Synopsis. Gustave Eiffel began to specialize in constructing with metal after college, and his early work focused chiefly on bridges. In 1879, the chief engineer on the Statue of Liberty died, and Eiffel was hired to replace him, going on to design the metallic skeleton of the structure.In 1882, Eiffel began work on the Garabit viaduct, which was at the time the highest bridge in the world.n 1879, the chief engineer on the Statue of Liberty died, and Eiffel was hired to replace him, going on to design the metallic skeleton of the structure. In 1882, Eiffel began work on the Garabit viaduct, which was at the time the highest bridge in the world.