Structural Bridge Technical Manager

Benesch • Kansas City, MO

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Structural Bridge Technical Manager with deep expertise in structural engineering and bridge design. This role focuses on technical leadership and delivery of high-quality structural design projects, serving as a subject matter expert for our bridge team. You will be instrumental in guiding design methods, setting technical standards, and ensuring projects are executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable codes and client requirements. While this position includes supporting non-technical aspects of project delivery, the primary emphasis is on structural design excellence, technical guidance, and engineering problem-solving.
Location
We are open to candidates located in Kansas or Missouri. Our Kansas Division includes offices in Kansas City, KS; Topeka, KS; Wichita, KS; Manhattan, KS; Lenexa, KS; and Kansas City, MO. This role offers a hybrid work schedule with in-office collaboration when feasible. Candidates located outside the region may be considered for a fully remote arrangement.
Key Projects Across Kansas and Missouri
Our Kansas Division is driving high-impact projects that highlight the strength and range of our capabilities.
Central Avenue & I-70 Interchange – The study, evaluation, and design of a high-value improvements at a major interstate hub in the heart of Kansas City requiring complex phasing, tailored structural design solutions, and innovative demolition and construction techniques to maintain vehicular and truck access throughout the process, minimize impacts to nearby railroad operations, and avoid adverse impacts to USACE certified levee networks.
Central Avenue Bridge over the Kansas River – The study, evaluation, and replacement design of a 100-year-old river bridge that provides essential access between industrial, commercial, and residential centers in Kansas City. The new bridge will serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth, provides resiliency for mobility to greater Kansas City, and promotes interstate commerce through access to I-70, I-670 and I-35.
Independence Bridge Management Program – A multi-year program that evaluates, prioritizes, and implements preventative care, rehabilitation, and replacement bridge actions to achieve specified network asset management goals. The program involves the design of bridge size culverts, as well as single and multi-span bridges, all of which require application of proven best practice solutions that maximize program ROI.
MoDOT Statewide Load Rating Program – A multi-year program to provide load rating models for all legal bridges across the state of Missouri. The program utilizes various load rating strategies and software, ranging for AASHTOWare BrR to complex finite modeling platforms such as Midas, LUSAS, LARSA and CSIBridge.
KCMO Structural Management Program – A multi-year program that includes inspection and asset management tasks to support the City’s overall maintenance of the bridges, ancillary structures, and facilities under its jurisdiction. The program includes the FHWA/NHI inspection of several hundred structures utilizing current SNBI criteria. Load ratings, work action prioritization, and design of emergency repairs also help maintain level of services and functionality of the City’s structural infrastructure.

Requirements

• B.S. in Civil or Structural Engineering (M.S. preferred).
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Kansas and/or Missouri (or ability to obtain reciprocity).
• 8+ years of bridge structural engineering experience, with emphasis on design, analysis, and technical delivery (experience on KDOT or MoDOT projects preferred).
• Strong proficiency with structural design and analysis software (e.g., AASHTO LRFD tools, modeling platforms, drafting environments).
• Experience with bridge inspection and load rating is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain technical quality within project schedules and budgets.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and client meetings as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform structural design and analysis for bridge and transportation projects, ensuring compliance with design criteria, codes, and standards.
• Develop and review technical work products including calculations, design documents, drawings, and specifications.
• Coordinate structural design elements with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Establish and promote engineering best practices, innovative solutions, and quality control procedures across projects.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on bridge design methodologies, analysis approaches, and technical decision-making.
• Mentor and provide technical coaching to engineering staff to elevate design competency and professional growth.
• Review and advise on technical progress and challenges, ensuring clarity and technical rigor in deliverables.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to define technical scope, design assumptions, and resources needed for successful project execution.
• Support internal quality assurance processes and participate in design reviews.
• Provide technical input during client meetings, design reviews, and project development discussions.
• Contribute to the successful production and delivery of structural plans and specifications.

Benefits

• Career growth that’s real with leadership development, training, and clear paths forward
• Strong financial future with up to 9% retirement contribution for benefit-eligible employees
• Flexibility that works with schedules that support your life
• Time to recharge with generous paid time off and parental leave for benefit-eligible employees
• Support beyond work through mentorship, hands-on experience, and opportunities to make an impact from day one

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior