Bridge Inspection Team Leader

Bridge Inspection Team Lead

GFT is seeking a Bridge Inspection Team Lead to join our Bridge Group in Austin, TX. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at the Austin, Houston, or Fort Worth, TX offices.

GFT’s geoprofessionals bring unparalleled expertise to tackle the most challenging geotechnical assignments. We deliver innovative solutions for foundations, earth structures, groundwater resources, dams, underground construction, and building sites. We excel in designing building and transportation infrastructure, addressing landslides, sinkholes, mine subsidence, slope stability, and seepage issues.

Projects include non-redundant steel tension member (NSTM) bridge inspections, routine bridge inspections, special bridge inspections, bridge load ratings, new structure design, and the inspection and rehabilitation or repair of existing structures for both roadways and railroads. Candidates will be responsible for leading field structure inspections, leading structural design tasks, monitoring and adhering to budgets and schedules, performing QC or QA reviews, and working with other staff in completing projects.

Applicants must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to travel for project site visits, the ability to work in the field conducting bridge inspections approximately 30% of the time, and must be able to work well in a team environment on multi‑disciplinary projects.

• Prepare or preferably direct technical reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, and designs for structures.
• Perform construction management tasks.
• Plan and develop engineering projects concerning unique or controversial problems, including exploration, definition of scope, and development of novel concepts.
• Organize and develop project teams to execute specific phases or aspects of a project such as technical studies, project design, preparation of specifications and technical plans, and project inspection. Delegate as necessary.
• Review project design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer contract requirements.
• Coordinate activities concerning technical developments, scheduling, and manpower, resolving engineering design problems.
• Evaluate and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Develop project scope of work, estimate manpower needs, prepare schedules, and track project progress.
• Ensure the project is completed within the allocated period of time and budget.
• Maintain liaison within and outside the organization for technical matters.
• Assist Client Managers on proposals to clients.
• Plan and execute project meetings; negotiate complex project issues with the client, such as scope changes or schedule acceleration.
• Ensure compliance with quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
• Interpret changes in the contract and advise management on needed changes.
• Maintain professional, technical, and supervisory skills by attending workshops, reviewing publications, establishing networks, and participating in professional societies.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in civil/structural design, bridge inspections, rehabilitation, and evaluation of bridges, including load ratings, construction documents, specifications, and estimates.
• Professional Engineer (civil) or Structural Engineer license in the state of Texas (or other state with the ability to become licensed in Texas within 6 months).
• Successful completion of NHI Course 130055 Safety Inspection of In‑Service Bridges and current certification in NHI Course 130053A Bridge Inspection Refresher Training (if applicable).
• Successful completion of NHI Course 130078 Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges or Bridge Inspection Techniques for Nonredundant Steel Tension Members (NSTM).
• Familiarity with structural programs such as STAAD, AASHTOWare BrR, MDX, Bentley, and LEAP, as well as Microsoft Suite.
• Familiarity with Bridge Database software including Bentley Asset Wise, AASHTOWare BrM, or similar.
• Familiarity…