Bridge Designer

Bridge designers create plans for new bridges or improve existing ones. They use science and maths to check strength, safety and how the bridge fits the landscape. They work with other engineers, architects and construction teams to turn ideas into real structures that people can travel over every day.

In the United Kingdom the starting salary for a graduate bridge designer is around 26 000 to 32 000 pounds per year, with experienced engineers earning 40 000 to 60 000 pounds or more.

There are many roles in civil and structural engineering firms, local authorities and transport agencies; demand is steady as new bridges and repairs are needed across the UK.

Bridge designers plan and check the safety and look of bridges, using maths and computer software to ensure they can carry loads and last for many years.

A trainee engineer who helps plan and check small parts of bridges and roads with supervision.

Helps look after existing bridges by cleaning, painting and noting any repairs needed.

Checks ground conditions to make sure bridges stand strong by studying soils and rocks.

Bridge design is an engineering design role that involves structural analysis and CAD modelling within strict codes and safety requirements. It aligns most closely with a design and development engineer, who likewise applies engineering principles to the design of engineered systems within technical constraints.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Bridge Designer
. Apprenticeships offer hands‑on experience and training while earning a wage.

You can take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course.

Subjects include:

• computer‑aided design engineering
• engineering design and manufacture
• materials science
• maths and physics

Mechanical, electrical and civil engineering qualifications might also be accepted by employers.

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths

You might be able to apply for a Product Design and Development Engineer, or Robotics Engineer, Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take around 4 and a half years to complete.

You’ll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A
  * to
  
  C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

You could apply directly for design and development engineer roles.

You’ll need experience and qualifications in a particular branch of engineering, for example: