Staff Engineer – Load Rating, Inspection, Structural Evaluation

BDI; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BDI is seeking an engineer to join our Louisiana- and Texas-based teams. The role focuses on bridge load rating and structural analysis for state DOTs and local owners, with NBIS inspections and preservation work.

You will work in a mix of office analysis and hands-on field tasks across Austin, TX and New Orleans/Metairie, LA. You will develop load rating models, perform code-based calculations, and produce technical reports, mentored by senior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering.
• FE exam passed; EI/EIT certification within 3 months of hire.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• 1–3 years of bridge load rating, structural analysis, or bridge inspection experience preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% and flexibility with schedules.

Responsibilities

• Develop load rating models and reports in accordance with AASHTO MBЕ and client specs.
• Compute member capacities using LRFR, LFR, and ASR methods.
• Create finite element models for refined analysis and load rating.
• Support NBIS-based bridge inspection and preservation evaluations.
• Coordinate with project managers and clients; document findings and prepare reports.

Skills

Bridge load rating

Structural analysis

Field inspection

Programming

Education

ABET-accredited civil/structural engineering

Tools

AASHTOWare Bridge Rating

MATLAB

Python

VBA

Job description

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Full Time Professional Louisiana, Metairie, LA, US

Salary Range: $72,500.00 To $90,000.00 Annually

What We Are Looking For:

We are looking for a highly motivated and versatile individual to join our engineering staff in either our Austin, TX or New Orleans/Metairie, LA office. This position will focus on bridge load rating and structural analysis for our state DOT and local bridge owner clients. The role will also support bridge inspections performed in accordance with FHWA's National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), as well as in-depth bridge evaluation and preservation projects. Tasks will include development and QC/QA of load rating models, code-based calculations, refined analysis, interpretation of field and client-provided data, field inspection, and report writing. Tasks may also include supporting BDI's diagnostic testing, structural monitoring, and nondestructive evaluation field and engineering services.

The position offers a balanced mix of office-based analysis and hands-on field work, so you will see the structures you analyze firsthand, apply what you learn in the field to your ratings and evaluations, and build a well-rounded skill set that few early-career engineers get. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a growth-oriented professional consulting group where you will work with and be mentored by senior technical staff and licensed Professional Engineers across the full life cycle of bridge evaluation.

What You'll Do:

Load Rating and Structural Analysis

• Develop AASHTOWare Bridge Rating models and load ratings in accordance with the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE), owner load rating manuals, and client specifications
• Compute member capacities and rating factors using LRFR, LFR, and ASR methods, including legal, permit, and emergency vehicle loads
• Incorporate section loss, deterioration, and damage documented during inspection into load ratings
• Develop finite element models for refined analysis, model calibration, and load rating of complex or non-standard structures
• Perform QC/QA of load rating models, calculations, and load rating reports developed by other engineering staff
• Support the evaluation of load posting needs and critical findings under the direction of a licensed Professional Engineer
• Prepare load rating reports, summary sheets, and submittal documentation to the quality of submitting to a client

Bridge Inspection

• Assist in routine, in-depth, Nonredundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM), damage, and special inspections in accordance with NBIS and the Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI)
• Document component ratings, element condition states, and findings; prepare inspection reports and update owner web-based reporting systems
• Perform field work from ground level, ladders, hydraulic access equipment (e.g., UBIT), or using rope access techniques

In-Depth Evaluation and Preservation

• Support in-depth structural evaluations of deteriorated or damaged bridges, including investigation of the causes of distress
• Assist in developing repair, rehabilitation, and preservation recommendations, with supporting calculations, details, and cost estimates
• Prepare technical memoranda and reports summarizing findings and recommendations for bridge owners

General

• Coordinate with project managers, senior engineers, and clients on schedules, logistics, and deliverables
• Update internal documentation upon project completion and share lessons learned with the team
• Work in a variety of conditions including working at heights, overnight shifts, and in all types of weather
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills You Will Develop:

• Application of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, the Manual for Bridge Evaluation, and state DOT load rating guidance
• Load rating with AASHTOWare Bridge Rating and refined analysis using finite element software
• Bridge inspection in accordance with NBIS and SNBI, including element-level condition assessment
• A practical understanding of structural behavior and how concrete and steel bridges deteriorate in service
• Programming and scripting (Python, MATLAB, VBA, or similar) to streamline analysis and data processing
• Technical writing and communication with clients, bridge owners, and project teams
• Safe field practices, including use of access equipment, rope access, and hand and power tools

You Are:

• Excited by solving challenging problems and aren't afraid to think outside the box
• A natural self-starter who prides themselves on delivering quality products
• Flexible and have the ability to adapt to different work on a variety of projects, in both the office and the field
• Ready to develop personally and professionally with a growing company
• Comfortable working at heights (200+ feet)
• Detail oriented and organized

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• Passed the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam; EIT/EI certification required within 3 months of hire
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel
• 1-3 years of experience in bridge load rating, structural analysis, or bridge inspection preferred; recent graduates with relevant coursework or internship experience are encouraged to apply
• Completion of an FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training course preferred, or willingness to complete within 12 months of hire
• Willingness to travel (up to 25%), including overnight to conduct field work
• Able to work schedules which may extend the typical workweek or workhours according to project specific requirements