Bridge Inspection Area Engineer

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 85,020 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Wellness rewards program

Health savings account

Pension plan

Education reimbursement

Paid holidays

Job summary

State of Indiana, through INDOT, seeks a Bridge Inspection Area Engineer to supervise three district inspection teams and coordinate between districts and Central Office. The role ensures inspections of bridges, culverts, and retaining walls align with NBIS and FHWA requirements, with take‑home vehicle for field duties.

Qualifications include a Indiana P.E. license, bridge inspection expertise, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Registered Professional Engineer license in Indiana.
• Bridge inspection knowledge aligned with FHWA/NBIS standards is required.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specs.
• Strong written and verbal communication with stakeholders.
• Experience supervising engineering staff and coordinating across districts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations for 3 bridge district inspection teams, including bridges, large culverts, and walls.
• Manage Routine, NSTM, In‑Depth, Special, and Underwater inspections to meet FHWA standards.
• Assist in developing statewide bridge inspection policies and compliance requirements.
• Conduct annual QC/QA reviews for state and local bridges.
• Provide leadership, set performance expectations, and perform staff appraisals.

Skills

Professional Engineer license

Bridge inspection knowledge

Project coordination

Stakeholder communication

Policy development

Maintenance planning

Team leadership

Education

Registered Professional Engineer license in Indiana

Tools

CAD

Spreadsheets

Databases

Scheduling software

Job description

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you’ll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work‑life balance. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public‑Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting‑edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview

This supervisory position is with INDOT Central Office; however, work around the state will be required. This position requires a Professional Engineer license, and it is preferable that the applicant meets INDOT and FHWA qualifications for Bridge Inspection Team Leader certification, or have experience with bridge inspection, design, and/or construction to allow obtaining such certification. Incumbent oversees 3 district bridge inspection teams, serving as the liaison between the districts and Central Office. The Bridge Inspection Area Engineer position is within the INDOT Bridge Asset Management Department, and the incumbent is a central office employee responsible for the supervision, operational performance, and inspector training for the state bridge inspection teams within their assigned districts of responsibility. Incumbent supervises the senior bridge inspection engineer supervisors in coordinating inspection operations, reporting inspection findings, and assisting the Bridge Inspection State Program Manager (SPM) in providing strategic direction for INDOT’s bridge inspection program through development and implementation of policies and procedures. This position is responsible for ensuring that all inspections of bridges, large culverts, and retaining walls within their Districts are completed within the required inspection intervals and that inspection findings are reported accurately and timely. This position directly impacts public safety, the state’s compliance with federal bridge inspection regulations according to the FHWA National Bridge Inspection Standard, and to protect public investment in Indiana’s infrastructure. All training, equipment, and tools will be provided to be successful in this position, including a State‑owned take‑home vehicle.

• Oversee operations for 3 bridge district inspection teams with regards to all state‑owned bridge, large culvert, and retaining wall inspections.
• Oversee Routine, NSTM, In‑Depth, Special, and Underwater bridge inspections for quality and compliance with FHWA bridge inspection regulations (23 CFR 650).
• Assist Bridge Inspection SPM in developing and implementing statewide bridge inspection policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Carry out annual QC/QA reviews on both state and local bridges to ensure compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards.
• Establish performance expectations and complete appraisals of subordinates.
• Determine specialized bridge inspection needs.
• Attend training sessions and conferences to learn new inspection techniques and requirements.
• Assist district team leads with prioritization and execution of biennial inspections.
• Other duties as assigned.

Location

This position is with INDOT’s Central Office.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package. The actual offered salary may be higher based on relevant education, training, certifications, and bridge‑related experience.

A Day In The Life

• Develop engineering policies and plan projects concerning unique or controversial problems that have a significant impact on major organizational programs.
• Provide budgetary information, research, and make recommendations to assist with long‑range planning.
• Evaluate engineering policies, recommend revisions, and approve and implement policies.
• Evaluate the impact of changes to engineering policies, procedures and standards having statewide implications, make recommendations to supervisor, integrate changes in existing programs, and direct research and evaluation efforts.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You’ll Need For Success

• Registered Professional Engineer license in Indiana required.
• Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Broad knowledge of civil/transportation disciplines. Understanding of department design standards, policies, and practices. Knowledge of the NEPA and NHPA processes. Familiarity with various computer applications such as CAD, spreadsheets, databases, and scheduling. Understanding of traffic operations analysis such as capacity and crash analysis. Knowledge of alternatives development, decision‑making, and engineering economic analysis.
• Must be able to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications, define problems, collect appropriate data, establish facts, define, and communicate with stakeholders and draw valid engineering solutions. Must be able to handle routine and sensitive contacts with government officials, consulting firms/contractors and the public.
• Ability to identify problems; determine accuracy and relevance of information; use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
• Ability to plan and develop engineering projects with unique or controversial problems and/or novel engineering related concepts and approaches.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi‑weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully‑funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail].