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Transportation Design Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Professional Transportation Engineer Work Location: Hybrid in Minneapolis, MN Duration: Direct Hire ... You will also resolve design issues with proactive and innovative solutions, check design work per ...

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Showing results 1-20

Transportation Design information

See Minnesota salary details

$59.3K

$85.5K

$110.7K

How much do transportation design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation design in Minnesota is $85,509.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Transportation Design job involve?

A Transportation Design job focuses on creating the look, functionality, and user experience of various transportation modes, such as cars, bikes, trains, and aircraft. Designers blend aesthetics, engineering, and ergonomics to develop innovative concepts that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. They use digital tools, modeling techniques, and collaboration with engineers to bring designs from concept to production.

How to get a job in car design?

To pursue a career in car design, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial design, automotive design, or a related field, along with strong skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and CAD software. Building a portfolio showcasing design projects and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can improve job prospects in the automotive industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Transportation Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Transportation Design, a blend of strong visual creativity, proficiency in industrial or automotive design principles, and a relevant degree (such as in transportation, industrial or product design) is essential. Mastery of computer-aided design (CAD) software like Autodesk Alias, CATIA, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as familiarity with prototyping tools, is typically required. Exceptional collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving skills set standout designers apart in multidisciplinary teams. These abilities ensure innovative, functional, and aesthetically compelling transportation solutions that meet user needs and industry standards.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Transportation Designer?

Transportation Designers spend their days developing concepts and detailed designs for vehicles or mobility solutions, from sketching initial ideas to creating digital 3D models. They frequently collaborate with engineers, marketers, and product managers to balance aesthetics, functionality, and manufacturability. Designers may also participate in user research, presentations, and design reviews to gather feedback and refine their work. The role involves a dynamic mix of creative brainstorming, technical development, and teamwork—making strong communication and project management skills valuable assets.

What is the highest paid designer job?

In transportation design, senior roles such as Lead Transportation Designer or Design Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and visualization tools, and leadership responsibilities within design teams.

What is a transportation designer?

A transportation designer is a professional who develops the visual and functional aspects of transportation vehicles and infrastructure, such as cars, buses, trains, and transit systems. They use design tools like CAD software and often collaborate with engineers to create innovative, safe, and efficient transportation solutions.

What kind of jobs are in transportation?

Transportation jobs include roles such as transportation planners, civil engineers, traffic analysts, and logistics coordinators. These positions often require knowledge of transportation systems, planning software, and safety regulations, and may involve working in offices, construction sites, or transportation hubs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Design jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Transportation Design jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Transportation Design jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Transportation Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Transportation Design job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,509 per year, or $41.1 per hour.
Transportation Design Project Manager

Transportation Design Project Manager

Ayres Associates Inc

Saint Paul, MN

$120K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Finding the Right Fit

Work doesn’t feel like work when you’re doing what you love, and doing it alongside people who support, challenge, and inspire you. At Ayres, that’s our everyday reality, and it could be yours too.

We’re looking for a confident, motivated Transportation Design Project Manager to play a key role in the continued growth of our transportation group throughout Minnesota. In this role, you’ll enjoy meaningful autonomy and access to highly experienced roadway, structural, traffic, and construction engineering professionals who are committed to supporting your success. You’ll also collaborate closely with fellow project managers and leadership who share your passion for high-quality project delivery and client service.

Success in this position means cultivating strong client relationships; identifying, pursuing, and winning transportation projects; helping shape the growth of our regional team; and mentoring early-career employee-owners as they develop into the next generation of engineering leaders.

Join Ayres – a USA TODAY Top Workplace recognized in both 2025 and 2026 – where people-first leadership, collaboration, and professional growth create an environment where great teams do their best work.

On Any Given Day, You’ll:

  • Lead the strategy, pursuit, and winning of transportation projects with clients including MnDOT, counties, municipalities, and private-sector partners, including client communications and proposal development.
  • Prepare, review, and negotiate contract documents with clients and partners.
  • Manage clients and serve as a trusted advisor throughout project delivery.
  • Direct and oversee project execution, ensuring work is completed on schedule, profitably, and in alignment with Ayres’ quality standards and contract requirements.
  • Build respectful, collaborative working relationships with colleagues, technical staff, and leaders across the company.
  • Mentor developing engineers and contribute to a positive, growth-focused team culture.
  • Participate in regular team meetings to align on project pursuits, resource allocation, workload distribution, and team needs.
  • Provide input during the annual business planning and budgeting process.
  • Engage actively in professional organizations at the local, state, or national level to support visibility, networking, and business development.
  • Participate in office-wide events supporting community, culture, and team connection.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a transportation emphasis.
  • Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Minnesota.
  • Minimum of 6 years of transportation design and project management experience.
  • Experience delivering transportation projects for MnDOT and/or Minnesota
  • agencies.
  • Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to company offices or client locations.
  • Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Desired Skills and Experiences:

  • Strong interest in business development, including client relationships, pursuit strategy, and partner engagement.
  • Enthusiasm for representing Ayres at industry events and supporting our brand through professional visibility.
  • A collaborative mindset and passion for contributing to an inclusive, supportive team culture where ideas are welcomed and people feel valued.
  • Knowledge of Civil 3D and/or OpenRoads Designer engineering software.

Benefits of being part of the Ayres team:

  • Health, dental, and vision Insurance.
  • Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
  • PTO, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.
  • Professional development opportunities.

Please note, benefits vary depending on job status. To learn more about our great benefits, visit our website at https://www.ayresassociates.com/careers/the-ayres-advantage/

Our good-faith compensation approach is fair and equitable, and takes into consideration only permissible factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, training, skills, and experience, and geographic location where the work is performed. A salary range for this posting is $120000 - $155000. The foregoing salary range represents what the company believes, in good-faith, it will pay for the posted opportunity. The individual selected for this role will be evaluated with the compensation factors in mind and placed appropriately.