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Assistant Transportation Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Work as part of a team to complete general transportation engineering services for municipal, county, and state agencies * Assist in the preparation of reports and feasibility studies * Develop ...

Work as part of a team to complete general transportation engineering services for municipal, county and state agencies * Assist in the preparation of reports and feasibility studies * Responsible ...

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Assistant Transportation Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$32.6K

$87.7K

$133K

How much do assistant transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant transportation engineer in Elgin, IL is $87,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $103,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 job categories do people searching Assistant Transportation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Transportation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Assistant Transportation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Assistant Transportation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Transportation Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,734 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Transportation Engineer

Pace Suburban Bus

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$70K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description


Job Description:
Under the direction of the Section Manager, Design and Construction, the transportation engineer reviews engineering plans, studies and reports prepared by the Illinois Department of Transportation, counties, and municipalities for impacts to existing bus service and develops opportunities for inclusion of new bus stop infrastructure in the plans. The position also reviews private-sector development proposals to evaluate impacts on transit service and infrastructure. Essential functions include:
  1. Providing engineering guidance on Pace programs including Arterial Rapid Transit and Bus on Shoulder.
  2. Providing project management of consultant prepared studies, reports, and plans. Serves as Construction Project Manager, including field observation and documentation and review of Contractor Requests for Information, Change Order Proposals, and Pay Applications for the construction of Pace infrastructure.
  3. Reviewing bus shelter plans prepared by Pace consultants and prepares in-house plans for bus shelter installation and other site improvements.
  4. Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education:
Must have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field with emphasis on traffic and transportation engineering; a master's degree is preferred.
Experience:
Must have a minimum of four years' experience in the design, review, and management of transportation and roadway improvement projects, with a good work history. Previous experience with project management, transit planning and facility design, construction, and managing consultants is preferred.
Licenses/Certifications:
Must have a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
Must have State of Illinois Engineer-in-Training certification or obtain Engineering-in-Training certification within one year of being hired; a Professional Engineer License in the State of Illinois is preferred.
Proficiencies:
Must have a thorough understanding of highway, traffic, and construction engineering principles including highway and pedestrian safety, geometric and drainage design, vehicle turning movements, sight distance analysis, and construction materials.
Must understand the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Must demonstrate familiarity with FHWA, IDOT, Tollway, county, and municipal highway policies, regulations, procedures, and design standards.
Must be proficient using computers including Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Must have experience using other software including AutoCAD, MicroStation, and AutoTurn; previous experience with e-Builder and Bluebeam is preferred.
Must be able to read and understand engineering plans and be able to initiate and evaluate design and field engineering changes during construction; Must have good communication and interpersonal skills.
Physical Requirements:
This role requires sitting for extended periods, typing on a computer, and attending meetings. Me be able to lifts objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office environment with standard office equipment, including a computer, phone, and desk space; work is also performed outdoors on construction sites with local travel is required. This position is eligible for hybrid schedule after successful completion of 6-month job introduction period.
Salary
Full Salary Range: $70,902 - $154,928
Salary Midpoint: $112,915
Starting Salary Range: $91,908 - $112,915
Pace provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their long-term growth potential.
BENENFITS SUMMARY
About Us
Pace, the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority ("Pace"), was established to aid and assist public transportation in the six-county northeastern Illinois area consisting of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
As an equal opportunity employer, Pace seeks to employ qualified personnel in all job classifications and to provide equal opportunities in a manner that will not discriminate against any person because of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or civil union status, citizenship status, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, order of protection status, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic defined under applicable law.
Thank you for your interest in Pace. If you are having difficulty completing this application or require other assistance, please contact Devlin Collins at devlin.collins@pacebus.com.