Bridge Inspection Engineer

Finding the right fit:

You will find yourself atop, diving under, or alongside various bridges across the Midwest, assessing their condition. You can take pride in the fact that you’ll be performing critical, essential work that few others are capable of. And we won’t sugar coat it. You’ll be tested physically and mentally. Assessing what bridges need repairing, and when, is an essential component to keeping the traveling public safe – and that’s where the rewarding part of the work comes in. Here are some other qualities we’re looking for in our bridge inspection engineers:

• Problem-solvers. You’ll be challenged to use sight, sounds, and touch to provide fundamental inspection. Be ready for anything.
• Lovers of the great outdoors. Your work will inherently take you outside. We find that to be a “plus,” but it’s important to know from the get-go that you’ll be seeing different areas of the country in a variety of settings.
• Not afraid to get dirty – literally. This work is physical, requiring you to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, and your clothes will need a good wash at the end of the day. Picture a construction zone or similar type environment – the conditions you’ll be working in are a lot like that.
• Don’t be afraid to challenge both sides of your brain. The accuracy and detail of our reports is just as important as discovering deficiencies. Submitting thorough reports is a crucial component of our quest toward ensuring public safety.
• As someone who knows the business and appreciates the industry, we expect you to mentor, empower, and guide fellow staff. We encourage career growth.

Where will I travel to?
Where the work is, which is mostly in Wisconsin and Michigan and occasionally Florida during the winter months. We sometimes mobilize for up to two weeks at a time. Your travel expenses are covered, and you can expect about 65% of your time to be spent in the field, with the remaining 35% in the office.  

What will I be expected to do?

• Function as part of a team to complete initial, routine, underwater, in-depth, and non-redundant steel tension members inspections of fixed, movable, pedestrian, 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, industrial rope access techniques, SCUBA or surface supplied air, or other access methods to complete structural field inspections.
• Lead or assist with team planning and coordination to complete inspections.
• Develop bridge inspection reports describing field conditions found during inspections.
• Complete structural design or load ratings as needed.
• Lead or assist with business development efforts with new and existing clients

What do I need to come to the table with?

• A bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering.
• Proficiency with MS Suite, specifically Word and Excel.
• Physical ability to swim, climb, negotiate work areas, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Flexibility and willingness to work within the United States to inspect sites for up to two weeks at a time.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.

Desired skills and experiences:

• Commercial diver from an Association of Commercial Diving Educators accredited school.
• Ability to achieve registered professional engineer (PE).
• Bridge inspection, sign inspection, load rating, and/or bridge design experience.
• Current bridge inspection team leader in the state of Wisconsin.
• Successful completion of FHWA NHI Underwater Bridge Inspection course.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, communication skills, and ability to work with various teams.
• Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) Certification.

Benefits of being part of the Ayres team:

• Health/dental/vision insurance offering affordable plans with flexible coverage options

• Short-term and long-term disability

• Development

• Paid membership dues to professional organizations

• Paid licensing exam/prep course for professional certification

• Encourage/reimburse for professional registrations and certifications.

• Work/Life Balance

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid holidays [including two floating holidays]

• Flexible work schedules

• Financial

• Flexible spending plans and Health Savings Account (HSA) options

• 401(k) with company match

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• Social

• Peer recognition program and mentor programs

• Young Professionals [YP] networking groups

• Sporting events, dragon boat races, annual parties, summer picnics, and more!