What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME): Infrastructure Asset Management, Transportation Maintenance & Operations position at Thompson Engineering?
Position Overview:
This position will serve as a Nationally Recognized Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide Senior Technical Advisory services to our public sector clients. This part-time, as-needed role, will act as a trusted external authority for government agencies, departments of transportation, and public infrastructure authorities. This position will bring national experience to guide public clients through complex asset modernizations, incorporation of software solutions to support decision making , strategic planning, independent lifecycle audits, and maintenance, operational and capital planning.
Employment Type:
Part-Time / On-Call / hourly.
Hours:
Variable (average 0 to 20 hours per week, as needed)
Work Arrangement:
Flexible Hybrid / Remote, with targeted travel for client meetings, client workshops, or site audits as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the primary technical advisor to public agency leadership and executives, board members, and government stakeholders on transportation infrastructure and asset strategy.
Conduct or review independent, third-party reviews of public transportation networks, fleet maintenance workflows, and enterprise asset management data health.
Assist clients in drafting technical specifications, evaluating vendor proposals, and evaluating asset management solutions.
Assist with Interpreting federal and state mandates to design proactive compliance, safety, and risk frameworks for public infrastructure.
Provide authoritative briefings to agency leadership and public boards, regulatory bodies, and community stakeholders with absolute clarity and neutrality as needed.
Provide internal guidance and training to company employees on Transportation Operations, Maintenance and Asset Management as necessary.
Assist in RFP responses and go/no go decisions for Infrastructure management related projects.
Assist with Identifying teaming partners for operations, maintenance and asset management type projects.
Serve as a senior technical advisor to employees working on maintenance, operations and asset management type contracts for the client.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, or a related technical field.
Experience:
Minimum of 25 years of distinguished leadership managing or advising public transportation operations, infrastructure, or heavy fleet maintenance.
Peer-recognized expertise in State of Good Repair (SGR) metrics, and Asset Lifecycle Management planning.
Deep understanding of public procurement rules, government funding mechanisms, and public agency decision-making timelines.
Authoritative knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), or related federal modal regulations.
Preferred Qualifications:
Former high-level executive (e.g., Chief Operations Officer, Chief Engineer, Director of Asset Management) within a major state or regional DOT.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.
About Thompson Engineering
Founded in 1953, Thompson Engineering provides quality assurance and professional services for construction projects supporting industrial, infrastructure, and community development. Our services include drilling, materials testing, construction inspection, chemistry laboratory services, engineering design, environmental assessments, surveying, geotechnical studies, and construction management. Today, Thompson Engineering is recognized for leadership on projects that define skylines, coastlines, and transportation networks across the Southeast. From project planning and design through construction and completion, we deliver innovative solutions to complex infrastructure and building challenges for industrial, commercial, transportation, federal, and municipal clients.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.