Bridge Design Engineering Manager

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote work arrangement

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Public Service Student Loan Forgivness

Relocation assistance

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation is seeking a Bridge Design Engineering Manager to oversee preconstruction and design activities for multiple bridge projects in a District. The role requires leadership of engineering teams, coordination with stakeholders, and ensuring quality bridge plans and cost estimates.

The successful candidate will manage risk assessments, engage in public involvement, and report to the Bridge Design Engineer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or closely related field with emphasis on structural design.
• Minimum seven (7) years in bridge/structural engineering; three (3) years licensed PE.
• Minimum one (1) year supervision or equivalent management training.
• Professional Engineering license in Montana or comity at time of hire.
• Alternative qualifications include combinations of related experience and education.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preconstruction activities from assignment to contract award, including risk assessments and public involvement.
• Lead structural engineering and design of bridge plans, provisions and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with MDT divisions and external stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Manage multiple bridge projects and ensure adherence to schedules and budgets.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Team building

Engineering judgment

Project leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Tools

AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Bridge Design Engineering Manager. This position is a Bridge Projects Design Manager within a given District. The position is responsible for managing the progress of all preconstruction activities for several concurrently ongoing bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects, and bridge and structures activities in other Highway projects in that District. The position is responsible for managing, developing, and documenting the preconstruction activities from project assignment to contract award including project risk assessments, working with stakeholders, initiating appropriate public involvement, as well as overseeing the structural engineering, design, and preparation of bridge plans, special provisions and cost estimates. This position reports to the Bridge Design Engineer. Multiple locations may be available for this position.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• 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)
• Employees in this position receive 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

The successful candidate for this position is eligible for a $5000 sign-on bonus. For more information, please contact MDT People Operations Bureau.

Required Education And Experience

• The required knowledge and skills are acquired through education at least equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or closely related engineering field with an emphasis on structural design.
• This position requires a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in bridge or structural engineering. Of those Seven (7) years, three (3) years must be as a licensed professional engineer.
• This position requires a minimum of one (1) year of supervision, team lead experience, or equivalent education in an approved management development course.
• Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include Professional Engineering license in the State of Montana, or through comity at time of hire.
• Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and techniques of civil and structural engineering and associated mathematics and physical sciences.
• Working knowledge of the methods and practices of the other divisions and work units in MDT such as Planning, Engineering (geotechnical, hydraulics, road design, environmental, traffic, survey, etc.), Construction and Materials; the engineering policy, methods and procedures of the Department of Transportation and applicable regulations, standards and specifications, AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications and Guides.
• Skill in effective team building techniques; effective written and verbal communications; organizing, directing and supervising professional and paraprofessional personnel; dealing tactfully with the public and with governmental officials; and planning, organizing, and directing multiple engineering activities for short and long-term projects.
• Skill in developing and evaluating solutions to complex engineering problems by classical methods and advanced computer applications; applying analysis and professional judgment to draw conclusions and make recommendations; assessing construction plans and projects; and exercising engineering judgment in the interpretation of design codes, field and research data.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct multiple engineering activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to make engineering presentations to the public; to work effectively in a high stress and multi-task environment.

Required Application Materials

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov.