Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME): Infrastructure Asset Management, Transportation Maintenance & Operations

This position will serve as a Nationally Recognized Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide Senior Technical Advisory services to public sector clients. The part-time, as-needed role acts as a trusted external authority for government agencies, departments of transportation, and public infrastructure authorities, bringing national experience to guide clients through complex asset modernizations, software solutions, strategic planning, independent lifecycle audits, and maintenance, operational, and capital planning.

Employment Type: Part-Time / On-Call / Hourly. Hours are variable (average 0 to 20 hours per week, as needed). Work arrangement is flexible hybrid/remote, with targeted travel for client meetings, workshops, or site audits as required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical advisor to public agency leadership, executives, board members, and government stakeholders on transportation infrastructure and asset strategy.
• Conduct or review independent, third-party reviews of public transportation networks, fleet maintenance workflows, and enterprise asset management data health.
• Assist clients in drafting technical specifications, evaluating vendor proposals, and assessing asset management solutions.
• Interpret federal and state mandates to design proactive compliance, safety, and risk frameworks for public infrastructure.
• Provide authoritative briefings to agency leadership, public boards, regulatory bodies, and community stakeholders with clarity and neutrality.
• Provide internal guidance and training to company employees on Transportation Operations, Maintenance, and Asset Management.
• Assist in RFP responses and go/no-go decisions for infrastructure management-related projects.
• Identify teaming partners for operations, maintenance, and asset management projects.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor to employees working on maintenance, operations, and asset management contracts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 25+ years of distinguished leadership managing or advising public transportation operations, infrastructure, or heavy fleet maintenance.
• Peer-recognized expertise in State of Good Repair (SGR) metrics and Asset Lifecycle Management planning.
• Deep understanding of public procurement rules, government funding mechanisms, and public agency decision-making timelines.
• Authoritative knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), or related federal modal regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Former high-level executive (e.g., Chief Operations Officer, Chief Engineer, Director of Asset Management) within a major state or regional DOT.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

About Thompson Engineering

Founded in 1953, Thompson Engineering provides quality assurance and professional services for construction projects supporting industrial, infrastructure, and community development. Our services include drilling, materials testing, construction inspection, chemistry laboratory services, engineering design, environmental assessments, surveying, geotechnical studies, and construction management. Today, Thompson Engineering is recognized for leadership on projects that define skylines, coastlines, and transportation networks across the Southeast. From project planning and design through construction and completion, we deliver innovative solutions to complex infrastructure and building challenges for industrial, commercial, transportation, federal, and municipal clients.