Graduate Engineer - Structural (Bridges)

Location:  Des Moines, IAType: Full0Time | Salaried | Hybrid Eligible | Flex Time Eligible

MSA Professional Services is seeking a Graduate Engineer 6 Structural to join our bridge design team. This entry-level opportunity is ideal for a recent civil engineering graduate interested in building a career designing, evaluating, and supporting the construction of bridges and other transportation structures.

Youll work alongside experienced bridge engineers on projects from planning and design through construction, gaining hands-on experience with structural calculations, plan development, field investigations, and construction observation. Youll receive guidance and mentorship as you build your technical skills, learn the engineering consulting industry, and work toward professional licensure.

Bridge Design & Technical Support

• Assist experienced engineers with structural analysis and design calculations for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, and other transportation structure projects
• Support preparation of bridge plans, details, specifications, cost estimates, technical reports, and other construction documents
• Utilize structural engineering and design software to complete assigned technical tasks under the guidance of experienced staff
• Perform quality checks on your work and develop an understanding of applicable design standards, codes, and agency requirements

Field & Construction Support

• Participate in field investigations and inspections to document existing bridge and structural conditions
• Assist with construction observation, field measurements, documentation, and verification of construction activities
• Work with engineers, contractors, client representatives, and other project stakeholders during field assignments
• Support the evaluation of structural conditions and development of repair or rehabilitation solutions

Project & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Project Managers, structural engineers, designers, and multidisciplinary project teams to complete assigned tasks
• Communicate progress, questions, and project needs to senior staff while developing greater independence on familiar assignments
• Participate in project and client meetings alongside experienced staff
• Build an understanding of project scope, schedules, budgets, and how individual contributions affect successful project delivery

Professional Development

• Develop technical expertise in bridge and structural engineering through hands-on project experience and mentorship
• Build strong technical writing, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills
• Seek feedback and learning opportunities from experienced bridge engineers
• Develop the engineering knowledge and experience needed to progress toward professional licensure

Education

• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program required
• Structural engineering emphasis preferred

Experience

• No professional engineering experience required
• Bridge, structural, transportation, or civil engineering internship/co-op experience preferred

Licensure

• Professional licensure is not required
• Degree should support future Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure

Skills

• Foundational knowledge of structural engineering principles, practices, and techniques
• Interest in bridge design, rehabilitation, and transportation structures
• Familiarity with engineering design and analysis software; experience with CADD platforms is a plus
• Ability to interpret technical information and engineering data with guidance
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Effective problem-solving and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments
• Ability to work collaboratively while developing greater technical independence
• Openness to mentoring, feedback, and continued professional development

This position requires authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.

Salary Range: $62,600 6 $100,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates with significant experience may also be considered for a higher-level role with increased compensation.

Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents

• Paid Time Off: Minimum of 17 days in the first year

• Paid Holidays: 8 holidays annually

• Paid Parental Leave: 2 weeks for both parents, with additional paid leave for birth parents

• Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With a generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested

• Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP): Annual performance-based bonus opportunity

Together, these benefits reflect our commitment to supporting our employees well-being, growth, and long-term success.