Design Engineer I - Transportation - MI

Spicer Group•East Lansing, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Spicer Group is seeking a Design Engineer I to support bridge design and structural engineering within its Transportation Service Line in East Lansing, Michigan. The role assists with planning, analysis, and design for new bridges, bridge replacements, rehabilitations, and related transportation structures. Under the guidance of experienced and licensed professional engineers, the Design Engineer I prepares engineering calculations, drawings, quantity estimates, and supporting project documentation from preliminary engineering through final design and construction-phase support. The position offers opportunities to develop technical proficiency in structural analysis, bridge detailing, and applicable transportation design standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in civil and structural engineering, attention to detail, and a commitment to learning and producing practical, constructible solutions for Michigan transportation projects. Spicer Group is a multidisciplinary engineering, surveying, planning, and professional services company with offices in Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia. It is privately owned and offers ownership opportunities to high performers. The company highlights its values of growth, client relationships, excellent services and solutions, teamwork, and integrity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline, with coursework in structural engineering.
Foundational knowledge of engineering mechanics, structural analysis, and reinforced concrete and steel design principles.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply design criteria, codes, and standards with guidance from experienced engineers.
Ability to perform and document engineering calculations, evaluate results for reasonableness, and identify issues requiring supervisory review.
Basic familiarity with computer-aided drafting, spreadsheets, and engineering software, and ability to learn bridge design tools and project documentation practices.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with willingness to learn, incorporate feedback, and complete assigned tasks within established schedules.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in an office setting and during occasional project site visits.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering examination and an interest in pursuing professional engineering licensure.
Internship, cooperative education, or academic project experience involving bridge design, structural engineering, or transportation infrastructure.
Exposure to Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bridge design practices and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) bridge design specifications.
Experience with MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, AutoCAD, or comparable drafting tools, and exposure to structural analysis or bridge design software.
Coursework or project experience in prestressed concrete, bridge engineering, foundation design, or structural modeling.

Responsibilities

Perform assigned bridge design tasks using established engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria under the guidance of experienced engineers.
Assist with structural analysis and design calculations for bridge decks, beams, abutments, piers, and other structural components, subject to engineering review and direction.
Compile and review survey data, existing plans, field measurements, and other project information; identify discrepancies and communicate questions to the project engineer.
Support preliminary evaluations of bridge replacement and rehabilitation alternatives and coordinate assigned design details with roadway, geotechnical, hydraulic, and other project disciplines.
Assist in preparing bridge plans, structural details, specifications, and supporting documents in accordance with applicable design standards and project requirements.
Prepare quantity takeoffs, preliminary construction cost estimates, engineering models, and calculation packages; check assigned work for accuracy and incorporate review comments.
Use computer-aided drafting and engineering software to develop bridge drawings and support structural analysis while maintaining organized project files and meeting assigned deadlines.
Participate in site visits, field documentation, and construction-phase support as assigned, following project safety procedures and documenting observations for review by the project team.