Senior Engineer – Bridge Load Rating and Structural Evaluation

What We Are Looking For:

We are looking for an experienced, highly motivated, and versatile bridge engineer to join our engineering staff in our Austin, TX office to support BDI’s national load rating program, serving state DOT and local bridge owner clients across the country. This position will focus on bridge load rating and structural analysis and will also support in-depth bridge evaluation and preservation projects. This is a hands-on role: you will perform load rating and evaluation production work yourself, while also serving as technical lead for our staff-level engineers by overseeing their day-to-day technical work, setting the technical approach, reviewing and checking their models, calculations, and reports, and mentoring them toward professional licensure. 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 field work, so you will stay connected to the structures you evaluate and help your team do the same. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a growth-oriented professional consulting group where you will work alongside senior technical staff and licensed Professional Engineers and help shape the continued growth of our national load rating program.

What You’ll Do:

Load Rating and Structural Analysis

• Develop, check, and seal load ratings in accordance with the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE), owner load rating manuals, and client specifications
• Perform and review LRFR, LFR, and ASR ratings, including legal, permit, and emergency vehicle loads
• Incorporate section loss, deterioration, and damage documented during inspection into load ratings
• Develop and calibrate finite element models for refined analysis and load rating of complex or non-standard structures, including ratings supported by diagnostic load testing
• Recommend load postings and evaluate critical findings for bridge owners
• Perform QC/QA of load rating models, calculations, and reports

Technical Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day technical work of staff engineers on load rating and evaluation projects, including assigning tasks, setting the technical approach, and answering questions as they arise
• Review and check staff calculations, AASHTOWare Bridge Rating models, and reports, and provide constructive feedback
• Mentor staff engineers toward PE licensure through hands-on instruction and technical review
• Develop and maintain internal load rating procedures, templates, and QC/QA checklists so that work is consistent across projects and bridge owners
• Lead the technical delivery of load rating projects and coordinate with project managers and clients on scope, schedule, and deliverables

In-Depth Evaluation and Preservation

• Lead in-depth structural evaluations of deteriorated or damaged bridges, including investigation of the causes of distress
• Develop 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

• Support proposals and client interviews with technical content and approach
• Update internal documentation upon project completion and share lessons learned with the team
• Work in a variety of field conditions, including at heights and in all types of weather
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You Need to Be Successful:

• Substantial hands-on experience performing and checking bridge load ratings for state DOT and local agency owners
• Expertise with AASHTOWare Bridge Rating; experience with finite element analysis software
• Thorough understanding of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, the Manual for Bridge Evaluation, and owner load rating guidance
• Experience load rating a variety of superstructure types, including steel, reinforced and prestressed concrete, and timber
• Experience with load posting recommendations and evaluation of critical findings
• Experience reviewing, checking, and guiding the work of junior engineers
• Strong knowledge and understanding of structural mechanics and material behavior, including deterioration of concrete and steel
• Strong verbal and written communication skills that can address multiple audiences

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
• Someone who enjoys teaching, mentoring, and helping others grow as engineers
• 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 (Master’s degree with a structural emphasis preferred)
• 6+ years of bridge load rating and structural evaluation experience, including AASHTOWare Bridge Rating
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and Louisiana, or the ability to become licensed in both states within six months of hire
• Willingness to obtain additional state licenses by comity as projects require; NCEES Record preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel
• Willingness to travel (up to 25%) including out-of-state and overnight for site visits, in-depth evaluations, and client meetings
• Able to work schedules which may extend the typical workweek or workhours according to project specific requirements
• Able to lift at least 50 lbs and have stamina for moderate physical activity
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Benefits and Compensation:

Salary Range: $90,000 - $140,000 per year, dependent on experience We offer a comprehensive, industry-leading compensation and benefits package designed to support your personal and professional well-being:

• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match: 100% match on contributions up to 3%, plus 50% match on contributions up to 5%
• Competitive medical insurance coverage with generous employer contributions
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer funding
• Company-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances
• Optional dental, vision, hospital, critical illness, accident, and pet insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

BDI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.