Load Rating Engineer

State of Montana; East Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Health, dental, and vision insurance

State retirement plan

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is seeking a Bridge Load Rating Engineer to lead the Bridge Load Rating Program and serve as the statewide engineering lead for bridge analysis and load rating operations. The role requires advanced structural judgement to evaluate bridges and determine load posting and repair needs.

As part of MDT’s Bridge Bureau, you will work with a team of professionals in bridge design, management, and inspection, delivering critical safety outcomes for Montanans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with civil/structural emphasis.
• 4+ years bridge load rating, condition inspecting, design or analysis experience.
• PE license in Montana or eligibility for Montana via comity.
• NBIS-related training/certification or planned completion within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Bridge Load Rating Program statewide and act as the engineering lead for bridge analysis and load rating operations.
• Coordinate with Bridge Inspection, Maintenance, Permitting, District Bridge Inspectors, and related units.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend load postings, traffic restrictions, or repairs to protect public safety and commerce.

Skills

Bridge load rating

Structural analysis

Project leadership

Cross-agency collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree (civil/structural)

Professional Engineer (PE) license – Montana

NBIS Team Leader certification / FHWA NBIS training

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Bridge Load Rating Engineer. This position is responsible for performing and developing all aspects of the Bridge Load Rating Program and serves as a statewide engineering lead for bridge analysis and load rating operations. An advanced level of professional engineering experience and judgement is necessary to evaluate the structural integrity and load carrying capacity of a diverse population of existing bridges and structures. This work directly affects public safety and commerce by identifying and evaluating bridge conditions, performing advanced structural analysis for the current conditions, and recommending load posting, traffic restrictions, or repair projects. This position coordinates and communicates regularly with the Bridge Inspection Section, Bridge Maintenance Section, Bridge Permitting Engineer, District Bridge Inspectors, Motor Carrier Services, and the Bridge Area Engineers. This position reports to the Bridge Load Rating Program Manager Engineer.

About MDT’s Bridge Bureau

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.

++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.

++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

• At least 4 years of bridge related load rating, condition inspecting, design, or analysis experience.

• 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.
• A copy of your university transcripts.

++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.