Bridge Field Technician

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an exceptional Field and Lab Technician to join our bridge engineering team, located at WJE’s global headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois or WJE’s branch office in Portland, Oregon.

At WJE, we spend almost as much time in the field, up close and personal with our projects, as we do in the office. This role will require regular nationwide travel to perform field investigations and bridge inspections, collect samples, test materials in order to assist in the diagnosis process, perform nondestructive and destructive testing, assist with specimen and full scale testing in our laboratory, perform fabrication of test components and retrofit components, and install structural retrofits. This position works under the general supervision of a Senior Specialist or Project Manager but completes routine and moderately complex tasks, testing and structure retrofit installations independently. As a Field and Lab Technician, you will perform various inspection techniques on a variety of bridge structures, both modern and historic.

A career at WJE will give you the opportunity to learn from and grow alongside industry-leading experts as you develop your technical expertise and your hands-on capabilities.

Essential Functions

Routinely completes lab and field technician work, which includes: participation in bridge structure inspections, retrofit of steel and concrete structures including installation of bolted or welded steel retrofits, installation of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment, concrete coring, steel sample removal, moderate to complex steel fabrication, and performing tests in lab and field with minimal supervision

Support other inspections to assess conditions such as corrosion, defects, or cracking of structural steel. Interpret indications of distress and report or record results per project requirements

Under the direction of experienced engineering staff, understand and execute inspections in accordance with AWS or other applicable codes

Assist in additional NDT or other work at WJE’s laboratory or field equipment facilities

Responsible for equipment maintenance and purchase/rental

Calibrates laboratory and field testing equipment

Plays an active role in the quality assurance program

Understands, follows, and enforces all safety standards

Assists in work product development by operating a computer, iPad, or similar device

Develops computer sketches or drawings from field notes or hand sketches

Conducts specialized testing

Assume increasing responsibilities as your experience and capabilities develop

Travels to job sites for extended periods of time (up to 40% of the time throughout the year)

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent or Associate’s degree in related field and up to four years of relevant work experience

Hands on capabilities with experience in mechanical, construction, and/or applicable electronic trades

Developed understanding of routine tests

Ability to work independently and to perform tasks after verbal and written instruction

Ability and interest to obtain some or all of the certifications herein after undergoing required classroom training and workhour experience

Basic computer knowledge. Knowledge of MS Office, PDF editors, and CAD software preferred.

Detail-oriented, problem solving mindset

Effective written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

ACI field training and lab certification

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or certified welder (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW to AWS D1.1/D1.5)

Commercial Driver License (Class A or B CDL)

SPRAT Level 1 Certification or Higher, or equivalent

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits:

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.

Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry’s most accomplished experts. People with outstanding C haracter, unwavering C ommitment to our core and culture, strong E xpertise, and genuine E nthusiasm for their work.

Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure, where the hourly rate is just one component of an employee’s annual earnings. Additionally, employees may be eligible to receive overtime and variable compensation based on personal and company performance , often resulting in above-market annual earnings. Actual hourly rate will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity. A good faith estimate of the starting hourly rate (gross) for this position is in the following range :

$26.50 - $39.75

This non-exempt position is also eligible for WJE’s industry-leading, total rewards package which enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including:

Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options

Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay vesting immediately

Time off to care for yourself and others

Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development

​ Learn more about WJE’s total rewards package here .

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.