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Caltrans Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Route Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$6.4K - $12K/mo

The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in ... Route Engineer Classification: TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER (CIVIL) $6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A $7,428.00 ...

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Caltrans Engineer information

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do caltrans engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for caltrans engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Caltrans Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, a bachelor's degree in engineering, and an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, transportation design tools, and project management systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in team settings and coordinate with various stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and compliant infrastructure projects that meet California’s transportation needs.

What types of projects do Caltrans Engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Caltrans Engineers are involved in a wide range of transportation projects, including highway design, bridge construction, traffic operations, and maintenance. They frequently collaborate with planners, environmental specialists, contractors, and local government agencies to ensure projects meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. Teamwork and effective communication are essential, as engineers often participate in multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate with various stakeholders to address technical challenges and deliver solutions on time and within budget.

How much does a Caltrans Engineer make?

A Caltrans Engineer's salary varies based on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $120,000 annually. Entry-level engineers usually start around $70,000, while experienced engineers with advanced certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of transportation systems, engineering principles, and state-specific regulations.

Is it hard to get hired by Caltrans?

Getting hired as a Caltrans engineer can be competitive due to the agency's rigorous hiring process, which includes exams, interviews, and background checks. Candidates often need relevant education, technical skills, and experience in transportation or civil engineering to improve their chances.

What jobs make 500,000 a year?

High-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite executives often earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in large corporations. Certain specialized medical professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and top-tier lawyers can also reach this income level, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and significant responsibilities.

What are Caltrans Engineers?

Caltrans Engineers are professionals who work for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining the state's transportation systems. They work on projects such as highways, bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability. These engineers may specialize in various fields, including civil, structural, transportation, or environmental engineering, and play a critical role in keeping California's transportation network operational and up to date.

What is the difference between Caltrans Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCaltrans EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, Caltrans-specific certificationsEngineering degree, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentState agency, transportation projectsPrivate/public sector, various infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryCalifornia Department of TransportationConstruction firms, consulting firms, government agencies

Caltrans Engineers primarily work on transportation infrastructure within the California Department of Transportation, focusing on state highway projects. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. While both roles require engineering credentials, Caltrans Engineers often need specific state certifications and work within a government transportation context, whereas Civil Engineers may work in diverse environments and industries.

What jobs pay $6,000 a month in California?

A Caltrans Engineer can earn around $6,000 or more per month, depending on experience, education, and seniority. These civil engineering roles often require a bachelor's degree in engineering, a Professional Engineer license, and familiarity with transportation systems and project management. Salaries vary by location, level, and workload, but experienced engineers in California frequently reach or exceed this monthly income.
More about Caltrans Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Caltrans Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Caltrans Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Caltrans Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Caltrans Engineer jobs include:

Senior Roadway Project Engineer (CALTRANS EXPERIENCE)

TYPSA INC

Irvine, CA • On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

We are currently seeking resumes from qualified, responsible, self-sufficient, Senior Roadway Project Engineers to join our Irvine, California office. The ideal candidate will be motivated to develop and build their personal knowledge and skills to assist with the growth and success of the office. We offer a friendly, professional atmosphere with excellent benefits and a salary commensurate with experience.


Job Description:

The role will perform and be responsible for independently leading roadway design activities for Caltrans and municipal transportation projects including streets/highways/freeways. The ideal candidate will be capable of leading a roadway design team with varying levels of experience providing clear technical direction with design development to other staffs. Responsibilities include applying Caltrans and AASHTO design manuals and standards, researching and developing practical solutions for non-standard design conditions, and delivering high-quality roadway engineering work products such as geometric design, modeling, preparation of design calculations, plan production, quantities, cost estimates, reports and quality control.

Primary Job Duties:

  • Independently lead the roadway geometric design for Caltrans and municipal transportation projects, exercising sound engineering judgment with minimal supervision
  • Provide technical leadership to roadway design teams with varying experience levels by setting direction, reviewing work, and mentoring staff as needed
  • Apply and interpret Caltrans and AASHTO Highway Design Manual, Standard Plans, and Standard Specifications, including researching and developing justified solutions for non-standard or complex design conditions.
  • Develop, review, and approve roadway design deliverables including plans, earthwork and 3D models, design calculations, geometric design documentation, quantities, cost estimates, specifications, and reports
  • Read, interpret, and apply engineering plans, specifications, and technical documents to support design decisions and resolve design conflicts
  • Coordinate roadway design activities with other disciplines and project team members to ensure integrated and constructible solutions
  • Perform and oversee design quality control and inter-discipline reviews to ensure compliance with project requirements, applicable standards, and internal quality procedures
  • Analyze project data and constraints, identify risks and opportunities, and make technically sound recommendations supported by engineering analysis
  • Plan and manage roadway design tasks, including developing work plans, tracking budgets and schedules, and communicating progress and issues to project leadership
  • Prepare clear, concise technical documentation and correspondence, including technical narratives for proposals and design memoranda
  • Support business development efforts for transportation projects by providing technical input, scope development, and proposal support
  • Ensure roadway design work is completed on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with project and client expectations

Job Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Skills):

  • Minimum education required is B.S. in Civil Engineering
  • Minimum of eight (8) of progressive experience demonstrating strong technical geometric abilities and modeling for civil engineering and transportation projects including inter-discipline coordination
  • California PE license (Civil)
  • Experience with state and municipal transportation agency projects
  • Track record providing high-quality technical design deliverables, meeting scopes, schedules, and budgets on a range of transportation projects
  • Ability to lead a roadway design team for geometric design, road safety design, earthwork modeling, maintenance of traffic, contract document preparation, quality reviews
  • Project/task management- schedule tasks, assign resources, monitor progress on scope/schedule/budget, discipline communication and coordination
  • Be proficient in: MicroStation and/or AutoCAD, InRoads/ORD, Civil 3D, , Project Wise, and MS Office
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the capacity to effectively communicate thoughts and ideas to peers, senior staff and clients.
  • Valid Driver's License, with the ability to maintain insurability under the company's insurance carrier

Competencies (To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies):

  • Communicative – interacts openly with others; can maintain relationships, works well independently or with a team.
  • Consultative - Consults with other disciplines as needed; tolerates different perspectives or opinions.
  • Decisive & Action Oriented - Has a high level of energy and stamina; gets things done; makes sound educated but rapid decisions even when short of information; enjoys managing challenging projects and works well in fast-paced and pressure environments. Self-motivated and proactive
  • Flexible - Adapts to new challenges and circumstances; able to multi-task; thrives on variety and frequently changing environments; creative problem solver. Resourcefulness, with minimal direction.
  • Analytical – Uses sound data, and procedures, and follows all laws, rules, and regulations but is a solutionist or problem-solver.
  • Conscientious and Organized – Believes professional integrity is paramount; understands the importance of project records; responsive to clients and deadline oriented; quality oriented.


Working Conditions and Environment:

This position will require general supervision and will have to use independent judgment within established guidelines. Generally, uses the advanced knowledge to analyze, interpret, or make deductions from varying facts or circumstances. Will need the ability to establish rapport quickly with others working on the same project, and be able to promote a positive team environment. Working knowledge of dealing with a diverse population while using tact, diplomacy, and respect.


TYPSA, Inc. Culture:

  • Thinking toward future company and personal growth
  • Yielding equity, inclusion, and diversity
  • Passionate supporter of clients and teammates
  • Shared comradery
  • Action oriented and flexible


TYPSA, Inc. Benefits:

TYPSA, Inc. offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Paid-time-Off, and a 401(k) plan.

TYPSA, Inc. Overview:

TYPSA in the United States is a multi-discipline engineering and environmental consulting firm assisting public and private clients in planning, developing, designing, constructing, and maintaining critical infrastructure projects across the United States. With offices in Arizona and California, TYPSA provides local expertise with the backing of a global network.

Originally established in 1992 as AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc., the company began as a two-person DBE firm and grew into a trusted corporation serving clients nationwide. In 2006, AZTEC joined TYPSA Group, an international leader in engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting headquartered in Spain with more than 60 offices worldwide.

Today, as TYPSA in the United States, we proudly carry forward the AZTEC legacy while connecting our clients to the resources, innovation, and international experience of the TYPSA Group. This integration allows us to deliver tailored local solutions with the depth and reach of a global firm.

TYPSA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to affirmative action planning and encourages diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, veteran status, housing status, or any other non-job-related characteristic under applicable law.

Please apply online at www.typsa.us/career