Technical and Collaborative
Heather Moulton did not set out to become a structural engineer. In high school, she was drawn to architecture because it blended math and creativity. A suggestion from a teacher, followed by a growing interest in physics, changed that path and introduced her to a career that now shapes how thousands of people move through their cities.
Today, Moulton is a structural engineer at STV, where she works on bridge, rail and transit projects across the East Coast. With more than a decade at the firm, she has built a reputation for seeing projects through from early analysis to construction, making sure designs work not just on paper, but in the field.
With a resume like that, Moulton was a sure bet for the Top 25 Under 40.
“What keeps me motivated is seeing the impact these projects have on people’s lives,” Moulton told Roads & Bridges. “When someone tells me they use a station or bridge we worked on as part of their daily commute, it’s a reminder of how far-reaching this work really is.”
Moulton holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Roger Williams University and a master’s degree in structural engineering from Northeastern University. She is a licensed professional engineer in Massachusetts, a certified quality assurance technologist through the Northeast Transportation Training and Certification Program and has completed OSHA safety training.
Since joining STV in 2013, she has grown from an engineering specialist into a trusted structural engineer and construction-phase lead on some of the region’s most visible transportation projects.
One of her earliest and most influential assignments was the rehabilitation of the historic Longfellow Bridge in Massachusetts. Originally built in 1907, the bridge needed to be fully replaced while preserving its iconic appearance and remaining open throughout construction.
“As my first project in the industry, everything about the Longfellow Bridge was a learning experience,” Moulton said. “Being able to follow it from design through construction was incredibly valuable.”
During design, she performed detailed structural analysis to confirm the bridge could safely support construction loads. As the project moved into construction, she stepped into a leadership role, coordinating reviews, resolving issues in the field and helping the team balance modern engineering requirements with historic preservation standards.
“Watching the team retrofit steel onto 100-year-old arches and still meet today’s performance standards showed me how much collaboration and creativity this work requires,” she said.
Moulton is also known for improving coordination and efficiency through technology. She uses advanced modeling and design tools to identify conflicts early, streamline reviews and communicate clearly with clients and contractors. Real-time collaboration software and virtual meetings, she said, have made it easier for teams in different locations to work together and resolve issues quickly.
“These tools don’t replace in-person collaboration,” she said, “but they make it much easier to stay aligned when schedules and geography get in the way.”
On the MassDOT’s Belden Bly Bridge Replacement project, a movable bridge carrying State Route 107 over the Saugus River, Moulton served as a structural designer and construction-phase lead. She designed key structural elements while managing document control and reviews during construction, helping the project move forward efficiently while maintaining design integrity.
Outside of project work, Moulton is deeply committed to the engineering community. She has been involved with Women’s Transportation Seminar International (WTS) for more than a decade, supporting programs that introduce students to transportation careers and mentoring young professionals. Within STV, she regularly mentors junior engineers.
“Being involved with WTS introduced me to so many people who supported and inspired me,” she said. “I try to pass that along by encouraging students and early-career engineers to stay curious, advocate for themselves and explore different paths.”
Her impact has been widely recognized by colleagues.
“Heather is an outstanding young engineer who has played a key role on some of STV’s most challenging projects,” said Jorge Suarez, senior vice president of structural engineering, national bridge and structures practice at WSP. “She brings enthusiasm, strong communication and natural leadership to every phase of a project. Her ability to mentor younger engineers is simply part of who she is.”
For Moulton, the recognition offers a moment to step back and reflect.
“In the middle of a project, it’s easy to stay focused on deadlines and details,” she said. “Being recognized like this gives me a chance to appreciate what our teams have accomplished and think about how to keep improving for the communities that rely on this infrastructure every day.”