Civil Engineering Specialist - Bridge Design

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public service culture

Hybrid remote option

Health, dental, vision

State retirement plan

Paid vacation & sick leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) in Helena seeks a Civil Engineering Specialist for the Bridge Bureau to design and develop construction plans for bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects. You will evaluate problems, interpret data, analyze structural systems, and prepare plans and construction documents.

Mid and senior-level candidates will advance through a career ladder, with opportunities to lead bridge design projects, perform engineering analyses, and collaborate with a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field. Related degrees may include Environmental/Geotechnical/Materials/Mechanical Engineering.
• Passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam required or supported.
• Certification/licensure: FE, EIT, or licensed Professional Engineer (PE) may be required at higher levels.
• Mid-Level: 6 months to 2 years of engineering or related work experience.
• Top Level: 2 to 4 years of engineering or related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop construction plans and documents for bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects.
• Evaluate problems, interpret data, analyze structural systems, and document designs and calculations.
• Prepare plans and write construction documents for review and bidding.
• Evaluate calculations and contract documents for clarity, accuracy, and constructability.

Skills

Bridge design knowledge

Engineering judgement

Engineering analysis

Calculations & documentation

Written & verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

FE exam

EIT/PE credentials

Job description

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Civil Engineering Specialist in the Bridge Bureau in Helena. The Engineer is responsible for designing and developing construction plans and documents for bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects. This work involves evaluating the problem or proposal; interpreting data; analyzing a structural system; selecting alternatives; documenting designs and calculations; preparing plans and writing construction documents. The employee commits the Department to a specific course of action through this design work. Decisions made and methods used are based on the engineer's knowledge and judgement.

Joining the MDT Bridge Bureau means joining a committed and loyal team of approximately sixty professionals in the bridge design, bridge management, bridge inspection, and bridge project management fields. We serve with pride and use our guiding principles of engineering excellence, teamwork, and innovation to provide outstanding customer service to the people of Montana. The wide breadth of experience within the Bridge Bureau provides an exceptional environment to develop your leadership, engineering, and project management skills, all while having the support and collaboration of the best bridge engineering staff in the state.

As part of our team, you can expect to be treated with respect and professionalism. The work we do is critical to public safety, and you will find a strong team in the Bridge Bureau to help support your professional success. Recognition at all levels is commonplace, laughter and positive reinforcement is frequent, and you can look forward to the reward of solving highly complex and critical structural engineering challenges that make a difference in the lives of everyday Montanans.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

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

All levels require a combination of education and experience equivalent to Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or a closely related field of study. Related degrees may include Environmental Engineering, Geologic/Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering Science

Mid-Level – Civil Engineering Specialist Level 2

This position also requires a minimum of 6 months to 2 years of engineering or directly related work experience.

Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include: Proof of passage of the Fundamental Engineering Exam (FE).

Top Level – Civil Engineering Specialist Level 3

This position also requires a minimum of 2 years to 4 years of engineering or directly related work experience.

Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include: Proof of passage of the Fundamental Engineering Exam (FE), Engineering Intern Certification (EIT), or licensed Professional Engineer.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• This position requires advanced 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 design.
• This position must be familiar with AASHTO Design Specifications and standards, Bridge Bureau standards and policies, industry guidelines and practices, and bridge and road construction methods.
• The employee must have demonstrated skills at performing engineering analyses; and applying engineering concepts, techniques and procedures to a variety of situations and circumstances.
• The incumbent must be skilled at evaluating structural calculations and contract documents for clarity, accuracy, completeness and constructability; and identifying construction and design conflicts.
• This position requires skill at applying engineering judgement when interpreting design guidelines and standards.
• Skilled at preparing calculations, reports, and other documentation necessary to complete a design project.
• This position requires skill in the use of office engineering instruments including computers and handheld calculators.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills are also necessary for preparing plans and sharing information with designers, engineers, non-technical personnel, and the public.

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.
• Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”

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

Other Information

• Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.
• This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.
• 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.