Engineer, Senior – Structure & Bridge

Please apply online at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/engineer-senior-structure-bridge-richmond-virginia-united-states-82f66f0a-d3b3-47cb-b51c-3702be034584

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, review proposals and manhours, assist with negotiations, review proposals, and coordinate activities for advertisement.
• Attending project meetings to give and receive updates on project progress.
• Overseeing project activities, maintain project records, and attend project meetings to track progress and resolve 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

• Ability to estimate quantities and costs of materials.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include automated engineering and design software.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or related field.
• Ability to produce structural design plans and notes.
• Experience applying civil engineering principles and practices related to structural engineering to include strength of materials, statics and structural analysis.
• Experience in structural steel design, reinforced and prestressed concrete design and soil mechanics.
• Valid Professional Engineer’s license.
• Ability to interpret construction plans and design specifications.
• Knowledge of specifications, codes and regulations related to structural design (e.g. AASHTO and LRFD structural design standards).
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
• Ability to manage projects and review and administer consultant design contracts.

Additional Considerations

• A background in research is highly encouraged.
• Experience in the design and analysis of bridge structures.
• Experience in programming such as in python, VBA or equivalent software platform.
• 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.