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Caltrans Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Construction Engineer

Concord, CA · On-site

$83K - $135K/yr

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

Construction Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

$83K - $135K/yr

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

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

Construction Engineer

Concord, CA · On-site

$83K - $135K/yr

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

Resident Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

Working knowledge of Caltrans construction policies, procedures, documentation requirements, and ... California Professional Engineer's license preferred. * A minimum of 10 years of progressive ...

Senior Construction Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$124K - $166K/yr

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

Showing results 41-60

Caltrans Engineer information

See salary details

$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do caltrans engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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.

Is Caltrans a good company for engineers?

Caltrans engineers work on transportation infrastructure projects and typically enjoy stable employment, competitive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. The organization values technical skills, certifications, and collaboration in a government agency environment. Job satisfaction can vary based on project assignments and work environment preferences.

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 positions start around the lower end, while experienced engineers with professional licensure can earn higher salaries and additional benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance.

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 is the highest pay at Caltrans?

The highest pay for a Caltrans engineer can reach over $150,000 annually for senior-level positions such as Senior Transportation Engineer or Engineering Manager, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Compensation varies based on years of service, specialized skills, and administrative 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Caltrans Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 10% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 34% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Construction Engineer

Construction Engineer

UNICO Engineering

Concord, CA • On-site

$83K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Overview:

UNICO Engineering provides high-quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems Integration services to public and private clients. With a spirit of cooperation and partnership, UNICO focuses on responsiveness, delivering value, and meeting and exceeding our clients' expectations.

UNICO is a fast-growing consulting firm with significant opportunities for upward mobility. UNICO supports professional development and continuing education. Fun, flexible work environment and competitive compensation and benefits.

UNICO is seeking a Construction Engineer 2 to 5 years experience, EIT required, PE preferred, to support our Resident Engineers in project delivery. Experience with locally, state and federally funded transportation projects for projects in Northern and Central California. Must understand the Caltrans Process, and Caltrans and local agency standards. Type of infrastructure projects include roadways, bridges / structures, curb, gutter, sidewalk, underground utilities, earthwork, etc. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required. Must have experience working in a team environment, This position will report to a Resident Engineer. Salary depends on experience, and EIT or PE license status.

Responsibilities:

Facilitate and attend meetings with the Contractor, client agencies, and the public (as necessary) Establish and maintain project records
Review and respond to RFIs and letters
Review and process submittals
Document and authorize payments for the project
Review the Contractor's work for compliance
Review extra work and perform independent cost analysis and time impact analysis
Participate in and/or conducting pre, mid, and post-construction reviews
Manage and forecast project budgets
Review and draft responses to NOPCs and claims
Maintain as-built drawings
Prepare final project closeout documents

Qualifications:

Certified as an Engineer-in-Training, AND
BS in Construction Management, Civil, or Structural Engineering plus two (2) years of relevant construction experience, OR
Eight (8) years of relevant Construction Engineering experience

Competitive Salary and generous benefits including health, vision, dental, life, disability, 401(k), PTO and paid holidays. Energizing, fast paced, nimble and expanding company with plenty of career growth opportunity.

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, UNICO Engineering considers applicants for all positions without regard to race (including natural hairstyles), color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, age (40 and over), medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex (including sexual harassment, sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic or activity protected by law.