Bridge Inspection Team Leader/Manager

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class benefits

Flexible, hybrid work environment

Professional development support

Job summary

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. is seeking a Bridge Inspection Team Leader/Manager in Boston, MA, to shape and lead an industry-leading inspection program. Candidates will manage a talented team and strategize with senior leadership to expand the bridge inspection practice. Responsibilities include performing bridge inspections and mentoring younger staff.

The ideal candidate has over 8 years of inspection experience and a B.S. in Civil Engineering. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and a flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of bridge inspection experience required.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a group of bridge inspectors.
• Prepare proposals for new inspection contracts.
• Plan and perform structural inspections.

Skills

Ability to work at heights

Familiarity with inspection requirements (MBTA, MassDOT)

Excellent communication skills

Proactive and self-motivated

Strong organizational skills

Ability to work overnight

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering

Job description

Bridge Inspection Team Leader/Manager

Job Locations: US-MA-Watertown | US-CT-Wethersfield | US-MA-Boston

Overview

Step into a pivotal growth role at VHB as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader/Manager, where you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of and shape an industry-leading inspection program across our VHB footprint. In this highly visible position, you will lead, expand, and strategically guide our bridge inspection practice, positioning it for continued growth and innovation. As the practice rapidly scales, you'll also have the option if you are interested to engage in complex bridge design and load rating work, further broadening your technical and leadership experience.

You’ll collaborate closely with a highly supportive leadership team with deep inspection and design expertise who are committed to investing in your development and empowering you to set the direction for the team. VHB’s culture emphasizes long‑term career growth, employee retention, and an industry‑leading work/life balance, with flexibility in office location to support your success and well‑being.

For the second year in a row, VHB proudly celebrates our selection as a 2026 U.S. Best Managed Company, sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. The Best Managed Company program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies demonstrating excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. This year, 63 companies across the U.S. have been recognized, with VHB being one of only two AEC firms honored.

Learn more about our Structures practice at VHB: Bridges & Structures | VHB.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a talented group of bridge inspectors.
• Manage the inspection team's quality, procedures, workload, and training.
• Strategize with senior leadership on the team's development and growth.
• Prepare proposals for new inspection contracts with a talented marketing team.
• Plan and perform structural inspections of highway and railroad bridges, culverts, ancillary structures, and buildings in accordance with NHI and AREMA Standards.
• Perform quality reviews of bridge inspection report narratives, sketches, photos, and basic repair and rehabilitation cost estimates.
• Manage inspection equipment with a sufficient budget to properly outfit inspection teams with the latest gear.
• Mentor younger staff.
• Participate in the growth of the inspection practice across the VHB footprint.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces and adjacent to live highway and railroad traffic.
• Familiarity with MBTA, MassDOT, AASHTO, and AREMA inspection requirements.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proactive and self‑motivated, with excellent attention to detail and quality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Enthusiasm to learn, seek out opportunities, and take responsibility.
• Ability and willingness to work overnight when required for specific access requirements on roadways and on ROW tracks.
• Experience with vertical lift equipment, under‑bridge inspection trucks, and rope access credentials are a plus.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of bridge inspection experience required.
• B.S. in Civil Engineering (structural emphasis preferred).
• NHI/FHWA Safety Inspection of In‑Service Bridges course preferred.
• NHI/FHWA Fracture Critical (NSTM) course preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Boston/Watertown, MA is $115,000‑170,000 and the position located in Worcester, MA is $110,000‑165,000. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

When you join VHB, you’ll find:

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact.
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success.
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change.
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI.
• Best‑in‑class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment.

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.