Bridge Load Rating Program Manager - Structural Engineer

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote work arrangement

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

State Retirement plan

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation seeks an experienced structural engineer to manage the Bridge Load Rating Program and supervise the team statewide. You will oversee the bridge load rating and overweight vehicle permitting programs for over 5,000 structures, ensuring SNBI compliance and accurate data submission to FHWA.

The role requires PE licensure in Montana, a strong background in bridge engineering, and leadership of a cross-functional team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with civil structural focus and ABET accreditation.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license; Montana registration or eligibility.
• Graduate degree in structural analysis/design preferred or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Administer Bridge Load Rating and Overweight Vehicle Permitting programs statewide.
• Coordinate with Bridge Inspection Program Manager to ensure SNBI compliance.
• Lead and supervise team members and manage project timelines and deliverables.

Skills

Bridge engineering

Project management

Team leadership

FHWA NBIS familiarity

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license (Montana)

Graduate degree in structural analysis/design preferred

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Bridge Load Rating Program Manager. This position is an experienced and licensed professional structural engineer that serves as the Bridge Load Rating Program Management Engineer and Section Supervisor and is responsible for administering all aspects of the Bridge Load Rating and Overweight Vehicle Permitting programs for over 5000 bridges and other transportation structures in-service statewide. This position works in seamless cooperation with the Bridge Inspection Program Manager as a co-program manager responsible for ensuring program compliance with FHWA’s Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), maintaining structure inventory records, and submitting SNBI bridge data to FHWA annually. This work directly affects public safety and commerce, and an advanced level of professional engineering experience and judgement is needed to meet program requirements. This position reports to the Bridge Engineer.

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

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

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

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited Engineering program that includes civil structural engineering courses in structural analysis, steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
• Graduate degrees with concentrations in structural analysis and design are preferred. Demonstration of advanced understanding and experience with engineering principles or extensive application of related practice and methodologies of bridge load rating, LRFD Bridge Design Specs, or MBE may also be considered as an alternative to graduate degree.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana. Incumbents with PE registration in another State that are eligible for PE registration in Montana through Comity will be considered.
• At least 8 years bridge related load rating, or bridge load rating program management experience. NBIS or SNBI bridge inspection, bridge engineering analysis, or bridge design experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• At least 1 year of team lead or management experience.
• Proof of successful completion (minimum 70% passing score) of a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved comprehensive NBIS bridge inspection training course and certification as an NBIS Team Leader, or successful course completion and certification within 6 months of hire.
• Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (Behaviors)

• This position requires a thorough and extensive knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and techniques of Civil Engineering and the associated mathematics and physical sciences, especially the methods and practices of bridge structural analysis.
• This position must be familiar with industry standards and specifications, bridge design and load rating standards, bridge and tunnel inspection standards, bridge and road construction methods and policies, industry guidelines and practices.
• Knowledge of the practices and regulations of personnel management and supervision; administrative and management concepts and practices.
• This position requires 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; skill in project management, planning and organizing.
• This position must have demonstrated skills at performing engineering analyses and applying engineering concepts, techniques and procedures to a variety of situations and circumstances. This position must be skilled at evaluating structural problems by examining evidence, discussions with peers and inspection personnel, reviewing calculations and contract documents to determine proper course of action; and skill in drawing conclusions and making recommendations based on ambiguous or conflicting information.

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.

Other Information

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.

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.