Engineer, Senior - Structure & Bridge

Please apply online at: Engineer, Senior - Structure & Bridge - Richmond, Virginia, United States

Title: Engineer, Senior - Structure & Bridge

State Role Title: Architect Engineer II

Hiring Range: $95,353 - $154,948

Pay Band: 6

Agency: VA Dept of Transportation

Location: Dept of Transportation

Agency Website: www.virginiadot.org/jobs

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

What drives you? Whether it's knowing the work you do makes a difference, having a great work/life balance, working on exciting and challenging projects, leading innovation, and championing change or simply working with a great group of people who are committed to professionalism. At the Virginia Department of Transportation, we have something for you.

Our Structure and Bridge Division at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking a highly skilled Engineer, Senior for the Load Rating and Hauling Permit Section. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving abilities, sound engineering judgment, and the capacity to work independently while upholding the integrity of the state's infrastructure.

This position offers a unique opportunity to take lead on a bridge structural engineering, working independently as a technical lead on the capacity assessments. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with the Program Manager to provide input on leadership and policy recommendations related to load rating, including state practices for rating, posting, and overweight permitting.

The selected candidate will be responsible for the following duties:

Structural Analysis:
• Performing comprehensive structural analyses of highway bridges and culverts to determine load ratings, utilizing standard load rating programs, advanced finite-element-based software, or manual calculations, as appropriate.
• Assessing the condition of existing structures to determine their load-carrying capacity and analyze overweight permit loads that exceed self-issuance thresholds. Evaluating the adequacy of structures to support overloads, preparing recommendations for permit requests.

Quality Control and Assurance:
• Reviewing load rating analysis reports prepared by others to ensure quality and compliance with established quality control/quality assurance standards.
• Validating load ratings for use in load posting and overweight permit evaluations.

Software Validation & Evaluation:
• Evaluating and validating software solutions used in bridge design and load ratings. Providing recommendations for improvements or enhancements based on industry standards, regulatory requirements, and engineering best practices.

Technical Guidance and Support:
• Reviewing engineering specifications and proposing necessary revisions, ensuring the timely update of load rating manuals and policy guidelines.
• Developing effective recommendations to resolve load rating challenges and respond to related inquiries.
• Troubleshooting issues related to load rating, ensuring clear communication of guideline updates and revisions to relevant stakeholders.

Load Rating Data and Inventory Management:
• Managing the load rating inventory and coordinating with relevant parties and system vendors to resolve discrepancies.
• Collaborating with other sections within the bridge safety inspection program to ensure proper data integration and alignment.

Project Management:
• Assisting in the development of scopes of work, developing and managing project schedules, reviewing proposals and manhours, assisting with negotiations, reviewing proposals, and coordinating activities for advertisement.
• Attending project meetings to give and receive updates on project progress.
• Overseeing project activities, maintaining project records, and attending project meetings to track progress and resolving issues.

Meetings, Training, Teamwork:
• Participating in or lead project teams, ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration between team members and stakeholders.
• Contributing to local and national-level specialty committees to exchange feedback on load rating practices.
• Organizing and managing training sessions for district load rating engineers, ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed of updates and developments.

Research Studies:
• Participating in or overseeing engineering studies, collecting, analyzing, and processing data and information to develop technically accurate and compliant recommendations.
• Preparing formal business correspondence, technical reports, and presentations to share findings and solutions.
• Conducting field inspections as necessary to investigate structural conditions, deterioration, repair needs, or field measurements relevant to bridge design or rehabilitation.

Responsible Charge Engineer:
• Fulfilling duties as a responsible charge engineer, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and the Code of Virginia.


 

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates with a background in research is highly encouraged to apply.
• Experience in the design and analysis of bridge structures.
• Experience in programming such as in python, VBA or equivalent software platform is preferred.
• Experience using AASHTO's LRFD, MBE, Standard Specifications.
• Experience managing projects and consultant contracts is plus.
• Experience using MS Office, bridge design and Microstation software.
 

Additional Considerations

• Experience with data analysis, statistical analysis, bridge or maintenance management systems, life cycle cost analysis, multi-objective prioritization analysis, or performance management analysis.
• Experience with Excel, Python, Tableau, Power BI, statistical software, GIS software, SQL and VBA for complex data analysis, SharePoint Sites, web pages, and dashboards.
• A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering, Data Decision Analysis, or related field desired.
• Knowledge of deterioration modeling, NBI and NBE bridge inspection data, and preservation and preventative maintenance practices.
• Experience with the use of and theory behind bridge management analysis modules within AASHTOWare BrM framework.
• Experience scoping bridge projects; designing and analysis of structural elements; sizing and detailing of components, and VDOT and AASHTO standards.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer's (PE) license.
• Experience developing plans, specifications, special provisions, quantities, project and construct cost estimates.
• Completed NBIS in-service bridge inspection. Completed element level inspection and have in-depth knowledge of the AASHTO Manual for Bridge element inspection.