Bridge Inspection Area Engineer

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Wellness rewards program

HSA contributions

Pension options

Paid leave & holidays

Education reimbursement

Free parking

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

INDOT Central Office in Indianapolis seeks a Bridge Inspection Area Engineer to supervise three district teams, ensuring inspections of state bridges, large culverts, and retaining walls are completed on schedule. This role requires a PE license and experience with FHWA standards, with statewide travel.

INDOT provides training, equipment, and a state‑owned take‑home vehicle, plus a starting salary that may be commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Registered Professional Engineer license in Indiana required.
• Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Broad knowledge of civil/transportation disciplines, design standards, and FHWA requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
• Experience leading engineering teams or projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations for three district bridge inspection teams.
• Supervise Routine, NSTM, In‑Depth, Special, and Underwater inspections per FHWA (23 CFR 650).
• Assist in statewide bridge inspection policies and compliance standards.
• Conduct annual QC/QA reviews on bridges.
• Set performance expectations and perform staff appraisals.
• Attend trainings to stay current on inspection techniques and regulations.

Skills

Professional Engineer license

Indiana driver’s license

Civil/transportation knowledge

Read and interpret engineering plans

Problem solving and judgment

Engineering project planning

Tools

CAD

Spreadsheets

Databases

Scheduling

Job description

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation:

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview:

This supervisory Indianapolis-based role within INDOT Central Office supports bridge inspection operations across multiple districts and requires some statewide travel. The Bridge Inspection Area Engineer oversees three district bridge inspection teams, serving as the liaison between district staff and Central Office. Responsibilities include team supervision, inspector training, and ensuring all bridge, large culvert, and retaining wall inspections are completed accurately and on schedule. The position plays a critical role in public safety, compliance with FHWA National Bridge Inspection Standards, and stewardship of Indiana’s infrastructure. INDOT provides all required training, equipment, tools, and a state-owned take-home vehicle.

This position requires a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Ideally, candidates will already meet INDOT and FHWA qualifications for Bridge Inspection Team Leader certification; however, applicants with bridge inspection, design, or construction experience who can obtain this certification are strongly encouraged to apply .

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee operations for three district bridge inspection teams, including inspections of state‑owned bridges, large culverts, and retaining walls.
• Supervise Routine, NSTM, In‑Depth, Special, and Underwater bridge inspections to ensure quality and compliance with FHWA regulations (23 CFR 650).
• Assist the Bridge Inspection State Program Manager (SPM) with developing and implementing statewide bridge inspection policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
• Conduct annual QC/QA reviews on state and local bridges to ensure adherence to the National Bridge Inspection Standards.
• Set performance expectations and complete appraisals for subordinate staff.
• Determine specialized inspection needs and support team leads in prioritizing and executing biennial inspections.
• Attend trainings and conferences to stay current on inspection techniques and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Location:

This position is with INDOT's Central Office.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at$85,020.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Develop engineering policies and plans projects concerned with unique or controversial problems which have a significant impact on major organizational programs.
• Provide budgetary information, researches and makes recommendations to assist with long range planning.
• Evaluateengineering policies, recommends revisions, and approves and implementspolicies.
• Evaluate the impact of changes to engineering policies, procedures and standards having statewide implications, makes recommendations to supervisor, integrates changes in existing programs, and directs research and evaluation efforts.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Registered Professional Engineers license in Indiana required.
• Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Broad knowledge of civil/transportation disciplines. Understanding of department design standards, policies, and practices. Understanding of the NEPA and NHPA processes. Knowledge of various computer applications such as CAD, spreadsheets, databases, and scheduling. Knowledge of various forms of traffic operations analysis such as capacity analysis and crash analysis. Knowledge of alternatives development, decision-making, and engineering economic analysis.
• Must be able to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications, define problems, collect appropriate data, establish facts, define, and communicate with stakeholders and draw valid engineering solutions. Must be able to handle routine and sensitive contacts with government officials, consulting firms/contractors and the public.
• Ability to identify problems; determine accuracy and relevance of information; use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
• Ability to plan and develop engineering projects with unique or controversial problems and/or novel engineering related concepts and approaches.

A degree is not required. However, at least four (4) years of professional experience in engineering, civil engineering, transportation research, or a closely related field. Two (2) years of experience as a group or project leader providing work direction and training to engineering technicians and/or lower-level engineers, or two (2) years experience in conducting engineering-related research applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .