ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

BMWC CONSTRUCTORS

Project Engineer I

Portland, OR · On-site

$73K - $93K/yr

We will train an entry level graduate and/or hire an experienced industrial construction project engineer. BENEFITS * Competitive Pay with Bonus * PTO and paid holidays * 401K/Profit Sharing with ...

BMWC CONSTRUCTORS

Project Engineer I

Portland, OR

$73K - $93K/yr

We will train an entry level graduate and/or hire an experienced industrial construction project engineer. BENEFITS * Competitive Pay with Bonus * PTO and paid holidays * 401K/Profit Sharing with ...

BMWC Constructors

Project Engineer I

Portland, OR · On-site

$73K - $93K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is required. * • We will train an entry level graduate and/or hire an experienced industrial construction ...

WSP

Structural Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · Hybrid

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Entry Level Structural Engineer for our Lake Oswego ... Tasks may include basic assistance with research, design, concept development, and construction of ...

WSP

Structural Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Entry Level Structural Engineer for our Lake Oswego ... Tasks may include basic assistance with research, design, concept development, and construction of ...

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Portland, OR

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

City of St. Helens, Oregon

Engineer I

Saint Helens, OR

$6.3K - $7.6K/mo

Unlike many entry-level engineering positions, you'll have the opportunity to participate in every phase of a project-from initial planning and design through permitting, bidding, construction, and ...

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Vancouver, WA · On-site

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

City of St. Helens, Oregon

Engineer I

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$6.3K - $7.6K/mo

Unlike many entry-level engineering positions, you'll have the opportunity to participate in every phase of a project-from initial planning and design through permitting, bidding, construction, and ...

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Portland, OR

Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation ... Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment, especially drilling and boring machinery;

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHorizontal Construction Engineer JobsEntry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer JobsEntry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.8K

$73.6K

$125.1K

How much do entry level horizontal construction engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level horizontal construction engineer in Portland, OR is $73,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level horizontal construction engineer?

Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineers are professionals who assist with the planning, design, and execution of construction projects that involve horizontal structures such as roads, airfields, bridges, and other infrastructure. They work under the supervision of senior engineers and are responsible for tasks like site preparation, earthmoving, grading, and installing basic infrastructure. These engineers often work on teams that build or repair highways, runways, and other large-scale projects, gaining hands-on experience in construction and civil engineering. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those new to the construction engineering field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer vs Entry Level Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Horizontal Construction EngineerEntry Level Civil Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field; may include certifications like OSHABachelor's in Civil Engineering; licensure not typically required at entry level
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor environments, project sitesOffice settings, design studios, some site visits
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, infrastructure projects, transportation agenciesEngineering consulting firms, government agencies, construction companies

While both roles involve civil engineering principles, the Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer focuses on on-site construction of horizontal infrastructure like roads and bridges, working primarily outdoors. In contrast, the Entry Level Civil Engineer may work in design, planning, and project management, often in office settings. Both roles require a civil engineering background, but the horizontal construction role emphasizes practical, field-based work.

What does an entry level horizontal construction engineer do?

As an Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer, you'll typically work on projects involving roadways, airfields, and other infrastructure requiring earthmoving and grading. Your daily tasks may include operating heavy machinery, interpreting construction plans, ensuring site safety, and assisting with surveying and layout. You’ll often work closely with experienced engineers and construction crews, providing hands-on support while learning essential field management skills. This role provides valuable exposure to a variety of civil engineering fundamentals and offers opportunities to advance into supervisory or specialized technical roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level horizontal construction engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer, you need a basic understanding of civil engineering principles, construction methods, and relevant safety standards, often supported by a degree in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with construction management software (such as AutoCAD or Bluebeam), surveying equipment, and relevant OSHA certifications is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These combined skills ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to specification while fostering collaboration on construction sites.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Horizontal Construction Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,559 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

CRUSHER OPERATOR/GROUNDMAN

Knife River Corporation

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Knife River rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Perform maintenance, repair, labor and operate crushing plant in support of crushing operations
- Duties include clean-up, oiling, lubrication and miscellaneous repairs
- Participate in quality control to meet specifications
- May operate equipment such as a loader or skid steer
- Assure all safety policies and procedures are followed to prevent any and all unsafe actions, processes and behaviors observed
- Other duties assigned as needed
Minimum Qualifications:
- Basic knowledge of crusher operation, conveyor system and construction equipment
- Equipment operator skills and experience helpful
- Need positive attitude and the ability to work well with others and follow directions
- Ability to work flexible shifts, including weekends and overtime
- Be able to travel, if necessary, within several Portland / Metro Locations.
- Upon job offer, you must pass criminal background check, drug screen, physical and functional capacities testing
Benefits:
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
-Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
-Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
-401K with Company Match
-Profit Sharing
-8 Paid Holidays
-Paid Time Off
-Life Insurance
-Employee Assistance Program
-Safety Incentives
-Years of Service Recognition
How to Apply:
To be considered for this position; candidates must complete and submit an employment application at jobs.kniferiver.com by the posting deadline noted above. If unable to complete an application online you may print and send completed application to any Knife River NW address or stop in one of our locations to complete an application.
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
If you are an individual with a qualified disability as defined by federal, state, or local law and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application for any reason, please contact your state employment agency or you may call 541-693-5900 to speak with a human resources representative.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.
Veterans: Put Your Skills to Work with Us!
At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to this position:
Air Force:
Pavement and Construction Equipment Journeyman, Apprentice or Helper
Army:
General Construction Equipment Operator
Horizontal Construction Engineer
Coast Guard:
Damage Control
Navy:
Equipment Operator
Equipment Operator Basic
Utilities man
Construction man
Marines:
Basic Engineer
Construction and Equipment Marine
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Knife River employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply