Structural Engineer - Bridge & Maintenance

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16269
Department: Engineering Department
Opening Date: 10/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 11:59 PM Central

Position Description
Position Overview:

The Structural Engineer - Bridge Design and Maintenance will oversee the management, design, and maintenance of Harris County bridges. This role requires coordination with various agencies, including Precincts, HCFCD, and TxDOT, to ensure effective implementation of bridge projects, compliance with regulatory standards, and the successful execution of long-term maintenance programs.

The role involves bridge inspection, assessment, design, and repair, ensuring all projects meet structural safety standards and are delivered on schedule and within budget. The Structural Engineer will also act as the liaison with TxDOT for all projects that impact state infrastructure, ensuring proper communication and collaboration.

Job Duties:

• Oversee the design, maintenance, and rehabilitation of Harris County bridges, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and safety standards.
• Coordinate with TxDOT on all bridge-related projects, from new designs to maintenance and repair work.
• Perform bridge design, structural analysis, and maintenance planning.
• Manage contracts with external consultants for bridge inspections, designs, and construction projects.
• Perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) for all bridge-related work products, ensuring designs meet Harris County and TxDOT standards.
• Ensure timely completion of bridge inspections and maintenance work, addressing any safety concerns promptly.
• Act as a subject matter expert in the design, design review, assessment, and rehabilitation of bridges within Harris County.
• Communicate effectively with management, project teams, and external stakeholders, including TxDOT, to ensure project goals are met.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure the successful delivery of bridge projects.
• Support disaster recovery efforts related to structural damage following major events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you need special services or accommodations, please call or email

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or Structural Engineering. An equivalent field is required to meet the licensing requirements for this position.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in bridge design, maintenance, and management, including coordination with TxDOT or similar agencies.
• Detailed knowledge of HC, HCFCD, COH, or TxDOT standards and specifications.
• Experience with structural inspections and the design of bridge rehabilitation projects.
• P.E. License within the state of Texas.

• Signed and sealed at least (3) infrastructure plan sets.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Proficiency in structural analysis software and bridge design tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Valid Texas driver's license upon hire with a good driving record.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:
In accordance with Harris County's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols.
The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
  Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation, but ONLY the information stated on the application will be used for consideration.
Preferences
Education:

Experience:

• Additional experience beyond the required in the design or construction of public infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead negotiations with consultants, developers, other agencies, and stakeholders to procure resources and formalize cooperative relationships that achieve program goals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to deal tactfully with a diverse group of people in a professional manner in a complex organization.
• Ability to exercise flexibility in accommodating shifting priorities, demands, and schedules.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:
Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.
Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods.
Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure

Assignments will be performed in an office and in the field. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).

This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
FEATURED BENEFITS:
Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
Wellness.
Professional development opportunities.
Flexible spending accounts.
457 deferred compensation plans.
Retirement pension (TCDRS).
Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
Disability and life insurance.
Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Other related field
• None of the Above

03

How many years of experience do you have in bridge design, maintenance, and management, including coordination with TxDOT or similar agencies.

• 1-3 years
• 3-5 years
• 5-7 years
• 7 or 7+ years
• None of the above

04

How many bridge design, and maintenance projects have you signed and sealed?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 3 or 3+ years
• None of the Above

05

How many internal engineering or technical staff have you managed simultaneously?
06

How many external agencies, such as TxDOT or local municipalities, have you communicated with directly on a regular basis?
07

Are you proficient in managing multiple bridge projects and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and project requirements?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have detailed knowledge of Harris County, HCFCD, TxDOT, or other relevant bridge design and maintenance standards and specifications?

• yes
• No

09

Are you a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the State of Texas?For verification purposes, certification details MUST be provided in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.

• Yes, I am licensed in the State of Texas
• No, I am licensed in another state
• No, I am not a licensed PE

Required Question