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Engineering

Bridge Designer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Bridge designers plan, design and supervise the construction of bridge structures. They assess site conditions, loads and materials, produce detailed drawings and specifications, and work with structural engineers, architects and construction teams to ensure safety, durability and compliance with UK building codes. They may specialise in concrete, steel or composite bridges and use computer modelling software to analyse stresses and behaviour under traffic loads and environmental factors. Roles involve problem solving, project management, site visits and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Bridge Designer

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📊 Statistics

Average salary (UK)

Typically around 35,000 to 55,000 pounds per year for graduate to mid level roles, with senior positions earning 60,000 to 90,000 pounds or more depending on project scale and location.

Demand and jobs

Civil engineers specialising in bridges are in demand for new builds, repairs and assessments; the UK employs thousands of civil engineers with a notable portion focused on infrastructure and bridges, particularly in public sector projects and large contractors.

Typical qualifications

Most bridge designers hold an accredited engineering degree (often Civil or Structural) and become or work toward Chartered Engineer status with the IET or ICE.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Civil Engineer specialising in structural design

Focus on designing safe and efficient bridge structures for infrastructure projects, with emphasis on calculations, materials and building regulations

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Geotechnical Engineer

Specialise in soil and foundation analysis to ensure bridges and tall structures are stable, advising on ground conditions and remediation strategies

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Bridge Project Manager

Oversee the delivery of bridge schemes from concept to handover, coordinating design teams, contractors and supply chains while managing budget and timelines

Foundation and Qualifications

Study civil or structural engineering

Pursue a relevant degree to gain core knowledge in structures, materials, hydraulics and design.

Aim for a BEng or MEng in Civil or Structural Engineering. Seek courses in reinforced concrete, steel design, finite element methods and bridge engineering. Consider accreditation by the UK engineering council as it supports chartered status.

Gain professional recognition

Work towards professional registration with the Engineering Council such as Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

During or after your degree, pursue IMechE or ICE membership and begin documenting competencies. Plan for a structured graduate scheme or trainee role that exposes you to design, analysis and project management.

Develop software and analytic skills

Learn design and analysis tools used in bridge design.

Familiarise yourself with software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MIDAS, SAP2000, and finite element modelling. Build a portfolio of small projects and case studies to demonstrate your capability.

Early Design Experience

Join a graduate scheme or engineering firm

Secure a position where you can work on bridge projects under supervision.

Engage in design tasks, site visits and peer reviews. Seek assignments that involve load calculations, detailing, and material selection. Build understanding of codes and standards such as BS EN 1991 to 1996 and Eurocodes.

Assist with feasibility and concept design

Participate in initial site assessments and concept sketches.

Contribute to scoping, risk assessment and environmental considerations. Learn to evaluate options like girder, arch or cable-stayed concepts and their suitability for river crossings, rail or road projects.

Learn statutory requirements

Understand approvals, safety and environmental regulations.

Familiarise yourself with design standards, health and safety, marine and flood risk considerations, and planning consent processes. Accurate documentation is essential for permitting and future maintenance planning.

Advanced Design and Analysis

Develop structural analysis skills

Lead or support the analysis of loads, stresses and deflections.

Handle wind, seismic and live load cases. Use finite element models to verify safety, serviceability and redundancy. Document design decisions and ensure compliance with codes.

Produce detailed designs and drawings

Create construction drawings and technical specifications.

Coordinate with material specialists for concrete, steel and composite sections. Include detailing for bearings, joints, fabrication tolerances and construction sequencing. Ensure constructability and maintainability.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams

Work with geotechnical, hydrology, traffic and sustainability teams.

Communicate effectively to integrate foundation design, scour protection, drainage, land use and environmental impact. Present designs to clients and review boards with clear rationales and visuals.

Project Leadership and Innovation

Lead small bridge projects or major components

Take responsibility for the design package and coordination.

Manage timelines, budgets and interfaces with contractors. Ensure safety, quality and compliance throughout the project lifecycle. Develop client and stakeholder communication skills.

Incorporate innovative solutions

Explore new materials, sustainable design and digital tools.

Consider high-performance concrete, fibre reinforced polymers, modular construction and 3D printing where appropriate. Use BIM to enhance collaboration and model accuracy.

Aim for Chartered Engineer status

Complete requirements for professional registration and ongoing CPD.

Maintain a portfolio of completed projects, reflect on lessons learned and demonstrate leadership in industry standards. Plan long term for senior roles such as principal engineer or technical director.

🎬 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.

almost 2 years 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.

almost 2 years 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.
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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.

almost 2 years ago

🎯 View Apprenticeships

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

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

Bridge design is an engineering design role that applies civil/structural principles to create safe, functional structures. Like design and development engineers, it involves using calculations, materials knowledge, CAD/BIM tools and safety standards to translate requirements into engineered solutions, albeit with a focus on bridges and infrastructure.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

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

Subjects include:

  • engineering product design
  • industrial design
  • 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.

Courses accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) may help your career development later on.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

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.

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 degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly for design and development engineer roles.

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

  • mechanical
  • aerospace
  • energy
  • automotive
  • manufacturing

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about engineering careers and training from the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) and Neon.

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