1

Caltrans Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Civil Construction Engineer

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The company delivers complex public works projects built to Caltrans specifications and is known ... Project Engineer * Senior Project Engineer * Project Manager * Contractor-side Resident Engineer ...

Senior Construction Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$124K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Folsom, CA · On-site

$124K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

QA/QC Analyst, PMO

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$87K - $117K/yr

Perform QAQC on Site Specific Traffic Control Plans, Caltrans permitting utility exhibits and the additional supporting engineered justification documents such as Design Standard Decision Document ...

Engineering Technician

Livermore, CA · On-site

$30.79 - $41.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Our Team as an Engineering Technician! BSK Associates, a trusted name in engineering with over ... Have or be willing to acquire CalTrans Certifications (both field and lab), including CT 125, 231 ...

Construction Inspector

Goleta, CA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... Must possess a thorough understanding of plans and specifications, Caltrans, and local agency ...

Resident Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

About Us At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction ... The Resident Engineer coordinates with Caltrans Inspectors to determine appropriate priorities for ...

Construction Inspector

Goleta, CA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... Must possess a thorough understanding of plans and specifications, Caltrans, and local agency ...

Showing results 41-60

Caltrans Engineering information

See salary details

$53.5K

$116.7K

$185K

How much do caltrans engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for caltrans engineering in the United States is $116,743.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Caltrans engineer?

Caltrans Engineering jobs refer to a variety of engineering positions within the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). These roles involve planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining California’s transportation infrastructure, such as highways, bridges, and public transit systems. Caltrans engineers work in specialties such as civil, structural, transportation, and environmental engineering, playing a crucial role in improving public safety and mobility across the state. These positions typically require a relevant engineering degree and, for some roles, a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Caltrans engineer?

To thrive as a Caltrans Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, and knowledge of transportation engineering principles. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, MicroStation, and project management systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure effective planning, design, and implementation of transportation projects that meet safety, regulatory, and community standards.

What are common challenges faced by Caltrans engineers during large-scale infrastructure projects?

Caltrans engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adapting to changing regulatory requirements, and addressing unexpected site conditions. Balancing the needs of public safety, environmental impact, and project deadlines requires strong problem-solving skills and effective communication. Additionally, managing tight budgets while ensuring quality standards are met is a frequent concern. Collaborating with contractors, government agencies, and local communities is essential to overcome these challenges and achieve successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Caltrans Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectCaltrans EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, Caltrans-specific certificationsEngineering degree, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentState agency projects, transportation infrastructureVarious sectors including construction, consulting, government
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily state transportation departmentPublic and private sectors, broad industry applications

Caltrans Engineering focuses on transportation infrastructure projects within the state transportation department, requiring specific certifications and working mainly in government settings. Civil Engineering is a broader field applicable across multiple industries, often requiring a PE license, and includes diverse project types beyond transportation.

What do you need to be a Caltrans engineering?

To become a Caltrans engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, electrical, or related engineering fields. Professional engineering licensure is often required or preferred, along with relevant work experience and knowledge of transportation systems, design software, and safety standards.
More about Caltrans Engineering jobs

What cities are hiring for Caltrans Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most Caltrans Engineering job openings:

What states have the most Caltrans Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Caltrans Engineering jobs include:

Infographic showing various Caltrans Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,743 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Heavy Civil Construction Engineer

The Misch Group

Fullerton, CA • On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

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