• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging a culture of feedback and continuous learning within the design team, promoting professional growth and collective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values likely emphasize professional integrity, technical excellence, and collaborative innovation. The role requires an individual who can embody these values while leading a team and managing complex design operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Alternative Delivery: Navigating the dynamic nature of Design-Build projects, which require early contractor collaboration and iterative design processes, can be challenging.
• Managing Diverse Teams: Leading and motivating teams with varying levels of experience and expertise, while ensuring consistent quality and adherence to standards.
• Balancing Technical Rigor with Schedule/Budget Pressures: Meeting tight deadlines and budget constraints without compromising the technical integrity and safety of structural designs.
• Integrating New Technologies: Staying abreast of and effectively implementing new design software, analysis techniques, and digital tools to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs for specialized bridge engineering topics, advanced analysis techniques, and new design codes.
• Leadership and Management Development: Opportunities to participate in leadership development courses, project management certifications, and mentorship programs.
• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent AECOM at industry conferences, workshops, and professional organizations, fostering networking and knowledge acquisition.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of bridge types and transportation projects across different regions, broadening technical and operational experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex engineering challenges and grow professionally within a globally recognized firm, particularly by gaining deep experience in managing alternative project delivery methods.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the structural design process for a Design-Build bridge project, from initial concept to final construction documents." (Focus on process, coordination, and risk management.)
• "How have you successfully led and mentored a team of structural engineers and designers on challenging projects?" (Highlight leadership style, team development, and performance management.)
• "Walk me through a situation where you had to resolve a significant technical disagreement between disciplines or with a contractor on a bridge project." (Showcase problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills.)
• "How do you ensure that structural designs are both innovative and constructible, meeting both technical requirements and budget/schedule constraints?" (Emphasize practical application of design principles and value engineering.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific role as a Structures Design Manager?" (Research AECOM's mission, recent projects, and values.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within your engineering teams?" (Align your approach with AECOM's stated values.)
• "Describe your experience with quality assurance and quality control in engineering design. How do you ensure the integrity of your team's work?" (Focus on processes, reviews, and accountability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize by project, focusing on your specific role, key challenges, design solutions, and outcomes. Use visuals (drawings, diagrams, photos) where appropriate.
• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate success (e.g., project completed X% under budget, design phase completed Y weeks ahead of schedule, implemented a design that saved Z% in material costs).
• Highlight Management & Coordination: Emphasize your leadership in coordinating with other disciplines, managing subcontractors, and interfacing with clients and contractors.
• Focus on Process: Explain the methodologies you used to manage the design process, ensure quality, and mitigate risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your experience with alternative project delivery, leadership, technical problem-solving, and your ability to align with AECOM's operational culture and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.
• Resume Tailoring: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to bridge engineering, structural design management, alternative project delivery methods (Design-Build), and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description.
• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key bridge projects, detailing your leadership role, technical contributions, and successful project outcomes. Be ready to discuss your project management processes and any unique design challenges you overcame.
• Interview Practice: Prepare answers to common interview questions focusing on technical expertise, project management, leadership, and problem-solving, using the STAR method. Practice articulating your experiences clearly and concisely.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's recent projects, company values, and its approach to infrastructure development, particularly in the transportation sector. Understand their commitment to "delivering a better world."

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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