Structural Engineer - Bridge Maintenance

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Hybrid remote work

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting a Bridge Maintenance Engineer (Subject Matter Expert) to ensure bridges and related structures remain safe for Montanans. The role includes evaluating structural vulnerability, reviewing NBIS reports, and guiding statewide maintenance and repair programs.

Hybrid remote work may be available across Montana. Montana-licensed PE and NBIS certification are required or pursued within 6 months. Sign-on bonus and relocation support are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited engineering program with civil structural courses.
• PE licensure in Montana or eligibility for Montana licensure through comity.
• NBIS bridge inspection training with Team Leader certification or able to complete within 6 months.
• Alternative qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate structural vulnerability of bridges and transportation structures statewide.
• Review NBIS bridge inspection reports and perform field or remote assessments.
• Recommend repair and mitigation strategies for deficient facilities.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of structurally or safety deficient bridges.
• Lead engineering analyses and support decision-making with clear documentation.

Skills

Bridge structural analysis

NBIS inspection standards

Engineering judgment

Written and verbal communications

Education

ABET accredited engineering program

Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Bridge Maintenance Engineer (Subject Matter Expert). This position ensures that bridges and other transportation structures under MDT’s jurisdiction remain safe for the traveling public. The role involves evaluating the structural vulnerability of these facilities by reviewing NBIS bridge inspection reports, performing field assessments or remote evaluations, recommending repair and mitigation strategies, and overseeing the maintenance and repair of structurally or safety deficient bridges and structures statewide.

While this position is listed as a Helena location, other locations within the State of Montana may be considered.

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.

For a full job description, please contact Angela Murolo at [e-mail].

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. For more information, please contact MDT People Operations Bureau.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and techniques of Civil Engineering and the associated mathematics and physical sciences, especially the methods and practices of bridge structural analysis.
• Familiarity with industry standards and specifications, bridge design and load rating standards, bridge and tunnel inspection standards, bridge and road construction methods and policies, industry guidelines and practices.
• Skill in effective written and verbal communications at performing engineering analyses and applying engineering concepts, techniques, and procedures to a variety of situations and circumstances. This position must be skilled at evaluating structural problems by examining evidence, discussions with peers and inspection personnel, reviewing calculations and contract documents to determine proper course of action; and skill in drawing conclusions and making recommendations based on ambiguous or conflicting information.
• This position requires skill in applying engineering judgment when interpreting design guidelines and standards, preparing calculations, reports, and other documentation necessary to complete inspection, repair, maintenance, and design projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an ABET accredited engineering program that includes civil structural engineering courses in structural analysis, steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
• Graduate degrees with concentrations in structural analysis and design will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include 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.

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Other Information

• This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
• Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, \"State Vehicle Use,\" and MDT Policy #6.03.001, \"State Vehicle Use Policy\" are conditions of employment. (if applicable)
• 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.