Bridge Design Lead - Columbia, SC

The Michael Baker Columbia office is growing, alongside the firm's national bridge practice. To support this, the Columbia, SC office seeks a Bridge Design Lead to handle technical work, mentor staff, and help grow the Bridge Department. The ideal candidate will lead teams, collaborate nationally, and contribute to business strategy, project delivery, and client development.

Key responsibilities include technical oversight, staff development, contract and proposal management, project performance, and client relations. The Bridge Design Lead will manage projects, support proposal preparation, and participate in industry events.

This role requires strong engineering expertise to oversee plans, specifications, estimates, and schedules, while guiding junior engineers in report and analysis development.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Technical Leadership & Project Delivery
  • Lead bridge design and structural engineering for transportation projects
  • Oversee development of plans, specifications, cost estimates, and schedules
  • Perform and review bridge analysis, design calculations, and engineering reports
  • Provide construction phase support and technical guidance
• Project Management & Client Engagement
  • Manage project scope, schedule, and performance
  • Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders
  • Support and contribute to proposal development and technical deliverables
  • Interface with clients to review progress, resolve issues, and align on requirements
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
  • Mentor and supervise engineers and technical staff
  • Provide guidance on reports, design development, and engineering standards
  • Support team growth and knowledge sharing across the bridge practice
• Business Development & Industry Engagement
  • Contribute to marketing and proposal activities
  • Participate in professional organizations and industry events
  • Support client relationship development and strategic growth initiatives

WHO YOU ARE

• Required Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of progressive bridge/structures design experience
  • 5+ years of project management experience
  • Professional Engineer (PE license – South Carolina required)
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with SCDOT bridge replacement and transportation projects
  • Multi-state licensure (NC, VA, MD preferred)
  • Strong knowledge of bridge design standards, load rating, and inspection practices
• Key Skills
  • Bridge design (steel, concrete, complex structures)
  • Structural analysis and transportation engineering
  • Project management and proposal development
  • Client relationship management
  • Leadership, mentoring, and team collaboration

COMPENSATION

The approximate compensation range for this position is $125,000 - $200,000. This compensation range is a good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:   

• Medical, dental, vision insurance   
• 401 (k) Retirement Plan   
• Health Savings Account (HSA)   
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)   
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability   
• Professional and personal development   
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits 

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