About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

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We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

HDR has an opening for a Bridge Inspection Engineer to join our Bridge Group in Michigan out of our Ann Arbor or Lansing offices. The Bridge Inspection Engineer will be expected to perform bridge inspections and requires familiarity with a broad spectrum of bridge inspection equipment, methods, and processes. The candidate will conduct National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) inspections, write field inspection reports, and perform basic mathematical calculations. Field inspections will be performed from ground level, hydraulic equipment, ladder access, or through the use of an assisted-climbing technique. As a Qualified Team Leader, the candidate will provide supervision of the bridge inspection team and provide support to the Project Managers in planning inspection activities.

The position will primarily involve bridge inspection and office engineering. The field inspection durations and the associated physical effort vary widely. Physical effort during inspections includes walking up and down slopes, climbing fences and handling a ladder, as well as handling of tools, gear, supplies, etc. as needed during bridge inspections. Additionally, working with aerial lift equipment and driving bucket trucks and pickup trucks will be necessary. The successful candidate should understand some of the field work is performed at substantial heights and should not be averse to working in such conditions. During field work the incumbent may work adjacent to busy roads and interstates, in access equipment within an area secured by traffic control, and in inclement weather conditions. Occasional night and weekend work will be required along with travel in state. Out of state travel on other related assignments is available.

The position will support other bridge and transportation related assignments such as design and load rating as needed. Opportunities for growth are abundant through on the job training and skill development, as well as collaboration with our national bridge inspection practice including our Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) Team.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Bridge Inspection Engineer include:

• Function as part of a team to complete initial, routine, in-depth, and fracture-critical inspections of fixed, movable, and signature bridges; dams; hydraulic structures; and other miscellaneous structures for Agencies (federal, state, local) and private owners using National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and other relevant standards.
• Use various access techniques including under bridge inspection equipment, ladders, bucket trucks, boom lifts, industrial rope access techniques, or other access methods to complete structural field inspections.
• Lead or assist with team planning, workplan development, and coordination to complete inspections.
• Develop bridge inspection reports summarizing outcomes and condition assessments completed during inspections.
• Identifying and mitigate hazardous conditions such as confined space, risk of electric shock, etc.
• Complete structural load ratings as needed.
• Performing standard bridge engineering/design procedures,
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• BSCE required
• MI PE Required, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in bridge design, inspection and/or construction
• Successful completion of FHWA-NHI approved comprehensive training to become a certified Bridge Inspection Team Leader (130055 or 130056)
• Willingness to travel within Michigan and the United States to inspection sites
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Ability to write reports and good communications skills is a must.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Structural Engineering (Civil)
• Bridge design and inspection experience with MDOT
• MDOT Qualified Team Leader for bridge inspection, or ability to readily attain upon hire
• Proven problem solving and documentation abilities with the ability to manage inspection staff, schedules and coordinate field activities as well as read and interpret bridge construction and shop drawings
• Successful completion of FHWA-NHI approved fracture-critical techniques for steel bridges training course (130078)

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by empl
oyee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.