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Inspection Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The position will primarily involve bridge inspection and office engineering. The field inspection durations and the associated physical effort vary widely. Physical effort during inspections ...

The position will primarily involve bridge inspection and office engineering. The field inspection durations and the associated physical effort vary widely. Physical effort during inspections ...

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Inspection Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$30.9K

$54.7K

$76.3K

How much do inspection engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for inspection engineering in Michigan is $54,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Inspection Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inspection Engineer, a solid background in engineering principles, materials science, and quality assurance—often supported by a relevant engineering degree and certifications like API or NDT—is essential. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and documentation systems like computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help Inspection Engineers excel in identifying and reporting issues. These competencies ensure the integrity, safety, and compliance of equipment and structures, ultimately minimizing risks and operational downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by inspection engineers and how can they be addressed?

Inspection engineers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly changing regulatory standards, working in physically demanding environments, and accurately documenting inspection results under tight deadlines. To address these, staying updated through regular training, using advanced inspection technologies, and maintaining clear communication with other engineering and safety teams can be highly beneficial. Building strong relationships with colleagues and prioritizing safety protocols also help ensure thorough and compliant inspections.

What is inspection engineering?

Inspection engineering is a specialized field focused on evaluating and ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of equipment, structures, or systems through systematic inspections and assessments. Inspection engineers use various techniques—such as visual checks, non-destructive testing, and data analysis—to identify defects, wear, or non-compliance with standards. Their work is essential in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, construction, and transportation, where safety and quality are critical. They often also recommend repairs, maintenance, or improvements based on their findings.

What is the difference between Inspection Engineering vs Quality Assurance Engineering?

AspectInspection EngineeringQuality Assurance Engineering
CertificationsASNT, API, NDT certificationsASQ CQE, Six Sigma, ISO certifications
Work EnvironmentField inspections, plant sites, manufacturing facilitiesOffice-based, process development, audits
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, oil & gas, aerospaceManufacturing, software, healthcare

Inspection Engineering focuses on the direct examination and testing of products or materials to ensure compliance with standards. Quality Assurance Engineering involves developing and implementing processes to prevent defects and improve quality across production. While both roles aim for quality, Inspection Engineering is more hands-on and inspection-focused, whereas Quality Assurance Engineering emphasizes process improvement and system audits.

What are popular job titles related to Inspection Engineering jobs in Michigan? For Inspection Engineering jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Inspection Engineering jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Inspection Engineering jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Inspection Engineering job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,725 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Bridge Inspection Engineer

Bridge Inspection Engineer

HDR

Ann Arbor, MI

Other

Posted 7 hours ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 351 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
HDR has an opening for a Bridge Inspection Engineer to join our Bridge Group in Michigan out of our Ann Arbor or East Lansing offices. The Bridge Inspection Engineer will be expected to perform bridge inspections and requires familiarity with a broad spectrum of bridge inspection equipment, methods, and processes.  The candidate will conduct National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) inspections, write field inspection reports, and perform basic mathematical calculations. Field inspections will be performed from ground level, hydraulic equipment, ladder access, or through the use of an assisted-climbing technique. As a Qualified Team Leader, the candidate will provide supervision of the bridge inspection team and provide support to the Project Managers in planning inspection activities.

The position will primarily involve bridge inspection and office engineering. The field inspection durations and the associated physical effort vary widely. Physical effort during inspections includes walking up and down slopes, climbing fences and handling a ladder, as well as handling of tools, gear, supplies, etc. as needed during bridge inspections. Additionally, working with aerial lift equipment and driving bucket trucks and pickup trucks will be necessary. The successful candidate should understand some of the field work is performed at substantial heights and should not be averse to working in such conditions. During field work the successful candidate may work adjacent to busy roads and interstates, in access equipment within an area secured by traffic control, and in inclement weather conditions. Occasional night and weekend work will be required along with travel in state. Out of state travel on other related assignments is available.

The position will support other bridge and transportation related assignments such as design and load rating as needed. Opportunities for growth are abundant through on the job training and skill development, as well as collaboration with our national bridge inspection practice including our Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) Team.   

In the role of Bridge Engineer, we'll count on you to: 
 
  • Apply structural engineering and detailing techniques
  • Work on projects that typically include bridge (steel plate girder, prestress concrete, segmental and cable) box culvert, and interchange design for highway and railway projects
  • Select standard bridge engineering/design procedures, develop structural details using specialized structural design and analysis software, and perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development
  • Review, assign work and/or check design calculations, estimates, and specifications produced by junior engineers and EITs
  • Perform other duties as needed  


 

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Structural Engineering
  • A minimum of 3 years' experience in bridge design.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Previous experience in bridge design
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu and engineering software packages such as: LEAP Bridge Enterprise, FB-MultiPier, LPile, AASHTOWare BrR, midas Civil, MDX, SAP2000, CSiBridge, RM Bridge, spColumn, STLBridgeLRFD, or STLBridge.  
  • Knowledge of ADINA, LUSAS, Bentley OpenBridge Designer and OpenBridge Modeler and/or Autodesk  Infraworks and Civil3d.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, MicroStation, AutoCAD, MathCAD, LARSA, Prestress Concrete Design
  • Experience using structural analysis programs and bridge design software
  • Experience managing junior staff
  • Excellent communication skills and working in a team environment
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917