Load Rating Engineer

This position is responsible for performing and developing all aspects of the Bridge Load Rating Program and serves as a statewide engineering lead for bridge analysis and load rating operations. An advanced level of professional engineering experience and judgement is necessary to evaluate the structural integrity and load carrying capacity of a diverse population of existing bridges and structures. This work directly affects public safety and commerce by identifying and evaluating bridge conditions, performing advanced structural analysis for the current conditions, and recommending load posting, traffic restrictions, or repair projects.

This position coordinates and communicates regularly with the Bridge Inspection Section, Bridge Maintenance Section, Bridge Permitting Engineer, District Bridge Inspectors, Motor Carrier Services, and the Bridge Area Engineers. This position reports to the Bridge Load Rating Program Manager Engineer.

About MDT’s Bridge Bureau

Joining the MDT Bridge Bureau means joining a committed and loyal team of approximately sixty professionals in the bridge design, bridge management, bridge inspection, and bridge project management fields. We serve with pride and use our guiding principles of engineering excellence, teamwork, and innovation to provide outstanding customer service to the people of Montana. The wide breadth of experience within the Bridge Bureau provides an exceptional environment to develop your leadership, engineering, and project management skills, all while having the support and collaboration of the best bridge engineering staff in the state.

As part of our team, you can expect to be treated with respect and professionalism. The work we do is critical to public safety, and you will find a strong team in the Bridge Bureau to help support your professional success. Recognition at all levels is commonplace, laughter and positive reinforcement is frequent, and you can look forward to the reward of solving highly complex and critical structural engineering challenges that make a difference in the lives of everyday Montanans.

Responsibilities

• Perform and develop all aspects of the Bridge Load Rating Program.
• Serve as a statewide engineering lead for bridge analysis and load rating operations.
• Evaluate the structural integrity and load carrying capacity of existing bridges and structures.
• Identify and evaluate bridge conditions, perform advanced structural analysis, and recommend load posting, traffic restrictions, or repair projects.
• Coordinate and communicate with the Bridge Inspection Section, Bridge Maintenance Section, Bridge Permitting Engineer, District Bridge Inspectors, Motor Carrier Services, and the Bridge Area Engineers.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited engineering program that includes civil structural engineering courses in structural analysis, steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
• At least 4 years of bridge related load rating, condition inspecting, design, or analysis experience.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana. Incumbents with PE registration in another State that are eligible for PE registration in Montana through Comity will be considered.
• Proof of successful completion (minimum 70% passing score) of a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved comprehensive NBIS bridge inspection training course and certification as an NBIS Team Leader, or successful course completion and certification within 6 months of hire.

Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance.
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available.
• 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.
• $5000 sign-on bonus for the successful candidate.