Seattle, BNSF Salmon Bay Bridge Fall/Winter Civil Field Engineer Co-op 26'-27'

CO-OP STUDENT OPPORTUNITY
Civil Engineering
BNSF Salmon Bay Bridge — Counterweight Replacement Project

  Position Title

Co-op Student — Civil Engineering

Project

BNSF Salmon Bay Bridge Counterweight Replacement

Location

Seattle, WA (Salmon Bay / Ballard area)

Duration

4–8 months (flexible start date)

Compensation

Competitive hourly rate (commensurate with experience)

Openings

1–2 positions

 

Project Overview

The BNSF Salmon Bay Bridge is a critical rail bascule drawbridge located in Seattle, Washington, carrying BNSF Railway freight traffic across Salmon Bay between the Ballard and Interbay neighborhoods. The bridge, originally constructed in the early 20th century, is undergoing a major rehabilitation to replace its aging counterweight system — a structurally complex and operationally critical component that allows the bridge leaf to open and close for maritime traffic.

This rehabilitation project involves detailed structural analysis, design coordination, construction inspection, and close collaboration with BNSF Railway, structural engineers of record, fabricators, and regulatory agencies. The co-op student will gain hands-on experience in heavy civil infrastructure within a challenging urban marine environment.

 

Key Responsibilities

Construction Support & Field Work

• Assist with construction observation and inspection activities at the project site
• Document field conditions, construction progress, and contractor activities
• Support quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews of construction work
• Assist in reviewing and logging submittals, RFIs (Requests for Information), and change orders

Engineering & Design Support

• Assist in reviewing structural drawings, specifications, and shop drawing submittals
• Support load calculations, structural checks, and counterweight balance analyses
• Help coordinate with fabricators and contractors on technical issues
• Assist in preparing engineering reports, memoranda, and technical documentation

Project Administration

• Maintain organized project files, construction logs, and correspondence records
• Support schedule tracking and coordination of project milestones
• Assist in preparing meeting minutes and action item tracking
• Participate in project meetings with the client, contractors, and regulatory stakeholders

 

Qualifications

Required

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related undergraduate/graduate program
• Completion of coursework in structural analysis, mechanics of materials, or structural design
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a project team

Preferred

• Prior internship, co-op, or construction experience (any discipline considered)
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or structural analysis software (SAP2000, RISA, etc.)
• Coursework or interest in bridge engineering, structural rehabilitation, or transportation infrastructure
• Familiarity with AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) standards
• Experience or willingness to work in an active construction site environment

 

Learning Outcomes

Students completing this co-op placement will develop competencies in:

 

• Real-world application of structural engineering principles to a complex movable bridge rehabilitation
• Understanding of the full project lifecycle from design coordination through construction administration
• Communication and collaboration skills within multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Familiarity with heavy civil construction methods, materials, and safety protocols
• Exposure to railroad infrastructure standards, maritime permitting, and project stakeholder management

 

Work Environment & Requirements

• Work is split between office/project team environment and active construction site visits
• Site visits require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety vest, and steel-toed boots — provided or reimbursed
• Must be able to climb stairs, access elevated work platforms, and work near open water
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally to the project site required
• Must comply with BNSF Railway site safety and security access requirements (background check may be required)

 

How to Apply

To be considered for this co-op position, please submit the following:

 

• Resume (include GPA, relevant coursework, and any prior work/project experience)
• Unofficial academic transcript
• Brief cover letter describing your interest in the project and relevant skills (1 page max)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged as positions may fill prior to the posted deadline.