Bridge Engineer

HDR; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Complex Bridge Inspection Lead to spearhead local and national bridge inspections across Texas. Responsibilities include leading inspection teams, conducting NBIS inspections, and preparing reports. The ideal candidate should have 6+ years of relevant experience, a Professional Engineer (PE) license, and familiarity with inspection equipment. Various locations available, with a full-time commitment expected in a dynamic environment. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 6+ years related experience, preferably in bridge design.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Experience using asset management software and structural analysis programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead bridge inspections and develop inspection reports.
• Conduct inspections, write field reports, and perform calculations.
• Supervise inspection teams and support project planning.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

MicroStation

AutoCAD

MathCAD

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

HDR is looking for a Complex Bridge Inspection Lead to join our Texas Bridge Team. The Bridge Inspection Lead will be expected to perform local and national bridge and structural inspections and requires familiarity with a broad spectrum of bridge inspection equipment, methods, and processes. They will conduct National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) inspections, write field inspection reports, and perform basic mathematical calculations. Field inspections will be performed from ground level, hydraulic equipment, ladder access, or using rope access techniques. They will also be expected to provide supervision of the inspection team and support Project Managers in planning inspection activities. Occasional office engineering (design, CADD, analysis, etc.) may be required. On a day‑to‑day basis, they’ll also be expected to:

• Lead bridge inspections, develop inspection reports, and perform structural load rating calculations.
• Have the ability to travel for multiple night stays during the week.
• Be willing to travel, primarily in Texas, to inspection sites. National opportunity will be available.
• Have the physical ability to perform field inspections of in‑service bridge and culvert structures, tunnel structures, highway structures, overhead sign structures, hydraulic structures, and metal traffic signal poles. Physical demands include positioning extension ladders, maneuvering small boats, driving long distances, confined space, air travel, occasionally working at night, and walking long distances on uneven surfaces.
• Have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated leadership skills, communication skills, and ability to work with various multidisciplinary teams.
• Expect exposure to environmental hazards, such as, but not limited to, warm and cold temperatures, water, work‑at‑height, confined spaces, poisonous plants, snakes, ticks, spiders, and other creatures.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualification

• A minimum of 6 years of related experience
• NHI 130110 Tunnel Safety Inspection Training preferred
• Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) Certification as a Level I preferred
• Experience in asset management data software (AASHTOWare BrM, AssetWise, inspectX, etc.) required.
• Experience in load rating software (AASHTOWare BrR, BRASS, CANDE, etc.) preferred.
• Mobile Elevating Working Platform (MEWP) Operator Certification for lifts and under bridge inspection vehicles (UBIV)
• NHI 130055 Safety Inspection of In‑Service Bridges Training
• NHI 130053 Bridge Inspector Refresher Training, if applicable
• NHI 130078 Inspection of Fracture Critical Steel Bridges Training
• Local candidates are preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to inspect any work on site without any physical assistance (such as ladders, man‑lifts, underground structures, traverse uneven and irregular surfaces) except that which would normally be provided by the contractor’s personnel.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in person, by telephone and email.
• Must be able to effectively work in minimally supervised and/or unsupervised environments.
• Work hours other than 8 to 5 which may include weekends and/or night shifts.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Be able to operate a vehicle day or night.
• Travel may be required at times.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Previous experience in bridge design.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, MicroStation, AutoCAD, MathCAD, LARSA, Prestress Concrete Design.
• Experience using structural analysis programs and bridge design software.
• Experience managing junior staff.
• Excellent communication skills and working in a team environment.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

Primary Location

United States – Texas – Round Rock

Other Locations

• United States – Texas – Tyler
• United States – Texas – Corpus Christi
• United States – Texas – Fort Worth
• United States – Texas – Austin
• United States – Texas – San Antonio
• United States – Texas – Dallas
• United States – Texas – Houston
• United States – Texas – El Paso

Industry

Highway + Road

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class

Highways

Job Posting

Feb 9, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records.