Senior Mechanical Engineer

Initial Posting Date:
10/08/2026
Application Deadline:
11/05/2026
Agency:
Department of Transportation
Salary Range:
$8,159 - $12,658
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Job Description:
Professional Engineer 2 – Senior Mechanical Engineer
Oregon Department of Transportation
Delivery & Operations Division – Engineering & Technical Services Branch
Bridge Engineering Section / Bridge Preservation Unit
Salem
The role:
We are recruiting for a senior mechanical engineer to join our team in Salem! In this role, you will be part of our Bridge Preservation Unit as a technical lead in the field of fracture mechanics and fatigue for steel and movable bridges in Oregon. With a fewer number of bridges being replaced, it is vital that we continue to focus on maintaining the current highway system as functional as possible. As bridges in our inventory age, there will be more emergency repair needs. You will play an important role in supporting this work. You will also be responsible for coordinating our effort in developing inspection, materials testing, and non-destructive testing programs for our Bridge Engineering Section. If you appreciate working collaboratively with various engineering disciplines and want to help your community, apply today!
We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.
Before applying, visit our applicant information website to learn more about our process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday profile.
A day in the life:
Develop and operate a program using fracture mechanics analysis and non-destructive testing to identify the fatigue life of steel bridge members.
Develop and operate a program for thorough inspection and materials testing for fracture critical steel bridge members including setting an appropriate inspection schedule.
Evaluate, design and provide specialized inspection of movable bridge machinery and mechanical systems.
Develop scope of work and criteria for selecting consultants for outsourcing projects.
Investigate new materials for use in structures to increase fatigue life and corrosion resistance to decrease maintenance costs.
Prepare a needs statement for research projects to identify gaps and to identify potential benefits of new or current materials and design approaches.
Provide consultation to other design engineers, consultants or resident engineers on fracture mechanics behavior of steel and welded connections, and for developing member repairs or replacement.
Train other designers and engineers in mechanical engineering and welding design.
Develop non-destructive testing methods to help refine bridge load rating and assess the condition of bridges more accurately.
Provide technical input for revising or developing design standards to improve fatigue life of steel bridges.
Support region staff in project development and scoping.
Work in an office environment with hybrid options available and occasional overnight travel required– frequency of remote work will be discussed with hiring manager upon hire.
Field work may require working in all weather conditions and walking next to traffic, stooping, bending or climbing around hazardous locations and working 20 feet or more above ground, traffic, railways or water.
To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email ODOTRecruitment@odot.oregon.gov.
What’s in it for you:
Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.
Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.
The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!
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