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Entry Level Transportation Engineer Jobs in California

Cordoba Corporation

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

The Associate Engineer provides entry-level engineering and technical support for the transportation client in the construction office. Under the direction of senior engineering staff, the incumbent ...

Cordoba Corporation

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

The Associate Engineer provides entry-level engineering and technical support for the transportation client in the construction office. Under the direction of senior engineering staff, the incumbent ...

Mono County, CA

Assistant Engineer

Bridgeport, CA · On-site

$88K - $108K/yr

MCPE Job Summary Under general supervision, the Assistant Engineer performs entry-level professional civil engineering work in support of public works, transportation, land development, environmental ...

County of Mono

Assistant Engineer

Bridgeport, CA

$88K - $108K/yr

Job Summary Under general supervision, the Assistant Engineer performs entry-level professional civil engineering work in support of public works, transportation, land development, environmental, and ...

City of Chico

Assistant Engineer

Chico, CA

$80K - $107K/yr

Class Characteristics This is the entry-level classification in the professional Engineering series ... Principles and practices of traffic and transportation engineering; Land development principles and ...

City of Chico, CA

Assistant Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Class Characteristics This is the entry-level classification in the professional Engineering series ... Principles and practices of traffic and transportation engineering; * Land development principles ...

Placer County California

Engineer - Assistant

Auburn, CA · On-site

$49.94 - $62.38/hr

Department of Public Works - Transportation Planning Division: This division is responsible for ... entry level. This class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer in that the latter ...

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All JobsTransportation Engineer JobsEntry Level Transportation Engineer JobsEntry Level Transportation Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Transportation Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.5K

$116.5K

How much do entry level transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level transportation engineer in California is $68,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level transportation engineer do?

An Entry Level Transportation Engineer assists in the planning, design, and implementation of transportation infrastructure projects such as roads, highways, bridges, and traffic systems. Their responsibilities typically include conducting site assessments, preparing technical drawings, analyzing traffic data, and supporting senior engineers with project management tasks. They often use specialized software to create models and ensure projects comply with safety and environmental standards. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to gain practical experience in the transportation field.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Transportation Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of transportation principles. Familiarity with design and simulation software like AutoCAD, MicroStation, and traffic analysis tools, as well as experience with relevant codes and standards, is crucial. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project demands. These competencies ensure you can contribute to safe, efficient transportation systems while supporting project goals and regulatory compliance.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities for an entry level transportation engineer in their first year?

As an Entry Level Transportation Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as preparing design plans, conducting traffic studies, assisting with roadway or intersection design, and supporting senior engineers with data collection and analysis. You may also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, attend site visits, and help prepare reports or presentations for clients and stakeholders. This role offers the chance to build foundational skills in transportation engineering while learning about industry standards and project workflows.

What is the difference between Entry Level Transportation Engineer vs Transportation Planner?

AspectEntry Level Transportation EngineerTransportation Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field; Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification often preferredBachelor's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field; may require certification in planning
Work EnvironmentDesigning transportation systems, analyzing traffic data, working on engineering projectsDeveloping transportation policies, conducting planning studies, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, government transportation departments, construction companiesMunicipalities, regional planning agencies, consulting firms

Entry Level Transportation Engineers focus on designing and analyzing transportation infrastructure, requiring engineering credentials. Transportation Planners concentrate on planning and policy development, often with a background in urban planning. Both roles are essential in transportation projects but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

Is being an Entry Level Transportation Engineer worth it?

Entry Level Transportation Engineers typically find the role to be rewarding as it offers opportunities to develop skills in traffic analysis, roadway design, and transportation planning. The position often provides a clear career path, competitive starting salaries, and the chance to work on impactful infrastructure projects, making it a worthwhile entry point into civil engineering careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Transportation Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Transportation Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Transportation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Associate Transportation Engineer

Jaquith Consulting Group Inc

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$74K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Profit sharing

Location: Sacramento (On-site), 25% travel
Estimated Salary Range: $74,000-$120,000 (based on experience)
Jaquith Consulting Group is seeking an Associate Engineer to provide entry-level engineering and technical support for the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
Position Summary
Under the direction of Senior Engineering staff, the incumbent assists with engineering design support, drafting, construction documentation, and project coordination activities. The Associate Engineer utilizes Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to prepare and modify engineering drawings, supports engineering analyses, and assists with maintaining project documentation while gaining practical experience in transportation infrastructure delivery.
Position Responsibilities
  • Prepare, revise, and maintain engineering drawings, sketches, exhibits, and construction support documents using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, or other approved CAD software.
  • Assist engineers with engineering design, drafting, and construction support activities for transportation infrastructure projects.
  • Review engineering drawings, plans, specifications, and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy under the guidance of senior staff.
  • Incorporate redline markups and revisions into engineering drawings and maintain drawing files in accordance with established project standards.
  • Support field engineering staff by preparing construction sketches, record drawings, and as-built documentation.
  • Assist with engineering calculations, quantity takeoffs, technical reports, and preparation of project exhibits and presentations.
  • Coordinate with engineers, designers, surveyors, construction managers, contractors, and other project team members to support project delivery.
  • Maintain organized electronic engineering files and assist with document management and version control processes.
  • Participate in design reviews, project meetings, and construction coordination activities.
  • Perform other engineering and technical duties as assigned in support of project delivery.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a closely related engineering field and a minimum of one (1) year of relevant engineering, drafting, design, or construction support experience; or, in lieu of a degree, five (5) years of relevant engineering, drafting, design, or construction support experience.
  • Demonstrated proficiency using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or MicroStation.
  • Working knowledge of engineering drawings, drafting principles, and construction documentation.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Preferred Qualifications, Certifications, and Licensures
  • Experience supporting transportation, rail, highway, bridge, or other infrastructure projects.
  • Experience using Autodesk AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, or OpenRoads.
  • Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu, ProjectWise, or electronic document management systems.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or progress toward obtaining EIT.
  • Familiarity with Caltrans standards and transportation engineering practices.
  • Internship or academic project experience involving engineering design, CAD drafting, or construction support.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of engineering drafting principles, CAD standards, and construction documentation practices.
  • Skill in preparing, revising, and maintaining engineering drawings using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or MicroStation.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and redline markups accurately.
  • Skill in performing basic engineering calculations and quantity takeoffs with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to organize and maintain electronic engineering files with reliable document management and version control.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with engineers, designers, and project team members.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines while working under the direction of senior staff.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Benefits
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan, profit sharing
  • Paid holidays
Jaquith Consulting Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.