Bridge Load Rating QA Structural Engineer

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

State retirement plan

Relocation assistance may be offered

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation seeks an experienced Bridge Load Rating QA Engineer to provide statewide technical leadership in load rating, overweight vehicle permitting, and bridge inspections. The role requires PE licensure in Montana or eligibility by comity and NBIS Team Leader certification or rapid certification within six months.

Responsibilities include administering Load Rating QA to NBIS standards, coordinating with Motor Carrier Services, supporting bridge maintenance and scour

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program with civil structural courses.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana or eligibility via comity.
• NBIS bridge inspection training and NBIS Team Leader certification or within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide statewide technical lead for bridge load rating and overweight vehicle permitting.
• Administer MDT's Load Rating QA to meet NBIS requirements.
• Coordinate bridge operations with Motor Carrier Services and assist with maintenance and scour programs.
• Collaborate with Bridge Inspection QA Engineer to meet program objectives and travel statewide ~15%.

Skills

PE license

NBIS Team Leader cert

Bridge load rating

Bridge inspection knowledge

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Graduate degree in structural analysis/design

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Bridge Load Rating QA Engineer. This position is an experienced and licensed professional structural engineer that provides statewide technical lead for bridge load rating, overweight vehicle permitting, and bridge condition inspection. The position is an expert in load rating and one or more major types of bridges such as steel girders, trusses, timber, prestressed concrete, or others. This position also administers MDT’s Load Rating Quality Assurance (QA) to meet NBIS requirements, coordinates bridge operations with Motor Carrier Services, and assists with the bridge maintenance and scour program. This position collaborates closely with the Bridge Inspection QA Engineer to meet program objectives. The Load Rating QA Engineer travels statewide approximately 15% of the time, to work with bridge inspectors and review bridge inspections and repairs and reports to the Bridge Load Rating Program Manager.

For a full job description, please contact Elisa Schock at [e-mail].

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

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 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

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.