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Caltrans Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department of Transportation

Branch Chief/Field

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$11K - $14K/mo

SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS Additional Documents * Job Application Package Checklist * Duty Statement Position Details Job Code #: JC-528084 Position #(s): 907-506-3161-002 Working Title:

Posted today

HDR

Resident Engineer

San Diego, CA

$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.

HDR

Construction Field Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

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

HDR

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.

HDR

Construction Field Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

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

UNICO Engineering

Construction Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$83K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Must understand the Caltrans Process, and Caltrans and local agency standards. Type of ... Certified as an Engineer-in-Training, AND BS in Construction Management, Civil, or Structural ...

UNICO Engineering

Construction Engineer

Concord, CA

$83K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

UNICO Engineering provides high-quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... Must understand the Caltrans Process, and Caltrans and local agency standards. Type of ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCaltrans Engineer Jobs

Caltrans Engineer information

See salary details

$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do caltrans engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 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 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.

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:

Caltrans Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Caltrans Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Heavy Civil Construction Engineer

The Misch Group

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Heavy Civil Construction Engineer
Department: Construction, Engineering, & Skilled Trades
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: California
Compensation: $200,000 - $225,000 / year
Description
Job Description
Title Heavy Civil Construction Engineer
Location Anaheim / Orange County, California
Compensation $200,000 target base, with flexibility up to $225,000 for the right candidate
About the Opportunity Our client is a family-owned heavy civil contractor in Southern California with a long-tenured team and a strong reputation in public infrastructure. The company delivers complex public works projects built to Caltrans specifications and is known for stability, low turnover, and a practical field-oriented culture.
Typical project types include:
  • Bridge construction
  • Freeway widening
  • Retaining walls
  • Pump stations
  • Large structural concrete infrastructure
  • Seismic-resistant public works projects

Position Summary This role is ideal for a contractor-side heavy civil professional who understands how to execute Caltrans-driven public works projects from both a field and financial perspective. The right person will bring strong experience in project execution, budgeting, crew leadership, and day-to-day coordination on large infrastructure work.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead or support execution of heavy civil and public works projects built to Caltrans standards
  • Manage project budgets, cost tracking, forecasting, and overall financial performance
  • Oversee field operations and help drive safe, efficient project delivery
  • Coordinate crews, subcontractors, schedules, and project resources
  • Support project planning, documentation, change management, and client coordination
  • Help ensure compliance with contract documents, specifications, quality standards, and public agency requirements

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Required Background
  • 10+ years of construction experience
  • Experience working for a contractor, not a design or consulting organization
  • Strong background in heavy civil or public works construction
  • Caltrans specification experience
  • Budget ownership or meaningful project financial responsibility
  • Crew management and field operations exposure
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship
  • Clean driving record preferred due to company vehicle eligibility

Preferred Project Experience
  • Bridges
  • Freeway widening or highway work
  • Retaining walls
  • Pump stations
  • Large concrete structures
  • Seismic or transportation infrastructure

Preferred Titles / Profile Strong candidates may come from backgrounds such as:
  • Project Engineer
  • Senior Project Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Contractor-side Resident Engineer

Candidates from major or well-regarded infrastructure contractors are especially relevant, particularly those with direct Caltrans project execution experience.
Benefits
Benefits
  • 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee
  • 50% family health coverage
  • 401(k)
  • Profit-sharing plan
  • Company vehicle

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