Bridge Load Rating QA Structural Engineer

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) offers a mission-driven role with a strong public service culture and a commitment to work/life balance. This position supports bridge load rating and inspection program quality across the state, with a potential hybrid remote work arrangement available in Helena, MT. MDT also provides comprehensive benefits starting the first day of employment, including health coverage, paid time off, retirement options, and a $5,000 sign-on bonus for the successful candidate. If needed, relocation assistance may be offered at the time of offer.

What You’ll Do

As a Bridge Load Rating QA Structural Engineer (or Bridge Load Rating QA Engineer), you will provide statewide technical leadership for bridge load rating, overweight vehicle permitting, and bridge condition inspection. You will administer MDT’s Load Rating Quality Assurance (QA) program to meet NBIS requirements and ensure program objectives are met through close collaboration with program stakeholders.

• Serve as the statewide technical lead for bridge load rating, overweight vehicle permitting, and bridge condition inspection.
• Administer MDT’s Load Rating Quality Assurance (QA) program aligned with NBIS requirements.
• Coordinate bridge operations with Motor Carrier Services.
• Assist with the bridge maintenance and scour program.
• Collaborate with the Bridge Inspection QA Engineer to support program objectives.
• Travel statewide approximately 15% to work with bridge inspectors, review inspections and repairs, and support reporting to the Bridge Load Rating Program Manager.

Qualifications

To be considered, you must meet MDT’s minimum qualification requirements. This role emphasizes engineering fundamentals, program-aligned bridge inspection training, and professional licensure in Montana.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program with civil structural engineering courses in structural analysis, steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
• Graduate degrees with concentrations in structural analysis and design will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana. Candidates with PE registration in another state that are eligible for Montana PE registration through comity will be considered.
• Successful completion (minimum 70% passing score) of an FHWA-approved comprehensive NBIS bridge inspection training course, and certification as an NBIS Team Leader. If not complete at hire, successful course completion and certification must occur within 6 months of hire.
• Alternative qualifications: any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.
• Submit a resume detailing qualifications and work history.
• Submit a cover letter no more than two pages addressing qualifications for the position.

Additional Information

• Technologies: NBIS, FHWA
• MDT is an equal opportunity employer.
• People with disabilities needing application assistance, or requesting an alternative format of the job announcement, may call MDT Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division at 406.444.6054.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.
• MDT is not enrolled in E-Verify and is unable to hire F-1 STEM OPT visa candidates.

Benefits

MDT provides a benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including overtime compensation or compensatory time for time in pay status over 40 hours in a workweek.

• Culture of public service and commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer
• $5,000 sign-on bonus eligibility for the successful candidate
• Dental insurance, employee assistance program, family leave, flexible spending account, life insurance, paid time off, relocation assistance, retirement plan, vision insurance