Bridge Inspection Team Leader

GFT; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) savings plan

PTO accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT in Boston, MA seeks a Bridge Inspection Team Leader to guide field inspections, prepare reports, and manage field operations within a hybrid work model. The role involves complex bridge and tunnel inspections across New England, with opportunities for project management training and rope access/UAS inspection activities.

You will lead field inspections, develop clear findings, and coordinate with engineers and contractors while ensuring safety, accuracy, and timely delivery of engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil and/or structural engineering with an emphasis on structures from an ABET-accredited university.
• Engineering-in-Training exam completion.
• 5 years of experience in complex bridge safety inspections in MA.
• Licensing or training requirements for bridge inspection (FHWA-NHI).
• Experience with AutoCAD and structural analysis software.
• Willingness to travel across the continental United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead bridge and tunnel inspection assignments for complex and non-complex structures.
• Document inspection findings using tablets and reporting software.
• Prepare concise inspection evaluation reports and cost proposals.
• Plan field inspections and coordinate with subcontractors.
• Assist in safety plans, design calculations, and cost estimates.
• Maintain high engineering design quality and adherence to budgets.

Skills

Reading design plans

Field inspection leadership

Team coordination

MS Office Suite

Education

ABET-accredited civil/structural engineering degree

Engineering-in-Training (EIT) certification

Professional Engineer (MA license)

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

AASHTO BrR

STAAD.Pro

MathCAD

LUSAS

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Bridge Inspection Team Leader to join our Transportation group in Boston, MA. This role follows a hybrid work model, based in Boston. Working on the bridge team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature bridge projects here.

As a Bridge Inspection Team Leader you will primarily be responsible for leading the field inspection and the completion of the inspection reports for complex and non-complex bridges and tunnels for our clients throughout Massachusetts and the greater New England area. Depending on the level of experience and the individual’s desire, entry level project management responsibilities and further training may be possible. Additional duties may include the performance of structural design/analysis, preparation of load rating reports, construction documents, project specifications, and quantity/cost estimates. In addition, duties may include construction inspection services. Day-to-day assignments and technical guidance will be provided by Design Engineers and Project Managers, registered as Professional Engineers.

GFT has a National Bridge Inspection Practice, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work at the National level for agencies in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Texas, and California.

The right candidate should be enthusiastic and passionate about focusing on the inspection and evaluation of in-service structures. There are opportunities to be trained in and/or join GFT's growing National Rope Access Team (SPRAT) as well as opportunities to be involved in GFT's UAS (drone) inspection program.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Performing bridge and tunnel inspection assignments on complex, non-complex, and signature structures.
• Documenting clear and detailed inspection findings with the use of tablets (iPad) and associated software.
• Preparing concise structure inspection evaluation reports.
• Planning and preparation for field inspections.
• Scheduling and coordinating field operations with subcontractors and subconsultants.
• Preparation of cost proposals and work-hour estimates.
• Assisting in the preparation of business proposals and safety plans.
• Performing load rating analyses.
• Participating in bridge design assignments involving contract plan preparation and specifications, design calculations, calculation of quantities and development of cost estimates.
• Responsible for accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans, quality presentation, thoroughness and follow-through, and efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards.

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Bachelor’s degree in civil and/or structural engineering with an emphasis on structures from an ABET‑accredited university or college.
• Completion of the Engineering‑in‑Training exam.
• 5 years of experience in complex bridge safety inspections is part of the Team Leader qualification in MA
• Completion of the following: NHI Safety Inspection of In‑Service Bridges (FHWA‑NHI‑130055), NHI Bridge Inspection Techniques for NSTMs (FHWA‑NHI‑130078)
• Experience and training in the operation of aerial lift equipment including but not limited to bucket trucks, manlifts, and under bridge inspection vehicles (snoopers).
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), and experience with engineering design packages such as AutoCAD (required), MicroStation (desirable), AASHTO BrR. Staad.Pro, MathCAD, LUSAS and/or other structural analysis software systems.
• Individuals should have experience in reading design plans and shop drawings and evaluating contractor compliance with construction plans and specifications.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Able and willing to travel within the continental United States.
• Physically capable of performing field work including working at heights, carrying ladders and gear, working in adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Actively engages multiple perspectives when solving problems, seeks to learn from peers, and encourages reciprocal learning among team members.

What We Prefer You Bring

• Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer in MA.
• Completion of the NHI Tunnel Safety Inspection (FHWA‑NHI‑130110).
• The preferred candidate will have a structural engineering background, knowledge of MicroStation, AutoCAD, and experience with structural engineering design drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel including basic programming ability.
• Ability to commute to the Boston Office as required.
• Rope access experience or an interest in learning rope access techniques (SPRAT, IRATA).

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Location: Boston, MA

Working Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM

Employment Status: Full-time

Salary Range: $93,000 - $137,000: Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location.