Project Engineer at American Bridge Company in Seattle, WA

Position: Project Engineer – Major Bridge Rehabilitation

Location: Seattle, Washington

Reports To: Project Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates

Position Summary

American Bridge Company is seeking an experienced, motivated Project Engineer to join our team on a major movable bridge rehabilitation project in Seattle, Washington.

This unique project involves the rehabilitation and replacement of significant structural steel and mechanical components on an existing railroad movable bridge. The work presents challenging construction engineering and logistical requirements, including complex steel erection, heavy lifting operations, temporary works, mechanical systems integration, and construction sequencing within an active transportation corridor.

The Project Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing these specialized construction activities while supporting project management, cost controls, scheduling, quality, and safety.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in heavy civil or structural steel construction, with an interest in complex construction engineering and hands-on field operations. Experience with movable bridges, heavy structural steel erection, mechanical systems, temporary works, and engineered erection procedures is highly desirable.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant construction experience.
• Approximately 4–6 years of experience in heavy civil construction, bridge construction, structural steel erection, or similarly complex construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, constructability, field engineering, and construction sequencing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, structural details, and technical documentation.
• Experience coordinating construction activities with field supervision, subcontractors, suppliers, and engineering consultants.
• Familiarity with project scheduling, cost tracking, procurement, submittals, RFIs, and quality control processes.
• Strong organizational, technical problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and productive construction environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:

• Structural Steel: Large structural steel fabrication, assembly, rehabilitation, and erection, including complex connections and field modifications.
• Movable Bridges: Bascule, swing, lift, or other movable bridge construction, rehabilitation, or mechanical systems.
• Construction Engineering: Development and implementation of engineered erection plans, construction sequencing, lift plans, and installation procedures.
• Temporary Works: Design and fabrication coordination, planning, and installation of falsework, temporary supports, shoring, jacking systems, or temporary structural stabilization.
• Heavy Lifting and Rigging: Crane operations, engineered lifts, heavy component handling, and rigging coordination.
• Demolition: Demolition of falsework, mass concrete and other structural items.
• Mechanical Systems: Installation, alignment, rehabilitation, or replacement of heavy mechanical equipment and machinery associated with bridges or industrial structures.
• Railroad Infrastructure: Experience performing construction within active railroad corridors or under constrained access and operational requirements.
• Structural Engineering: Familiarity with structural analysis, connection design, temporary loading conditions, or construction-stage engineering.

Direct experience in every specialty is not required. Candidates with strong structural steel or complex heavy construction backgrounds who are interested in expanding their technical expertise are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Construction Engineering and Field Execution

• Assist in the development, review, and implementation of detailed construction work plans, engineered erection procedures, temporary works plans, and construction sequencing.
• Coordinate with construction engineering consultants, structural engineers, mechanical specialists, and field supervision to resolve technical challenges.
• Support planning and execution of structural steel erection, component replacement, mechanical installations, and heavy lifting activities.
• Review drawings, specifications, fabrication details, and engineering submittals for constructability and field execution.
• Assist with the development and review of critical lift plans, rigging arrangements, temporary supports, and engineered construction procedures.
• Identify and resolve technical conflicts, field discrepancies, and constructability issues.
• Coordinate construction activities to accommodate operational constraints, restricted work windows, and project-specific access requirements.

Project Management and Controls

• Support the Project Manager in developing and maintaining project schedules, work plans, budgets, and progress reporting.
• Track labor, equipment, materials, quantities, productivity, and project costs.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, purchase requisitions, procurement documentation, and subcontractor coordination packages.
• Administer subcontracts and supplier agreements, including progress tracking, change orders, and payment documentation.
• Prepare and manage RFIs, technical submittals, and project correspondence.
• Assist with monthly progress estimates, cash flow reporting, change management, and project documentation.
• Maintain accurate records supporting scope changes, schedule impacts, and contract administration.
• Coordinate with owner representatives, inspectors, engineering consultants, and specialty subcontractors.

Quality, Safety, and Team Coordination

• Support implementation of project quality control procedures and inspection requirements, particularly those associated with structural steel and mechanical installations.
• Participate in preconstruction meetings, pre-task planning, constructability reviews, and field coordination meetings.
• Assist with development and review of job hazard analyses and safe work plans.
• Coordinate engineering and technical requirements with superintendents, foremen, and field engineers.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering personnel as appropriate.
• Support project closeout, documentation, and turnover requirements.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or other modeling software.
• Familiarity with construction scheduling and project management software (Primavera P6).
• Ability to interpret structural and mechanical drawings, shop drawings, fabrication details, and installation procedures.
• Working knowledge of applicable construction safety regulations and industry standards.
• Experience with Procore document management systems preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to work in a drug-free environment and complete applicable post-offer screening.
• Must be able to work on an active construction site, including outdoor conditions and access to elevated work areas.
• Must be willing to accommodate project-specific work schedules and operational constraints.
• Must demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality workmanship.

About American Bridge Company

American Bridge Company is an established leader in the construction, rehabilitation, and erection of complex bridges and heavy civil infrastructure. With a history of delivering technically challenging projects across the United States and internationally, American Bridge provides opportunities for engineers to work directly with experienced construction professionals on unique and demanding projects.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a technically complex bridge rehabilitation project while gaining hands-on experience in advanced structural steel construction, heavy lifting, temporary works, and movable bridge systems.

American Bridge Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.