Overview
Graduate Engineer - Structural (Bridges)
Location: Des Moines, IAType: 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!
Employee Testimonial:
"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
Responsibilities
Bridge Design & Technical Support
- 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
Field & Construction Support
- 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
Project & Team Collaboration
- 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
Professional Development
- 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
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program required
- Structural engineering emphasis preferred
Experience
- No professional engineering experience required
- Bridge, structural, transportation, or civil engineering internship/co-op experience preferred
Licensure
- Professional licensure is not required
- Degree should support future Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
Skills
- Foundational knowledge of structural engineering principles, practices, and techniques
- Interest in bridge design, rehabilitation, and transportation structures
- Familiarity with engineering design and analysis software; experience with CADD platforms is a plus
- Ability to interpret technical information and engineering data with guidance
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Effective problem-solving and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments
- Ability to work collaboratively while developing greater technical independence
- Openness to mentoring, feedback, and continued professional development
Work Authorization
This position requires authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.
Benefits & Compensation
Salary Range: $62,600 – $100,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates with significant experience may also be considered for a higher-level role with increased compensation.
Why Join MSA
- Collaborative Culture – Work in an open, team-oriented environment where ideas are welcomed and perspectives are valued.
- Multi-Disciplinary Opportunities – Explore new interests, collaborate across disciplines, and apply your skills where they can make the greatest impact.
- Supportive Environment – Enjoy the balance of guidance and independence so you can do your best work.
- Commitment to Inclusion – We strive to create a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves, grow professionally, and contribute diverse perspectives that drive innovation.
- Passion & Purpose – Our teams take pride in their work and enjoy sharing ideas, solving complex problems, and building meaningful projects together.
- Communities of Practice – Collaborate with colleagues across the company to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and continue learning.
- Work-Life Integration – We support our employees as professionals, parents, and community members with flexibility to balance work and life commitments.
- Commitment to Learning – Grow your career through professional development, continuing education, and tuition reimbursement.
- Community Engagement – We actively support the communities where we live and work through volunteerism, education initiatives, and community partnerships.
Additional Benefits
Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents
Paid Time Off: Minimum of 17 days in the first year
Paid Holidays: 8 holidays annually
Paid Parental Leave: 2 weeks for both parents, with additional paid leave for birth parents
Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost
401(k) Retirement Plan: With a generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested
Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP): Annual performance-based bonus opportunity
Together, these benefits reflect our commitment to supporting our employees’ well-being, growth, and long-term success.
MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [email protected]
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
