Research and NDT Specialized Testing Technician

State of Indiana; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Free parking

Education reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

State of Indiana's INDOT is seeking a Research and NDT Specialized Testing Technician in West Lafayette to support safe, efficient transportation infrastructure through inspections, testing, and data collection.

You will travel overnight 3 days per week Apr 1–Nov 1, obtain certifications in FWD and Friction operation and calibration, and may operate CDL and snow removal duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Class A or Class B CDL or obtain within 90 days.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform physical activities like lifting, standing, walking for long periods.
• Must endure inclement weather exposure.
• Knowledge of highway laws, rules and regs; operate specialized traffic equipment.
• Ability to follow directions and work in a team; GPS usage.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Access).
• Ability to read and interpret bridge plans.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections on bridges and large culverts in two-person teams.
• Maintain and update the Bridge Inspection and Asset Database.
• Prepare reports with inspection findings and data.
• Collect and review data for site inspections.
• Assist district crews in bridge repairs to support operations.
• Plow snow as needed.

Skills

CDL License

Lift 50 lbs

Physical stamina

Weather exposure

Highway regulations

Inspection equipment

GPS

MS Office

Bridge plans

Communication

Tools

Bridge inspection gear

Job description

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Research and NDT Specialized Testing Technician

Date Posted: Sep 5, 2026

Requisition ID: 481899

Location: West Lafayette, IN, US, 47906

Work for Indiana

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:

The Research and NDT Specialized Testing Technician supports INDOT’s mission by ensuring safe, efficient, and well‑maintained transportation infrastructure. The position performs essential field and technical duties, including inspections, maintenance activities, testing, and equipment operation, keeping roadways, bridges, and related assets in reliable condition. Work includes following established safety standards, supporting emergency response needs, and collaborating with supervisors and district teams statewide to complete daily and seasonal assignments. The role also contributes to long‑term asset stewardship through accurate data collection, adherence to quality requirements, and proactive identification of issues affecting performance or safety. Incumbents in this position are required to acquire and maintain a certification in FWD and Friction operation and calibration, as well as obtain a CDL license to assist in winter snow removal operations. Between April 1 and November 1, this role also requires overnight travel 3 days per week to facilitate testing and data collection across the state. This position plays a key role in maintaining the infrastructure that millions of Hoosiers rely on each day.

Location:
The position is in INDOT's Research & Development Division.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at$53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

CDL Positions:
Candidates with a current CDL and endorsements required by the district will earn an additional $1 per hour. Candidates without a CDL will be given 90 days to obtain their CDL and endorsements required by the district and will then earn an additional $1 per hour. CDL training provided onsite by certified INDOT staff.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Acts as part of two-person team to visually and physically performs standard, special and emergency inspections on, under and above bridges and large culverts.This includes operating bridge inspection equipment to determine existence and extent of damage, deterioration and potential hazards and assures the safe operation of the inspection equipment.
• Maintains, monitors, updates, and corrects the INDOT Bridge Inspection and Asset Database.
• Aids in preparing reports detailing bridge and large culverts inspection findings conducted under the direction of the supervisor such as: Updating pictures and videos, Preparing work orders for items needing repair or maintenance; Gathering data and measurements.
• Collects and reviews pertinent data in order to prepare for site inspections.
• Performs miscellaneous duties to facilitate operational efficiency of work unit (e.g., assists district bridge crews in making repairs to bridge structures.
• Required to plow snow as needed.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change
or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain one with the first 90 days of employment.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform physical activities such as lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods of time, as well as walking on traverse, steep and slippery slopes, climb.
• Must be able to endure exposure to inclement weather:
• Considerable knowledge of highway statutory, departmental, and administrative laws, rules, and regulations; Ability to operate specialty traffic equipment (e.g., bucket trucks, paint equipment, etc.…).
• Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team. Experience in traffic control, confined space, boating safety; Ability to use a geographical positioning system (GPS).
• Broad knowledge of Microsoft computer programs to include Word, Outlook, Excel, and Access; Ability to read and interpret bridge plans.
• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• 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 to401(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
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

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] .