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Caltrans Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Resident Engineer

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

Sr. Transportation Highway/Roadway Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

Develop and oversee Caltrans and Greenbook-compliant design packages , including plans, specifications, and estimates. * Prepare engineering cost estimates, schedules, and budgets for large projects.

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

Folsom, 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 ...

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 ...

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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:
CADD Support, Roadway Design Software

CADD Support, Roadway Design Software

Department of Transportation

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$11K - $14K/mo

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 663 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Under the general direction of the Chief, Office of Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) and Engineering Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Support, a Supervising Transportation Engineer, the incumbent supervises the CADD Roadway Design Software Support Branch, which is responsible for the testing, training, and statewide installation of critical Roadway Design Software used for project delivery and for use with Building Information Modeling for Infrastructure (BIM4I) initiative at Caltrans.
PARF# 53-26-0031 / JC-521368
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Transportation Engineer, Caltrans 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.
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.
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 1727 30th St, Sacramento, Sacramento County.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
The incumbent will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial lighting. The use of a desktop computer and/or a laptop is essential. Occasional overnight travel may be required to attend meetings and/or deliver training. Travel will subject the incumbent to the typical rigors of air, auto, and transit travel and overnight hotel stays.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-521368
Position #(s):
913-330-3161-002
Working Title:
CADD Support, Roadway Design Software
Classification:
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS $11,437.00 - $14,315.00 A
$11,437.00 - $14,315.00 S
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
California Department of Transportation
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
  • The position(s) require(s) a(n) Professional Civil Engineering License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

  • Possession of a valid driver's license is required when operating a State owned or leased vehicle.
  • Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Failure to submit a Statement of Qualifications will disqualify candidates from the hiring process.
The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered and addressed in the same order as the questions below. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font.
Answer each question using less than 2000 characters.
Maximum of 2 pages to answer all 4 questions.
Applications without the SOQ questions answered will not be reviewed.
1. Demonstrated ability to design and deliver Plans Specifications and Estimate (PS&E) projects using Civil 3D, MicroStation and other software used for project delivery at Caltrans.
2. Demonstrated experience to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing (including presentations).
3. Describe situations in which you have coordinated work, trained colleagues, delegated tasks, led portions of a project, and provided informal leadership.
4. Describe a complex technical or workflow issue you resolved that required collaboration across groups or disciplines.
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: 7/7/2026
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.
  • Statement of Qualifications -
    Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.
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.
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:
Max Posada
(916) 202-8669
max.posada@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Heidi Cervantes
(916) 823-6606
heidi.cervantes@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:
The 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-521368), PARF# 53-26-0031 and title of the position (Senior Transportation Engineer, Caltrans) 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 age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.