Graduate Bridges & Civil Structures Engineer

This entry-level structural engineering and computational design scheme focuses on finite element analysis, parametric 3D modeling, and embodied carbon calculations for major transport infrastructure.

Join our Bridges team

Working closely with our infrastructure design teams, we have designed and supervised the construction of dozens of bridges, underpasses, cut and cover tunnels and culverts in many countries over the past decade. We provide input into the design of roads and railways, into the viability of major infrastructure projects and their environmental impact.

We participate actively in the research and the development of materials, new technology, sustainability strategies and methods of analysis, in order to develop our core competencies. This equips us to develop innovative design concepts, such as parametric design tools to enable rapid prototyping to help make early carbon saving design decisions.

In fact, you’ll be working with, and helping to develop, our 3D parametric modelling software (BHoM). It enables us to make state-of-the-art structural analyses. This was a real benefit in testing the unique design of the award-winning Lille Langebro swing bridge which uses a locking mechanism which allows the two halves to separate and open for boats to pass through.   

Not only will we help you develop your technical engineering skills, but we will also train you in all areas required to gain your professional accreditation, such as becoming chartered with the Institution of Civil Engineers.

We work for public clients, contractors (design-build projects) and private developers. 

We advocate a close dialogue with our clients to optimise the design and the construction process, such as enabling the Stratford Town Centre Link that spans 11 railway lines to be launched over an operational station. 

What sort of projects will I work on? 

Bow Bridge Road - Buro Happold

Opened this year (2025), this architectural bridge has unlocked a new development area for the city Chelmsford. It was delivered successfully under budget and on programme.

Design Competitions
We enter multiple design competitions every year with our architectural collaborators. These competitions allow us to consider both form and function within a very creative environment. They also offer fantastic opportunities for our graduates to lead.

What will I do? 

• Detailed analysis and bridge design.

• Attend workshops with architects and clients.

• Leaning new software such as visual programme tools e.g., Grasshopper.

• Embodied carbon calculations.

• Perform design verification and independent checks.

• Analyse erection techniques.

• Help the team move towards our internal and external sustainability goals.

• Assess strength and propose rehabilitation of existing structures. 

About you: 

You will be qualified to degree or master’s level in Civil or Structural Engineering. 

It is expected that the candidate will need to be able to hit the ground running, with support from our senior team members and it would be beneficial for the successful candidate to demonstrate skills and knowledge in: 

• Developing concept designs

• Working competently with some assistance from Engineers and above

• Preparing and taking responsibility for concept and preliminary engineering solutions for detail design

• Preparing Technical Specifications

• Finite Element Analysis

• Aptitude for coding and computational analysis

• CAD/Revit 

Graduates at Buro Happold  

When you join Buro Happold you are embedded into an exciting network of engineers and consultants, that supports your career development.  We have a Graduate Connect learning programme that targets specific learning and supports your journey to chartership as well as our Young Employee's Forum that links all our young talent in terms of knowledge sharing, learning and very importantly socialising.  

We place great importance on a having a safe and inclusive environment and will seek to make any arrangements that may be required to enable all who work with us to thrive. We have flexible working hours and hybrid working, and welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. If you have any questions about how this could apply to your specific circumstances, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.