Design Assistant Jobs in Kalispell, MT (NOW HIRING)

• Transportation Planning & Operations Group
• All Office Locations
• $80,000 - $100,000 (base salary)
• Regular Full-Time

Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) is excited to offer a dynamic opportunity for a Transportation Engineer within our Transportation Planning & Operations Group. In this role, you will support the development of transportation solutions that improve safety, mobility, and system performance across the Northwest. You will contribute to a wide range of planning, preliminary engineering, and conceptual design projects for MDT, FHWA, and local municipalities as part of one of the region’s top transportation teams.

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and team-focused professional with a strong foundation in transportation engineering and a desire to grow into increasing levels of responsibility within the team.

As a Transportation Engineer, you will work collaboratively with a team of engineers and planners on diverse transportation planning and operations projects. Responsibilities include:

• Project Delivery: Contribute to transportation engineering projects from planning through preliminary engineering and conceptual design, supporting successful project outcomes.
• Alternatives Analysis: Assist in identifying and evaluating transportation improvement alternatives, considering safety, operations, and system performance.
• Technical Analysis: Perform traffic operations, safety, and planning analyses to support engineering decisions and recommendations.
• Conceptual Design: Assist in developing conceptual layouts, preliminary plans, and visualizations to communicate project ideas and solutions.
• Tools & Methods: Apply transportation analysis tools, including traffic modeling and simulation, as needed to support project evaluations.
• Collaboration: Work within multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with engineers, planners, clients, and agencies.
• Documentation: Prepare technical reports, calculations, and supporting documentation with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Growth & Development: Expand technical expertise and take on increasing responsibility in project delivery, technical tasks, and client interaction.

Requirements

We are looking for a well-rounded professional who combines technical capability with strong communication skills and a commitment to continuous learning.

• Education and Certification: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (transportation emphasis preferred) or related field. Professional Engineering (PE) license in Montana, or ability to obtain within six (6) months.
• Experience: 4–8 years of experience in traffic and/or transportation engineering. Experience with MDT, FHWA, or local agency projects is desirable.
• Technical Proficiency: Understanding of transportation analysis and simulation tools such as Synchro, SimTraffic, and Vissim. Experience with design software including Civil 3D is preferred.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to apply engineering judgment to evaluate alternatives and develop practical transportation solutions.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly present technical information.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Personal Attributes: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities. Demonstrates sound judgment and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Culture Fit: Commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture and alignment with RPA’s Core Values.

Benefits

Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) is a distinguished, 100% employee-owned civil engineering, planning, and land surveying firm headquartered in Montana. Established in 1978, we are renowned for our personalized service and commitment to designing practical and sustainable solutions for our clients.

We champion an open leadership style based on mutual trust, empowering our team members to influence the future of RPA. Our commitment to a collaborative culture has fostered consistent growth and one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry. At RPA, our core values—listening, respect, integrity, empowerment, teamwork, and social responsibility—drive our success and shape our dynamic work environment.

At RPA, our employee-owners are the cornerstone of our success. That is why we invest in you, your professional development, your community, and your future, celebrating both your work achievements and personal milestones. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Generous Retirement Plan: RPA contributes to your retirement future, with no match required, starting on day one.
• 100% Employee Owned: Our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) provides you with direct ownership in the company, aligning your success with ours.
• Competitive Salary and Bonuses: Enjoy a rewarding compensation structure including competitive base salary and company-wide bonus program.
• Flexible Work Environment: We support work-life balance with excellent leave policies, flexible schedules, and paid time over 40 hours per week.
• Professional Growth: We support and encourage professional development and involvement in civic/professional organizations and provide ample opportunity for career growth within RPA.

Additional details about our benefits can be found on our RPA Advantage Page.