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Caltrans Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Resident Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

The Resident Engineer coordinates with Caltrans Inspectors to determine appropriate priorities for testing and inspection of work quality based on contractor-proposed order of work for the shift.

This role involves contract administration support, construction engineering, and coordinating with contractors, coordinating with stakeholders (LAWA, Caltrans and City of LA Departments ...

Resident Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

The Resident Engineer coordinates with Caltrans Inspectors to determine appropriate priorities for testing and inspection of work quality based on contractor-proposed order of work for the shift.

This role involves contract administration support, construction engineering, and coordinating with contractors, coordinating with stakeholders (LAWA, Caltrans and City of LA Departments ...

Showing results 21-40

Caltrans Engineer information

See salary details

$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do caltrans engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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 is a Caltrans engineer?

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 types of projects does a Caltrans engineer 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.

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 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 do you need to be a Caltrans engineer?

To become a Caltrans engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering from an accredited institution, along with a valid engineering license or the ability to obtain one. Relevant skills include knowledge of transportation systems, project management, and proficiency with engineering tools and software. Professional experience and passing the California Professional Engineer exam are often required for advancement.
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:

What job categories do people searching Caltrans Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Caltrans Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Caltrans Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Design Transportation Engineer (Civil)

Department of Transportation

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$6.4K - $12K/mo

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform activities related to the preparation of plans, specifications, estimates, design drawings, written documents, and presentations for transportation projects.

  • Ensure consideration and implementation of Smart Mobility and Complete Streets components during project development.

  • May be assigned to train, direct, and manage the work of other staff within the assigned branch.


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Job description

Under the direction and supervision of a Senior Transportation Engineer, the Transportation Engineer performs activities requiring engineering knowledge and management skills for the preparation of plans, specifications, estimates, design drawings, written documents, presentations, and other related work for transportation projects. The main purpose of the duties is to be a premier engineering team delivering transportation projects for our project stakeholders and regional partners. In addition to the Department's values, we consider safety, efficiency, cost, quality, sustainability, environmental protection, aesthetics, and community values in all of the products we design. Ensures during the development of projects, the consideration, and when appropriate, the implementation of Smart Mobility and Complete Streets components, towards the Department's Mission to provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California's economy and livability.
Incumbent may be assigned by Supervisor to be a Leadworker to train, direct, and manage the work of other staff within assigned branch.
PARF# 10-27-0067 / JC-530357
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Transportation Engineer (Civil) exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.
Candidates are required to review the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for this classification. If you meet MQs under Pattern II and require the TE Civil in-person written hurdle exam, DO NOT TAKE the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle. Candidates who take the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle may negatively impact their hiring eligibility. Please contact the exam unit at askexams@dot.ca.gov for additional information prior to taking the online examination.
For clarification on the education requirement of the minimum qualifications, please reach out to the Human Resources Contact prior to taking the online Training and Experience Evaluation. For a list of ABET accredited schools, please refer to this link: Find Programs | ABET
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G
https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Position located at 1976 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Stockton, San Joaquin County.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
The majority of the work performed while in office assignments will be in a climate-controlled office environment and within a work cubical or work area under artificial lighting.
Field assignments may have exposure to moving vehicles, fog, field work, earthwork, paving operations, weather conditions, equipment, machinery, heat, cold, dust, gas, fumes, outdoor conditions, humidity, uneven ground, heights, and high decibels of noise.
Overtime may be required, and vacation restricted during peak times and fiscal year-end closing.
One-day, overnight trips, or extended travel may be required.
The typical office working hours are between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 40 hours per week.
May be required to go on loan or rotation to other units (i.e. Construction, Maintenance, Permits, Traffic, Office Engineer, PJD, etc.) based on workload needs.
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans's evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee's designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program is a mandatory 24 month to 33 months rotation assignment for all permanent, full-time Transportation Engineer (Civil) employees that have completed their probationary period hired by Caltrans Districts after June 22, 2018, or an earlier date as determined by the Districts. The purpose of Rotation Program is to provide opportunities for employees and Caltrans to benefit by participating in a standardized process that systematically engages newly hired engineers. Participants will develop well-rounded project delivery knowledge, skills, and abilities by rotating through diverse project delivery functional units. The Rotation Program includes mandatory core assignments in Design and Construction units, as well as a mandatory elective assignment. Each rotation assignment is typically between 6 to 12 months and will be based on workload needs and the employee's goals. Assignments may involve long term travel and can be located throughout the state.
In addition to the Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program, an incumbent may be required to go on loan to another project delivery function when there are temporary or peak staffing needs in those areas.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER (CIVIL)
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-530357
Position #(s):
910-207-3135-XXX
Working Title:
Design Transportation Engineer (Civil)
Classification:
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER (CIVIL) $6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A
$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B
$8,896.00 - $11,131.00 C
$9,712.00 - $12,152.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
San Joaquin County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov
Director's EEO Policy : https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Director's EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Special Requirements
  • Appointment to Range D requires a valid Professional Engineering License (Civil) issued by the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/28/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento , CA 95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento , CA 95816
Closed on weekends and State Holidays
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Benefits
Click HERE to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Javeeria Tahir
(279) 234-2525
Javeeria.Tahir@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Frenz Faller
(209) 429-1597
Frenz.Faller@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Important Application Instructions:
T he State application (STD. 678) is required and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-530357), PARF# 10-27-0067, and title of the position (Transportation Engineer (Civil)) must be included on the STD. 678 form.
Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.
Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the "Equal Employment Opportunity" questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver's license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and a

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