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Graduate Transportation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Transportation Engineer information

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$53.5K

$91.1K

$127K

How much do graduate transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate transportation engineer in the United States is $91,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate transportation engineer?

Graduate Transportation Engineers are entry-level professionals who have recently completed a degree in civil or transportation engineering and are starting their careers in the transportation industry. They typically assist in the planning, design, and analysis of transportation systems such as roads, highways, railways, and public transit networks. Their work involves collaborating with senior engineers, using engineering software, conducting field investigations, and ensuring projects comply with safety and regulatory standards. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and is often a stepping stone toward professional engineering licensure.

What is the difference between Graduate Transportation Engineer vs Transportation Engineer?

AspectGraduate Transportation EngineerTransportation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering; entry-levelBachelor's degree; some roles require professional engineering licensure
Work EnvironmentInternships, entry-level projects, supervised tasksProject management, design, analysis, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, government agencies, consulting companiesSame as above, often with more responsibility

The main difference is experience level. Graduate Transportation Engineers are typically recent graduates working under supervision, focusing on learning and supporting projects. Transportation Engineers are more experienced, handling complex tasks independently. Both roles are essential in transportation planning and design, with the graduate role serving as a stepping stone to full professional engineering positions.

What does a graduate transportation engineer do?

As a Graduate Transportation Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects, including traffic studies, intersection design, and data analysis for transportation planning. Early responsibilities often involve supporting senior engineers with drafting plans, preparing technical reports, and conducting site visits to gather field data. You will likely collaborate closely with team members from different disciplines, such as civil engineers and urban planners, while learning industry-standard software and design practices. This hands-on experience is designed to build your technical foundation and understanding of project life cycles within a supportive, mentorship-focused environment.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Transportation Engineer, you need a foundational knowledge of civil engineering principles, traffic analysis, and transportation planning, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Synchro, and an understanding of industry standards are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help set candidates apart in this collaborative field. These capabilities ensure accurate project design, successful coordination with stakeholders, and the ability to contribute to efficient and safe transportation solutions.
More about Graduate Transportation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Transportation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Transportation Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Graduate Transportation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Transportation Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graduate Transportation Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,097 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Transportation Engineer I or II

Texas Department of Transportation

Houston, TX • On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

Full-time

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


Texas Department Of Transportation rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Transportation Engineer I

Performs transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details.

Transportation Engineer II

Performs complex transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties:

Transportation Engineer I

  • Coordinates phases of preliminary design and revisions in PS&E with districts, divisions, Administration, the FHWA, contractors, fabricators, Corps of Engineers and local entities.
  • Monitors consultant design contracts.
  • Performs and/or coordinates the review and processing of Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E) submission, special specifications or special provisions.
  • Prepares, evaluates and negotiates contracts with consultants for routine, fracture critical and underwater bridge inspections.
  • Writes/reviews proposals and estimates for letting.
  • Coordinates with others to develop, monitor and update integrated project plans and schedules to ensure projects are executed in the most efficient manner possible.
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Transportation Engineer II

The essential duties for this job include those listed above and the following:

  • Reviews contracts, specifications, plans, and utility billing documents associated with right of way coordination.
  • Monitors contractors' compliance with plans and specifications.
  • Monitors consultants' progress and work quality; checks invoices and associated documents; prepares supplemental agreements.
  • Drives/travels to project/work locations to make on-site engineering reviews, analyses, tests and to provide technical support.
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
     

Minimum Qualifications:

Transportation Engineer I

Education: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Experience: 4 years engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Transportation Engineer II

Education: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Experience: 5 years engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Transportation Engineer I and II

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
  • Licensed Prof Engineer*

  • For Bridge Inspection: Must have completed a comprehensive training course based on the Bridge Inspector's Training Manual or NICET Level III or IV certification in Bridge Safety Inspection within (1) year of date of hire.

*Professional engineers licensed in another state in the United States, but not currently licensed in the State of Texas, must (1) meet the license requirements of the State of Texas Engineering Practices Act, (2) obtain a professional engineering license from the State of Texas within six (6) months of the date of hire, and (3) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:           

Transportation Engineer I:

  • Familiar with Micro-station, TxDOT standard.
  • Strong skills in contract management, including tracking, reviewing and processing agreement and work authorization.
  • Proficiency in reviewing design submittals at 30%, 60%, 95%, and 100% completion stages, providing technical feedback and ensuring quality.

Transportation Engineer II:

  • Advanced project management expertise, including oversight of multiple complex projects and coordination with internal teams, consultants, and external agencies.
  • Strong contract administration skills, with the ability to manage, review, and approve agreements, amendments, and work authorizations independently.
  • Proficiency in reviewing and providing technical guidance on design submittals at 30%, 60%, 95%, and 100% completion stages, ensuring compliance with standards and project objectives

Competencies:

Transportation Engineer I

Considerable knowledge of:

  • Government programs and operations affecting highway and transportation development

  • Industry guidelines, specifications and codes in the production and use of technical plans for the development and delivery of products and services
  • Highway construction design applications
  • Applicable plans, specifications and estimates preparation, review, processing and compliance requirements
  • Design and plan preparation methods and requirements
  • Project changes (scope, budget, schedule, resource management) using a critical path method enterprise information system management tool
  • Critical Path Method for managing projects
  • Cost estimating and cost controls
  • Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

Proficient skill in:

  • Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities

Transportation Engineer II

The required competencies for this job include those listed above and the following:

Considerable knowledge of:

  • Hydrologic and hydraulic engineering principles, practices and methods and the application of engineering theory
  • Hydrologic, hydraulic and geotechnical design activities and principles
  • Contract development and oversight
  • Budgeting methods and procedures
  • Government funding programs, methods and procedures

Proficient skill in:

  • Speaking to present images and ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and interesting manner to optimize audience understanding and keep the group focused

Other:

  • Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that
    support business objectives and goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Transportation Engineer I and II

  • Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other devices

  • Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs. at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools

  • Close Visual Acuity - work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

  • This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
  • Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
    • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
  • For both Transportation Engineer I and II :
    • Timely submission of reports to the supervisor, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
    • Tracking the status of both state-let and local-let projects, maintaining up-to-date records and progress reports.
    • Monitoring and managing project budgets and CAP limits, ensuring compliance with regulation.
    • Efficient project management, including coordination with consultants, stakeholders, and internal teams to meet deadlines.
    • Punctuality and preparedness for meetings, actively contributing to discussions and decision-making.

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