Structural Inspection Engineer

J.Riley Recruitment; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized engineering recruitment firm is seeking a Structural Inspection Engineer to lead inspections and evaluations of bridge and transportation structures. The role requires hands-on field inspections, coordination, and technical documentation. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, an active PE license, and 5 years of inspection experience. This opportunity provides professional growth in a supportive environment, working on significant infrastructure projects that enhance communities across the nation.

Qualifications

• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Minimum of 5 years of bridge and structural inspection experience.
• Good physical ability to work at heights and in confined spaces.
• Completion of FHWA/NHI bridge inspection training and refresher certifications.
• Fracture-critical inspection certification preferred.
• Training in mobile elevated work platforms and under-bridge access equipment.
• OSHA fall protection and confined space training.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including overnights and out-of-state assignments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise inspection personnel during field operations.
• Review structural plans and historical inspections to execute field activities.
• Communicate effectively with clients and agencies.
• Develop and implement site-specific safety and traffic control plans to ensure safe field operations.
• Perform and oversee detailed inspections of bridges, fracture-critical elements, and related transportation structures in accordance with national inspection standards.
• Operate specialized access equipment such as bucket trucks, manlifts, and under-bridge inspection units as required.
• Accurately document inspection findings using detailed notes, sketches, and digital photography.
• Evaluate structural conditions and exercise professional engineering judgment when identifying deficiencies and recommending actions.
• Communicate effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and equipment providers.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and complete inspection reports that meet agency and industry requirements.
• Maintain all required professional licensure, certifications, and training.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Structural Inspection

Technical Documentation

Safety Planning

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

FHWA/NHI bridge inspection training

Fracture-critical inspection certification (preferred)

Mobile elevated work platforms training

OSHA fall protection training

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Specialized access equipment

Job description

Our client is seeking a Structural Inspection Engineer to support and lead the inspection, evaluation, and reporting of bridge and transportation structures for public-sector clients. This role combines hands‑on field inspections with engineering judgment, coordination, and technical documentation, and is well suited for a licensed Professional Engineer with a strong background in structural inspections.

The position involves leading inspection efforts, coordinating access and logistics, and ensuring inspections are performed in accordance with applicable federal and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Review structural plans, historical inspection reports, and inspection scopes to plan and execute field activities
• Lead and supervise inspection personnel during field operations and reporting tasks
• Coordinate inspection logistics including scheduling, access equipment, traffic control, and required permits
• Develop and implement site‑specific safety and traffic control plans to ensure safe field operations
• Perform and oversee detailed inspections of bridges, fracture‑critical elements, and related transportation structures in accordance with national inspection standards
• Operate specialized access equipment such as bucket trucks, manlifts, and under‑bridge inspection units as required
• Accurately document inspection findings using detailed notes, sketches, and digital photography
• Evaluate structural conditions and exercise professional engineering judgment when identifying deficiencies and recommending actions
• Communicate effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and equipment providers
• Prepare clear, accurate, and complete inspection reports that meet agency and industry requirements
• Maintain all required professional licensure, certifications, and training

This role includes occasional night work, overnight travel, and assignments that may extend beyond a traditional workweek.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or Engineering Technology from an ABET‑accredited institution
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Minimum of 5 years of bridge and structural inspection experience
• Completion of FHWA/NHI bridge inspection training and refresher certifications
• Fracture‑critical inspection certification preferred
• Training in mobile elevated work platforms and under‑bridge access equipment
• OSHA fall protection and confined space training
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license
• Physical ability to work at heights, over water, and in confined or demanding environments
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Willingness to travel extensively, including occasional overnight and out‑of‑state assignments

Why Join Our Client

This opportunity offers exposure to complex and high‑profile infrastructure assets while providing long‑term professional growth within a well‑established engineering environment. The organization supports technical excellence, safety, and collaboration, offering engineers the chance to expand their inspection expertise while working on meaningful transportation projects that serve communities nationwide.

About J.Riley Recruitment

J.Riley Recruitment is THE Veteran‑Owned Business connecting Military Veterans and Top Professionals with the Best Companies. Since our founding in 2020, J.Riley Recruitment has leveraged over a decade of Talent Acquisition expertise to deliver exceptional results. Our network extends coast to coast, empowering organizations nationwide to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Built on a foundation of integrity, discipline, and precision, we bring operational excellence and adaptability to recruitment that defines top‑tier organizations. By understanding our clients’ unique challenges and aligning with their goals, we deliver high‑performing talent that drives mission‑focused outcomes.