Assistant Chief Engineer - Bridge Department

French & Parrello•Wall Township, NJ

3d•$150,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

French & Parrello Associates (FPA) is seeking an experienced and highly respected Assistant Chief Engineer – Bridge to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for our growing Bridge Department at our headquarters in Wall Township, NJ. This is a unique opportunity for a senior transportation engineering professional who wants to make a significant impact by leading complex bridge projects, mentoring talented engineers, advancing technical excellence, and helping shape the continued growth of one of the Northeast’s fastest-growing engineering consulting firms. Recognized year after year as one of NJBIZ’s Best Places to Work in New Jersey, FPA is committed to creating a culture where talented professionals are empowered to grow, collaborate, and lead. In 2026, FPA was ranked #49 on Zweig’s Hot Firm List, recognizing the firm among the 100 fastest-growing AEC firms in the United States and Canada. Our continued growth is driven by our investment in our people, technical expertise, and commitment to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions for the communities we serve. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader within FPA’s Bridge Department, providing oversight and guidance on complex bridge design, rehabilitation, and transportation infrastructure projects throughout New Jersey and the region. This individual will work closely with project managers, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality engineering solutions while advancing the department’s technical capabilities and reputation. This role is ideal for a recognized bridge engineering professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, developing engineering talent, collaborating with clients and agencies, and contributing to the strategic growth of a multidisciplinary engineering firm. Unlike larger organizations where senior technical professionals can become disconnected from project teams and decision-making, FPA provides the opportunity to directly influence projects, mentor future leaders, and play a key role in shaping the future of our Bridge practice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering required; Master’s degree in Structural Engineering required
Professional Engineer (PE) license required; New Jersey, New York and/or Pennsylvania PE preferred or ability to obtain through reciprocity
15+ years of progressive bridge design and structural engineering experience
Extensive experience delivering complex bridge and transportation infrastructure projects
Advanced knowledge of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and NJDOT bridge design procedure
Strong technical expertise in bridge analysis, rehabilitation, replacement, and structural evaluation
Proficiency with bridge design and analysis software such as LEAP Bridge, LARSA, MIDAS, CSiBridge, STAAD, or equivalent programs
Experience with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation required
Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and elevate team performance
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines

Nice To Haves

Historical Bridge Design Rehabilitation experience is a plus
Established relationships with transportation agencies, municipalities, and public-sector clients preferred
Experience supporting business development, proposal preparation, and client engagement activities preferred

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and oversight for complex bridge design, rehabilitation, replacement, and transportation infrastructure projects
Serve as a senior technical resource for bridge engineering teams, providing guidance on design approaches, engineering solutions, and project delivery strategies
Lead quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews of bridge plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and design documentation
Oversee structural analysis and design activities in accordance with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, NJDOT standards, and applicable agency requirements
Provide technical direction for bridge modeling, load rating analyses, structural evaluations, and rehabilitation design efforts
Collaborate with Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams including roadway, traffic, geotechnical, environmental, hydraulic, and construction engineering professionals
Support complex project pursuits through technical strategy, proposal development, interviews, and client presentations
Maintain and strengthen relationships with NJDOT, county engineering departments, municipalities, and other transportation agencies
Mentor, coach, and develop engineers within the Bridge Department by providing technical guidance and supporting professional growth
Assist with the development of department standards, technical resources, and best practices to enhance project delivery and engineering excellence
Participate in strategic planning initiatives to support continued growth of FPA’s transportation and bridge practice
Conduct site visits, bridge inspections, and field assessments as needed to support project delivery and technical decision-making