- Assistant Chief Engineer – Structural (Bridge) Wall Township, NJ French & Parrello Associates (FPA) is seeking an experienced and highly respected Assistant Chief Engineer – Bridge to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for our growing Bridge Department at our headquarters in Wall Township, NJ. This is a unique opportunity for a senior transportation engineering professional who wants to make a significant impact by leading complex bridge projects, mentoring talented engineers, advancing technical excellence, and helping shape the continued growth of one of the Northeast’s fastest-growing engineering consulting firms. Recognized year after year as one of NJBIZ’s Best Places to Work in New Jersey, FPA is committed to creating a culture where talented professionals are empowered to grow, collaborate, and lead. In 2026, FPA was ranked #49 on Zweig’s Hot Firm List, recognizing the firm among the 100 fastest-growing AEC firms in the United States and Canada. Our continued growth is driven by our investment in our people, technical expertise, and commitment to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions for the communities we serve. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader within FPA’s Bridge Department, providing oversight and guidance on complex bridge design, rehabilitation, and transportation infrastructure projects throughout New Jersey and the region. This individual will work closely with project managers, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality engineering solutions while advancing the department’s technical capabilities and reputation. This role is ideal for a recognized bridge engineering professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, developing engineering talent, collaborating with clients and agencies, and contributing to the strategic growth of a multidisciplinary engineering firm. Unlike larger organizations where senior technical professionals can become disconnected from project teams and decision-making, FPA provides the opportunity to directly influence projects, mentor future leaders, and play a key role in shaping the future of our Bridge practice. Bridge Engineering Expertise & Project Experience FPA’s Bridge Department has a long-standing reputation for delivering innovative solutions for complex transportation infrastructure projects throughout New Jersey and the Northeast. Our team has successfully completed bridge design, rehabilitation, inspection, and construction support assignments for NJDOT, DRJTBC, NJ Turnpike Authority, Garden State Parkway, PennDOT, counties, municipalities, and other transportation agencies. Our experience includes major bridge replacements, deck replacements, structural rehabilitations, bridge widenings, load ratings, seismic evaluations, staged construction projects, and complex transportation improvements involving steel plate girders, rolled steel beams, prestressed concrete systems, culverts, pedestrian bridges, and specialty structures. The Assistant Chief Engineer – Bridge will have the opportunity to lead projects that shape the region’s transportation network, including major highway structures, historic bridge rehabilitations, waterfront and movable bridge projects, and technically challenging infrastructure improvements. FPA’s portfolio includes work on critical corridors such as US Routes 1, 22, 27, 33, and 80, as well as significant assignments for public agencies requiring innovative engineering solutions, multidisciplinary coordination, and a commitment to quality from preliminary design through construction completion.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and oversight for complex bridge design, rehabilitation, replacement, and transportation infrastructure projects
- Serve as a senior technical resource for bridge engineering teams, providing guidance on design approaches, engineering solutions, and project delivery strategies
- Lead quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews of bridge plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and design documentation
- Oversee structural analysis and design activities in accordance with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, NJDOT standards, and applicable agency requirements
- Provide technical direction for bridge modeling, load rating analyses, structural evaluations, and rehabilitation design efforts
- Collaborate with Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams including roadway, traffic, geotechnical, environmental, hydraulic, and construction engineering professionals
- Support complex project pursuits through technical strategy, proposal development, interviews, and client presentations
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with NJDOT, county engineering departments, municipalities, and other transportation agencies
- Mentor, coach, and develop engineers within the Bridge Department by providing technical guidance and supporting professional growth
- Assist with the development of department standards, technical resources, and best practices to enhance project delivery and engineering excellence
- Participate in strategic planning initiatives to support continued growth of FPA’s transportation and bridge practice
- Conduct site visits, bridge inspections, and field assessments as needed to support project delivery and technical decision-making
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering required; Master’s degree in Structural Engineering required
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required; New Jersey, New York and/or Pennsylvania PE preferred or ability to obtain through reciprocity
- 15+ years of progressive bridge design and structural engineering experience
- Extensive experience delivering complex bridge and transportation infrastructure projects/Historical Bridge Design Rehabilitation experience is a plus
- Advanced knowledge of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and NJDOT bridge design procedure
- Strong technical expertise in bridge analysis, rehabilitation, replacement, and structural evaluation
- Proficiency with bridge design and analysis software such as LEAP Bridge, LARSA, MIDAS, CSiBridge, STAAD, or equivalent programs
- Experience with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation required
- Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and elevate team performance
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines
- Established relationships with transportation agencies, municipalities, and public-sector clients preferred
- Experience supporting business development, proposal preparation, and client engagement activities preferred Additional Information
- Sponsorship for U.S. employment authorization is not available for this position.
- Relocation assistance is available for this position.
Don't meet every qualification? At FPA, we recognize that great candidates bring diverse experiences and perspectives. If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every listed requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your experience may be exactly what we need for this role or another opportunity within our growing team. The FPA Difference Large firms offer scale. FPA offers opportunity. For more than 50 years, French & Parrello Associates (FPA) has been delivering innovative engineering solutions that shape communities, improve infrastructure, and support regional growth. As an employee-owned, mid-sized engineering and consulting firm, FPA combines the technical capabilities and expertise of a larger organization with the collaboration, accessibility, and personal investment of a close-knit team. At FPA, senior technical leaders have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact beyond individual projects. You will help shape engineering standards, mentor the next generation of professionals, collaborate with industry leaders, and influence the continued growth and success of our Bridge Department. Our multidisciplinary approach allows technical leaders to see the full picture, from concept development and design through construction completion, while collaborating with experts across transportation, structural, environmental, water resources, and other engineering disciplines. We invest in our people through mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for leadership because we believe the success of our employees drives the continued success of our firm. At FPA, you are not just providing engineering expertise, you are helping build a growing organization and shaping the infrastructure that supports communities for generations.
Benefits
Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement plans. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.
Compensation
The projected compensation range for this position is $150,000 to $200,000. Actual compensation will depend on factors including experience, education, qualifications, and skill set. FPA recognizes and rewards performance through an annual bonus program and offers a signing bonus for this particular position for qualified candidates.
