He earned a degree in mathematics from Wesleyan University (where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity).
[2][3] Ellis took a post at the American Bridge Company, where he worked on the stresses of subway tunnels crossing the Hudson River.
[4] Ellis completed coursework to extend his knowledge of structural engineering at the University of Illinois.
[4][5] Ellis began working on the Golden Gate Bridge in 1922, the same year he gained his engineering certificate from University of Illinois.
[8] In 2012, Ellis was officially given recognition for his part in the designing process of the Golden Gate Bridge when a plaque [9] was installed on the south tower to acknowledge his contributions.