Bridge Inspection Team Leader

GFT; Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Medical, dental, vision

Disability and life insurance

401(k) with match

PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT seeks a Bridge Engineer/Bridge Inspection Team Leader to join our Transportation group in Meriden, CT. This hybrid role requires NBIS qualification, strong bridge inspection experience, and the ability to lead teams while coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

The position emphasizes safety, reliability, and innovative bridge solutions, with opportunities to travel to support national practice needs and contribute to high-profile infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Bachelors Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• NBIS qualification as bridge/tunnel inspection team leader.
• Completed FHWA BIRM training (NHI 130055) with refresher requirements.
• 5+ years of complex bridge safety inspection experience.
• Strong communication, problem solving, and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct safety inspections of bridges and tunnels and prepare written reports.
• Lead in-depth inspections using NDT, mechanized access, or climbing.
• Coordinate inspection schedules with owners and agencies; manage traffic control and access.
• Coach and manage team members; assist staffing decisions and performance reviews.
• Travel as needed to support national practice needs.

Skills

Bridge inspection

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Travel readiness

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelors in Civil/Structural Engineering

Tools

Bentley MicroStation

NDT methods

Job description

What You Will Do

Sign-on and relocation bonuses may be available based on position and eligibility.

GFT is seeking a Bridge Engineer/Bridge Inspection Team Leader to join our Transportation group in Meriden, CT. This role follows a hybrid work model, based out of our Meriden, CT office.

Working on the bridge team at GFT offers the opportunity to contribute to 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.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

As a Bridge Engineer/Bridge Inspection Team Leader, you’ll play a key role in protecting and advancing the infrastructure that connects communities. You’ll lead with purpose—guiding teams, solving complex problems, and helping ensure that bridges and tunnels remain safe, resilient, and reliable. Whether navigating technical challenges or coordinating with stakeholders, your work will contribute to the integrity of vital transportation systems and support the people who depend on them every day.

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

• Conducting safety inspections of in-service bridges and tunnels and preparing written reports on structural conditions.
• Performing or leading in-depth inspections using non-destructive testing methods, mechanized access equipment, and/or climbing gear.
• Conducting post-incident bridge inspections to assess damage and recommend appropriate actions, including potential closures or detours.
• Coordinating with bridge owners and other agencies on inspection schedules, traffic control, railroad access, navigational channels, and related logistics.
• Leading others by providing instruction, assigning and reviewing work, coaching and training team members, and offering input to the direct supervisor on staffing decisions and performance management.
• Performing other duties as assigned or required.
• Opportunity to travel to support national practice needs

Education | Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or similar program from an ABET accredited school.
• Foreign degrees must be accompanied by equivalency documentation.
• Currently qualify under National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) as a bridge or tunnel inspection team leader.
• Completed comprehensive training course based on the FHWA Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual (BIRM) (NHI Course 130055) and be current with refresher requirements.
• At least 5 years of experience in complex bridge safety inspection assignments.
• Highly motivated and independent with strong work ethic.
• Ability and experience to lead the work of others, communicate, and maintain proper working relationships.
• Possess knowledge of bridge inspection methods and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to solve problems and plan tasks with an understanding of "Critical Path Management".
• Ability to clearly describe observations and convey information with sketches and technical writing.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must have experience with reporting procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of Bentley MicroStation.
• Actively engages multiple perspectives when solving problems, seeks to learn from peers, and encourages reciprocal learning among team members.
• Actively advocates for full inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment that welcomes diversity and values equity for all employees, partners, clients, and the communities that GFT serves.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

What We Prefer You Bring

• PE or EIT
• Currently approved as a DOT Bridge Inspection Team Leader (CT, RI or MA).
• Additional NHI coursework (fracture critical/NSTM, tunnel inspection, ancillary structures, etc.).
• NDT certification.
• Working knowledge of Bentley MicroStation.
• Able, and willing, to travel on short notice.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $180,000; Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Salary Range: $105,000 - $135,000: Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location.

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.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Location: Meriden, CT

Working Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM

Employment Status: Full-time

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