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Assistant Transportation Engineer Jobs in California

Trilon Group

Transportation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Begin to assist the Project Manager with technical write-ups, memos, scope and budgets, and schedule updates. Qualifications Required: * 5-7 years of experience in transportation engineering or a ...

Trilon

Transportation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$83K - $110K/yr

Begin to assist the Project Manager with technical write-ups, memos, scope and budgets, and schedule updates. Required: * 5-7 years of experience in transportation engineering or a related field ...

PTR Global

Transportation Engineer I

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$89K - $102K/yr

The Transportation Engineer I will assist the Project Manager in the design and development of transportation projects on local roadways and state highways. This role involves preparing design ...

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All JobsTransportation Engineer JobsAssistant Transportation Engineer JobsAssistant Transportation Engineer Jobs in California

Assistant Transportation Engineer information

See California salary details

$21.1K

$64.1K

$118K

How much do assistant transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant transportation engineer in California is $64,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,106.00 and $78,338.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Transportation Engineer vs Transportation Engineer?

AspectAssistant Transportation EngineerTransportation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field; some roles may require engineering internship experienceBachelor's degree in civil engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentSupportive role in planning, design, and project management; often supervised by senior engineersLead project design, analysis, and decision-making; responsible for project execution
Employer & Industry UsagePublic agencies, consulting firms, transportation departmentsTransportation agencies, consulting firms, infrastructure companies

The main difference between an Assistant Transportation Engineer and a Transportation Engineer lies in their level of responsibility and experience. Assistant Transportation Engineers typically support project tasks under supervision, while Transportation Engineers take on more independent roles in planning, design, and project management. Both roles require a relevant civil engineering degree, but the Transportation Engineer often holds a PE license and has more project leadership duties.

What does an Assistant Transportation Engineer do?

An Assistant Transportation Engineer supports the planning, design, and implementation of transportation systems such as roads, highways, and public transit. They assist senior engineers with data collection, analysis, and the preparation of reports and construction plans. Their work often includes performing site inspections, using engineering software, and ensuring projects comply with safety and environmental standards. This role is typically an entry-level position that offers opportunities to learn and grow within the transportation engineering field.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Transportation Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or transportation engineering, typically with a relevant bachelor’s degree and EIT certification. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and traffic simulation tools, as well as knowledge of transportation standards, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering safe, efficient, and compliant transportation projects.

What types of projects or tasks are typically assigned to an Assistant Transportation Engineer in their first year?

As an Assistant Transportation Engineer, you can expect to be involved in tasks such as preparing engineering drawings, assisting with traffic studies, analyzing data, and supporting the design of roadways or transit projects. You'll often work under the supervision of senior engineers, collaborating with planners, surveyors, and contractors. Early responsibilities may also include site visits, report preparation, and helping ensure that projects comply with local and federal regulations. These experiences are designed to build your technical skills and understanding of transportation engineering processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Transportation Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Transportation Engineer jobs in California? For Assistant Transportation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Transportation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Transportation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Transportation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Transportation Engineer job openings:
Assistant Transportation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Transportation Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,104 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineer

Trilon Group

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Transportation Engineer
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000 / year
Description
Alta is looking for an Active Transportation Engineer to join our growing design team in our Los Angeles, California office. This mid-career role is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about sustainable transportation in bike and pedestrian infrastructure and eager to advance their career. In this position, you will work on a wide variety of projects focused on transforming communities through multimodal transportation solutions, including complete street reconfigurations, bikeway designs, complex trails, intersection improvements, ADA compliant and high function pedestrian facilities and other innovative transportation solutions. You'll work on both large- and small-scale projects and contribute to plans and designs that make a real impact on the safety and accessibility of communities across California and the country.
In this role, you'll collaborate with our multidisciplinary team of engineers, landscape architects, planners, graphics designers, outreach specialists, and data analysts while performing task lead and Assistant Project Management roles. You'll be mentored by industry leaders and have the opportunity to engage with complex design challenges, working across scales from conceptual design to detailed plans and specifications. You will mentor entry level staff and have the opportunity to have meaningful contribution in training, onboarding, and process improvement. If you are looking for a chance to grow your skills in a dynamic, collaborative environment and contribute to meaningful transportation projects, apply with Alta today!
About Alta
Alta is a mission‑driven company working to mitigate climate change and advance safety and social justice by shaping sustainable, people‑centered communities. We bring together expertise across planning, design, engineering, education and encouragement programs, and community engagement to help communities thrive. Our work is grounded in the belief that how places are designed and experienced has a profound impact on equity, health, and opportunity-and that people should always be at the heart of those decisions.
Founded in 1996, Alta was at the forefront of the active transportation movement and has spent nearly 30 years partnering with communities to imagine a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future. Today, with more than 225 staff across the United States and beyond, we are a global leader in creating environments that support everyday life, strengthen human connection, and respond to the challenges of a changing world. Alta offers the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, contribute to meaningful work at every scale, and be part of a team committed to making lasting, positive change for people and the places they call home.
Day to Day
  • Designing and delivering a variety of multimodal transportation projects, including complete streets, bikeway design, intersection improvements, ADA compliant and high function pedestrian facilities, and other innovative transportation solutions.
  • Working on project tasks like geometric layout, grading, drainage, signing and striping, multi-disciplinary coordination, green infrastructure, construction staging, and more.
  • Assist the Project Manager on day to day task by helping as a task lead or Assistant Project Manager
  • Developing high-quality design documents, including Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) for bid-ready packages.
  • Develop concept level alternatives that consider feasibility, use, and impacts.
  • Participating in site visits to investigate existing conditions, observe construction activities, and inform design decisions.
  • Leading and supporting project coordination meetings with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
  • Begin to assist the Project Manager with technical write-ups, memos, scope and budgets, and schedule updates.

Qualifications
Required:
  • 5-7 years of experience in transportation engineering or a related field, with a preference for experience in a consulting environment or public sector.
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field from an ABET/EAC-accredited program.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD; experience with Civil 3D, or similar civil engineering software is a plus. Previous MicroStation, OpenRoads experience is preferred.
  • Strong background in transportation design, including experience with multimodal transportation solutions, complete streets, bikeway design, pedestrian improvements, and related projects.
  • Ability to design, manage, and deliver project tasks such as geometric layout, grading, drainage, green infrastructure, construction staging, and interdisciplinary coordination.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proven ability to lead or coordinate project tasks, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines and budget constraints.

Preferred:
  • Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience with project management, including coordinating teams, preparing scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.
  • Familiarity with Deltek VantagePoint or similar project management software.
  • Willingness to travel as needed for site visits and client meetings

What We Offer
Flexible Schedule
Alta offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule where most employees work from home three days per week. In-office days support our collaborative culture, one of our core values.
Compensation
The pay range for this job in Los Angeles is $100,000-$130,000 annually. Placement within the range is based upon experience, skill-sets, and qualifications.
Benefits
Alta offers comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees:
  • Medical: PPO or HSA medical plans, Alta pays 75% of the cost
  • Dental/Vision: PPO, Alta pays 90% of the cost
  • Life Insurance: Alta pays 100% of the premium for life and AD&D, equal to your base compensation
  • 401(k): Alta provides a match up to 3%
  • PTO: 21 days accrued annually to start
  • Holidays: 11 total company paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave/Short-Term Disability
  • Additional Benefits: Wellness reimbursement up to $800 annually, Alta Gets Around benefit of up to $900 annually, 5-year travel award, and professional development opportunities

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