Senior Bridge / Structural Drafter

Job Description

Take Your Design Career to the Next Level 

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Our collaborative, multidisciplinary group spanning architectural, structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, process engineering, pipeline design, and integrity management works together to deliver integrated, high‑impact solutions.

Step into Your New Role  

Our Kleinfelder San Diego office is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Structural / Bridge Drafter to join our team.

This role requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive drafting and design experience supporting bridge, transportation, structural, and civil infrastructure projects, with significant experience delivering projects for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Experience supporting multidisciplinary structural and transportation projects is highly preferred.

The successful candidate will provide senior-level drafting and design services related to bridge structures, retaining walls, transportation infrastructure, structural systems, and associated civil facilities. Work will be performed in accordance with Kleinfelder and client-specific standards, with a strong emphasis on Caltrans design procedures, drafting requirements, and project delivery standards.

Candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in current versions of MicroStation, OpenBridge Designer, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or Revit, along with extensive knowledge of Caltrans drafting standards, title block requirements, and plan production standards.

As a key member of the project team, the Senior Drafter will collaborate closely with bridge engineers, roadway engineers, and multidisciplinary design staff to deliver high-quality design packages while maintaining demanding project schedules. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical drafting expertise, leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The successful candidate will also mentor and support junior CADD staff, provide technical drafting guidance, and assist with maintaining drafting standards and best practices. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments while consistently delivering accurate, high-quality work on schedule.

Local candidates are preferred however remote candidates may be considered.

EXPERIENCE & ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 10 years of experience in 2D design and 3D modeling with ACAD, Revit, MicroStation, CadWorx, and Plant 3D. Experience with Advance Steel, ProSteel, OpenRoads, OpenBridge is a plus.
• Experience with concrete, steel structures and multi-discipline projects is required.
• Technical Diploma in drafting design or equivalent is a must.  A Bachelor's degree or Associates degree is highly preferred – an equivalent combination of experience and education would be considered.

RESPONSIBILITIES     

• Prepare electronic working plans and technical drawings that are in compliance with project standards and goals.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Establish and modify personal work processes according to industry guidelines and procedures.
• Work closely with design discipline lead/engineers and design team members to ensure design documents are completed according to deadlines.
• Work closely, provide guidance and assistance to team members and Lead as needed.
• Provide input into design budget and hour estimates as required to support proposals and cost estimates.
• Provide assistance in the development of work practices and procedures as required.
• Perform conceptual layout work, develop design details, check drawings prior to release
• Knowledge of industry or regulatory standards, regulations and codes pertinent to the design and systems related to the project.
• Must function independently with minimal supervision in a multi-discipline team setting
• Must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot issues
• Computer knowledge is required including Microsoft® Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, Sharepoint)
• Job is performed in an office environment; site travel may be required, depending on project

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Strong communication, collaboration, and customer service skills
• Ability to handle very detailed work and demonstrate a high level of accuracy.
• Helpful and willing to provide mentorship as needed.
• Have a “get it done” attitude and proactive.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple deadlines.
• Must be able to work in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision.

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder: Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose – together, we deliver.  

Progress with an Employer that Values You 

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:  

Benefits:Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.   The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law.  Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary Range: $63,206 - 105,487.

Career Development:We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.  

Equal Opportunity:Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)  

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES  

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.   

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