Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Engineering

Bridge Engineer

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

Bridge engineers design, assess and oversee the construction and maintenance of bridges and related structures. They perform structural analysis, design load paths, ensure safety and durability, manage materials and construction methods, and comply with UK standards such as Eurocodes. They work on new crossings, refurbishments, safety upgrades and asset management for organisations like highways authorities, consultancies and contractor teams. The role blends technical analysis, project management and collaboration with architects, contractors and stakeholders. Roles can involve fieldwork, computer modelling, and travel to sites for inspections and commissioning.

Bridge Engineer

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average salary in the UK

Typical graduate starting salaries range from 25,000 to 32,000 pounds per year, with experienced bridge engineers earning 40,000 to 65,000 pounds and senior roles or specialists reaching over 70,000 pounds.

Demand and jobs

There are several thousand civil and structural engineering roles across the UK, with steady demand for bridge projects due to ageing infrastructure and major schemes such as new crossings and maintenance programmes.

Typical education requirements

A relevant degree in civil or structural engineering is usually required, with Incorporated or Chartered Engineer routes available through the NCE and EngTech/CEng progression via the UK engineering council.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Structural Engineer specialising in bridges

Focus on designing and analysing bridge structures, including load calculations and materials selection, suitable for a 21 year old with a civil engineering background

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Bridge Inspector

Assess existing bridges for safety and maintenance needs, carrying out regular inspections and reporting on structural integrity

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Construction Project Engineer

Manage bridge construction projects on site, coordinating teams, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with design specifications and health and safety rules

Stage 1: Foundations

Gain relevant education

Complete a accredited degree in civil or structural engineering with modules on structural analysis and materials.

If you are still studying, choose modules on reinforced concrete, steel design, geotechnical principles and finite element analysis. Seek opportunities for lab work and structural design projects. Consider joining engineering societies to network and learn about industry practice.

Secure a placement or summer internship

Gain practical exposure to design briefs, site visits and project workflows.

Apply for placements with civil consultancies, contractor teams or transport authorities. Prepare a portfolio of university projects and be ready to discuss design decisions, codes, and safety considerations during interviews.

Understand professional routes

Learn about becoming a Chartered Engineer and the steps to achieve CEng status.

Familiarise yourself with UK engineering competencies, ECP/CEng requirements and the role of the IStructE or ICE finally. Plan ahead for bridging knowledge gaps and required professional development hours.

Stage 2: Design and Analysis

Learn structural analysis tools

Develop proficiency in design software and analysis packages used in bridge design.

Gain hands on experience with packages such as Eurocodes, LUSAS, SAP2000, and connection design. Practice translating loads, wind and seismic forces into safe members and detailing.

Study codes and standards

Master UK and European standards for bridge design and construction.

Be comfortable with Eurocode 1-3, British Standards, and Department for Transport guidelines. Learn about serviceability, ultimate strength, durability and inspection criteria.

Work on a real bridge design

Contribute to a multi disciplinary bridge design project.

Collaborate with geotechnical, materials, and constructability teams. Prepare design reports, calculations and drawings for review, ensuring coordination across disciplines.

Stage 3: Construction and Delivery

Learn project management basics

Understand timelines, budgets, risk and quality control on civil projects.

Study project life cycles, procurement routes, and contractor design collaboration. Develop skills in risk assessment, value engineering, and progress reporting.

Engage with construction teams

Translate design into practical on site decisions and ensure constructability.

Attend site inductions, review temporary works, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental requirements. Liaise with contractors to resolve design clarifications and optimise buildability.

Oversee testing and handover

Assist in the testing, inspections and completion of the bridge handover.

Coordinate with materials testing and inspection regimes. Ensure documentation, as built drawings and operation and maintenance manuals are complete for client handover.

🎬 Useful Videos

Expert Film: This is Henry Reynolds, who works as the Responsible Business Manager for Morgan Sindall. Henry talks about how to select materials to build a bridge.
1:39
Expert

Expert Film: This is Henry Reynolds, who works as the Responsible Business Manager for Morgan Sindall. Henry talks about how to select materials to build a bridge.

over 1 year ago
Expert Film: This is Matt Rees, who works as the Design Manager for Morgan Sindall. Matt talks about the properties of materials.
1:21
Expert

Expert Film: This is Matt Rees, who works as the Design Manager for Morgan Sindall. Matt talks about the properties of materials.

over 1 year ago
Expert Film: This is Dave Edwards, who works as the Graphic Design & Media Manager for Morgan Sindall. Dave talks about the materials used to make furniture.
1:53
Expert

Expert Film: This is Dave Edwards, who works as the Graphic Design & Media Manager for Morgan Sindall. Dave talks about the materials used to make furniture.

over 1 year ago

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

Bridge Engineer is essentially a specialised civil engineer, concentrating on the structural design, analysis and inspection of bridges. Qualifications typically include a degree in civil or structural engineering and progression to Chartered Engineer status, which aligns with civil engineering roles responsible for designing, approving and supervising bridge projects to meet standards and safety requirements.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering, like:

  • transport engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • coastal and maritime engineering

You can search for accredited courses through the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help you find work after university.

You can also do further study for a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering, if you've got a degree in a related subject like maths, science or geology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

College

You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.

Subjects include:

  • civil engineering
  • maths, physics or geography
  • construction and the built environment

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with an engineering or construction company.

This takes around 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

You could work as a civil engineering technician and study on the job for a degree or apprenticeship.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. Employers may also look for 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent qualifications.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can learn more about how to become a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.