Graduate Engineer Structural; Bridges

Graduate Engineer - Structural (Bridges)

Location: Des Moines, IA

Type: Full‑Time | Salaried | Hybrid Eligible | Flex Time Eligible

MSA Professional Services is seeking a Graduate Engineer – Structural to join our bridge design team. This entry‑level opportunity is ideal for a recent civil engineering graduate interested in building a career designing, evaluating, and supporting the construction of bridges and other transportation structures.

You’ll work alongside experienced bridge engineers on projects from planning and design through construction, gaining hands‑on experience with structural calculations, plan development, field investigations, and construction observation. You’ll receive guidance and mentorship as you build your technical skills, learn the engineering consulting industry, and work toward professional licensure.

MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities and is proud to be 100% employee owned
. With roots reaching back to 1919, MSA has grown from a rural land survey company into a multidisciplinary network of nearly 550 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts, environmental scientists, and more who are committed to making communities better places to live, work, and play.

Come join the ownership team here!

“As an employee‑owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co‑owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners.”
-Project Engineer – Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

• Assist experienced engineers with structural analysis and design calculations for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, and other transportation structure projects
• Support preparation of bridge plans, details, specifications, cost estimates, technical reports, and other construction documents
• Utilize structural engineering and design software to complete assigned technical tasks under the guidance of experienced staff
• Perform quality checks on your work and develop an understanding of applicable design standards, codes, and agency requirements

• Participate in field investigations and inspections to document existing bridge and structural conditions
• Assist with construction observation, field measurements, documentation, and verification of construction activities
• Work with engineers, contractors, client representatives, and other project stakeholders during field assignments
• Support the evaluation of structural conditions and development of repair or rehabilitation solutions

• Work closely with Project Managers, structural engineers, designers, and multidisciplinary project teams to complete assigned tasks
• Communicate progress, questions, and project needs to senior staff while developing greater independence on familiar assignments
• Participate in project and client meetings alongside experienced staff
• Build an understanding of project scope, schedules, budgets, and how individual contributions affect successful project delivery

• Develop technical expertise in bridge and structural engineering through hands‑on project experience and mentorship
• Build strong technical writing, communication, problem‑solving, and time‑management skills
• Seek feedback and learning opportunities from experienced bridge engineers
• Develop the engineering knowledge and experience needed to progress toward professional licensure

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program required
• Structural engineering emphasis preferred

• No professional engineering experience…