Rail Bridge Associate

Job Description

RAIL & TRANSIT PRACTICE

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be determined by energy prices, a shift toward urban living and growing environmental concerns. Michael Baker helps freight, authority and state Department of Transportation clients meet these modern challenges by providing services that address key industry issues such as state of good repair, capacity, safety, community livability, asset management and maintenance, planning and development for new projects, and the promotion of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

We provide value by first understanding our clients' needs, then working with them as a partner to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions that optimize their opportunities for success.

DESCRIPTION

Michael Baker International is seeking a Rail Bridge Associate to join our team in May 2026 to support our Chicago, IL office. In this position you will work under the direction of a Project Engineer or Project Manager to prepare structural calculations, bridge plans, technical specifications, and cost estimates for various freight and transit clients. The Rail Bridge Associate's tasks vary from designing superstructure replacements and rehabilitations, designing retaining walls and substructures, assisting with overall preparation of structure plans and development of quantities. Tasks may also include field inspection work for the purposes of structure ratings and plan development.

We are seeking May 2026 graduates

Additional tasks may include:

• Prepare construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates for Rail and Bridge Design projects
• Work independently on small projects or assist senior engineers within large multi-disciplinary design team
• Periodically perform rail bridge site inspections
• Work closely with professional engineers to execute bridge design tasks
• Prepare structural designs/ analysis, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and load rating calculations
• Perform structural element design calculations
• Review bridge record plans and develop them within CAD

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering required
• Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Passed prior to starting role)
• 0-2 years of engineering experience; rail or bridge experience/ interest required
• Prior structural coursework required
• Proficiency with CAD (MicroStation & AutoCAD), Microsoft Office; MathCAD, Structural Analysis Program experience is a plu
• Strong interest in railroad bridge design
• Availability to occasionally travel to other local offices and job site locations

COMPENSATION
The approximate compensation range for this position is $59,862.40- $75,000 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us

Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.

Based in Pittsburgh and with nearly 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.

We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.

We Make a Difference.

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.

EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.

*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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