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Entry Level Transportation Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Project Engineer (Structural)

Battle Ground, WA · On-site

$23.23 - $34.84/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level role is designed to actively impact project performance and field operations ... We specialize in site development, transportation, utility, and environmental projects. Our success ...

Project Engineer (Civil)

Battle Ground, WA · On-site

$23.23 - $34.84/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level role is designed to actively impact project performance and field operations ... We specialize in site development, transportation, utility, and environmental projects. Our success ...

We believe transportation is more than movement, it's the foundation of connected, thriving ... We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ...

We believe transportation is more than movement, it's the foundation of connected, thriving ... We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ...

Water/Wastewater - Project Engineer

Battle Ground, WA · On-site

$23.23 - $34.84/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level role is designed to actively impact project performance and field operations ... We specialize in site development, transportation, utility, and environmental projects. Our success ...

Power Services Engineer (NETA III)

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Training entry level technicians on proper testing procedures and equipment operation. * Ability to ... Have reliable transportation to travel to and from office or a customer's site. * Flexibility to ...

Supply Chain Execution Senior Associate

Portland, OR

$77K - $202K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... transportation and distribution effectively. As a Senior Associate, you will leverage your problem ... Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering ...

Senior Structural Drafter

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This Opportunity Provides technical design and CADD support to engineers and project managers to ... Provide guidance and training to entry-level drafting and design support staff. * Remain current in ...

Senior Structural Drafter

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This Opportunity Provides technical design and CADD support to engineers and project managers to ... Provide guidance and training to entry-level drafting and design support staff. * Remain current in ...

Electrical Drafter

Happy Valley, OR

$30 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Entry Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR. Pay ... Transportation benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Transportation Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.8K

$73.6K

$125.1K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level transportation 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 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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Transportation Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,559 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Project Engineer (Structural)

TAPANI, Inc.

Battle Ground, WA • On-site

$23.23 - $34.84/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Tapani Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
The Project Engineer serves as a key support role within project teams, assisting in various aspects of project coordination and execution. This entry-level role is designed to actively impact project performance and field operations, going beyond administrative assistance to contribute to project planning, cost control, and operational excellence. The Project Engineer will work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to ensure successful project execution.
Responsibilities
  • Daily Reporting and Analysis: Ensure consistent and accurate project documentation.
    • Organize and transmit tickets and pertinent information to Project Admins.
    • Review and approve daily reports and timecards.
    • Monitor accurate quantity and time tracking against correct phase codes.
    • Correlate phase quantity tracking to contract item/pay item tracking.
    • Review daily labor and equipment productivity and report findings to the project team.
    • Measure quantities, report the results, and track progress.
  • Cost Control and Forecasting: Assist in managing project costs and trends.
    • Monitor subcontractors and material cost control through site visits, tickets, and reviewing daily reports.
    • Identify cost trends and communicate them to the Project Manager or Superintendent.
    • Track and forecast potential budget impacts based on field observations.
  • Schedule Management: Support and eventually lead schedule tracking.
    • Assist in creating the overall project schedule and the initial 3-week schedule.
    • Maintain and update the 3-week schedules during construction.
    • Attend weekly logistics meetings and raise scheduling concerns to the Superintendent or Project Manager.
  • Project Compliance and Coordination: Ensure adherence to regulatory and internal standards.
    • Track permit-related inspections (e.g., building, plumbing, ROW, special access).
    • Monitor apprenticeship and DBE compliance reporting.
    • Manage submittals and RFIs during construction.
    • Assist with coordination of subcontractor and supplier activities, and place necessary orders (e.g., materials, small tools, trucks, equipment).
    • Maintain project documentation and ensure project records are up-to-date.
  • Operational Excellence and Field Engagement: Drive continuous improvement on site.
    • Identify waste, inefficiencies, and potential bottlenecks.
    • Perform field site visits to foster crew morale and gather improvement insights.
    • Build strong field relationships based on curiosity and respect.
  • Project Start-up and Close-out: Support critical project transitions.
    • Attend bid handoffs and department update meetings.
    • Assist or perform subcontractor and supplier buyouts.
    • Verify scopes, prices, and identify scope gaps between subcontractors.
    • Prepare and finalize quotes and transmit to Project Admin to create work orders and purchase orders.
    • Contribute to creating project schedules and startup checklists.
    • Help with preconstruction meeting preparations and project submittals.
    • Participate in finalizing job cost history, creating project resumes, and recording lessons learned.
  • Regulatory and Safety Compliance: Support erosion control and safety documentation.
    • Assist with erosion control compliance documentation.
    • Complete confined space forms and incident reports as needed.
  • Uphold Tapani's Purpose document: Demonstrate actions and behaviors that align with Tapani's Purpose and Values (Purpose and Values)

Essential Skills
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication
  • Ability to identify trends and propose practical solutions
  • Comfortable with construction technology platforms
  • Ability to develop positive working relationships with field and office teams

Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Entry-level position; prior internship or field experience in construction preferred

Job Type & Location
This is a full-time position based out of Battle Ground, WA, with travel to job sites across Oregon and Washington as needed.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.23 - $34.84 per hour, depending on experience.
Tapani Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
  • Monthly $75 phone allowance or company phone
  • Comprehensive Medical Insurance plans with low to $0 monthly premiums
  • Additional voluntary insurance options include: Dental, Vision, and a wide variety of Supplemental insurances.
  • Flexible Paid Time Off and Sick Time
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) options with up to 4% employer match
  • See the full list of benefits here

About Tapani Inc.
Tapani Inc. is a family-owned and operated construction company serving the Pacific Northwest since 1983. We specialize in site development, transportation, utility, and environmental projects. Our success is built on teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to safety and quality. Tapani's employees take pride in delivering exceptional work while contributing to strong communities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Tapani Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Disclaimers
Physical ability to perform assigned tasks, lift, push and pull 20 pounds at a time, and ability to sit, stand and work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
This job description does not contain a comprehensive list of all job responsibilities of this position. Tapani reserves the right to modify the duties and responsibilities of the position as it deems necessary.

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