Assistant Chief Engineer - Bridge Department
About The Position
French & Parrello Associates (FPA) is seeking an experienced Assistant Chief Engineer – Bridge to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for its Bridge Department at the headquarters in Wall Township, New Jersey. The role provides oversight and guidance on complex bridge design, rehabilitation, replacement, and transportation infrastructure projects throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region. The successful candidate will work with project managers, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions while strengthening the department’s technical capabilities and reputation. This senior technical role offers the opportunity to lead complex projects, contribute to project pursuits and client relationships, mentor engineers, develop department standards and best practices, and participate in strategic planning for FPA’s transportation and bridge practice. Projects may include major highway structures, historic bridge rehabilitations, waterfront and movable bridges, and other technically challenging infrastructure improvements. The department’s work spans bridge design, rehabilitation, inspection, load ratings, seismic evaluations, staged construction, and construction support for public agencies and other clients. FPA is an employee-owned, mid-sized engineering and consulting firm. The company describes a collaborative, multidisciplinary work environment and investment in mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Relocation assistance is available; sponsorship for U.S. employment authorization is not available. Benefits begin on the first day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401(k) retirement plans. Paid sick leave and/or other paid time off is provided as required by applicable law. The projected compensation range is $150,000 to $200,000, with an annual bonus program and a signing bonus for this position for qualified candidates.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
- Master’s degree in Structural Engineering.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- 15 or more 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 procedures.
- 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.
- 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
- New Jersey, New York, and/or Pennsylvania PE license, or ability to obtain one through reciprocity.
- Experience in historic bridge design and rehabilitation.
- Established relationships with transportation agencies, municipalities, and public-sector clients.
- Experience supporting business development, proposal preparation, and client engagement activities.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and oversight for complex bridge design, rehabilitation, replacement, and transportation infrastructure projects.
- Serve as a senior technical resource, advising bridge engineering teams on design approaches, engineering solutions, and project delivery strategies.
- Lead QA/QC reviews of bridge plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and design documentation.
- Oversee structural analysis and design 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.
- Collaborate with project managers and multidisciplinary roadway, traffic, geotechnical, environmental, hydraulic, and construction engineering teams.
- 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 Bridge Department engineers through technical guidance and support for professional growth.
- Assist in developing department standards, technical resources, and best practices to improve project delivery and engineering excellence.
- Participate in strategic planning to support 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.
Benefits
- Medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.
- Annual bonus program.
- Signing bonus for qualified candidates.
- Relocation assistance.
- Mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
