1

Transportation Engineer Caltrans Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duty Senior

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$11K - $14K/mo

SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS $11,437.00 - $14,315.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable ...

Office Chief

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$13K - $15K/mo

SUPERVISING TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS Additional Documents * Job Application Package Checklist * Duty Statement Position Details Job Code #: JC-520483 Position #(s): 907-355-3155-XXX Working ...

Transportation Engineer I

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$83K - $110K/yr

transportation engineer I Come join a dynamic and fun-loving team that takes pride in their ... using Caltrans and local agency standards. The ideal candidate will be familiar with the use of a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Transportation Engineer Caltrans information

See salary details

$53.5K

$91.1K

$127K

How much do transportation engineer caltrans jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation engineer caltrans 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 does a transportation engineer do for Caltrans?

A transportation engineer at Caltrans designs, plans, and oversees the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure such as highways, bridges, and transit systems. They analyze traffic data, develop safety improvements, and ensure projects comply with engineering standards and environmental regulations, often using tools like CAD and GIS. The role requires strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of transportation systems, and relevant certifications such as a Professional Engineer license.

Is it hard to get hired by Caltrans?

Getting hired as a Transportation Engineer at Caltrans can be competitive, requiring relevant education, experience, and passing civil service exams. Candidates often need strong technical skills, knowledge of transportation systems, and familiarity with state hiring processes, which can make the application process challenging but achievable with proper preparation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Transportation Engineer at Caltrans, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transportation Engineer at Caltrans, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, a bachelor's degree in engineering, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, MicroStation, and transportation modeling tools is typical, along with knowledge of state and federal regulations. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies ensure efficient project completion, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration on California's transportation infrastructure projects.

What does a Transportation Engineer at Caltrans do?

A Transportation Engineer at Caltrans is responsible for planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining California’s transportation systems, including highways, bridges, and related infrastructure. They analyze traffic patterns, ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, and manage transportation projects from conception to completion. Caltrans engineers often collaborate with other engineers, government agencies, and the public to create efficient and sustainable transportation solutions throughout the state.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities for a Transportation Engineer at Caltrans?

As a Transportation Engineer at Caltrans, you may be involved in a variety of projects such as designing highway improvements, preparing project plans and specifications, analyzing traffic flow, and conducting site inspections. Your daily tasks often include collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with contractors and local agencies, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to evolving project priorities. Engineers at Caltrans also have opportunities for career advancement through rotational assignments and specialized training programs.

How much does a transportation engineer make?

A transportation engineer in California typically earns an average annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in senior roles can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills or project management responsibilities.

How much does a transportation engineer make at Caltrans?

A transportation engineer at Caltrans typically earns an annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and overtime opportunities.

What is the difference between Transportation Engineer Caltrans vs Transportation Planner Caltrans?

AspectTransportation Engineer CaltransTransportation Planner Caltrans
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field; PE license often preferredBachelor's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field; often requires planning certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and oversee transportation infrastructure projectsDevelop transportation policies, conduct planning studies, and analyze travel data
Employer & Industry UsageCaltrans, government agencies, consulting firmsCaltrans, regional planning agencies, transportation departments

Transportation Engineer Caltrans focuses on designing and managing transportation infrastructure projects, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, Transportation Planner Caltrans emphasizes planning, policy development, and data analysis. Both roles are essential in transportation projects but serve different functions within the industry.

More about Transportation Engineer Caltrans jobs
What cities are hiring for Transportation Engineer Caltrans jobs? Cities with the most Transportation Engineer Caltrans job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Engineer Caltrans jobs? The most popular types of Transportation Engineer Caltrans jobs are:
Infographic showing various Transportation Engineer Caltrans job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,097 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Senior Transportation Engineer CT (Supervisory)

Senior Transportation Engineer CT (Supervisory)

Department of Transportation

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$11K - $14K/mo

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 658 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Under the general direction of the Office Chief, Maintenance Engineering, a Supervising Transportation Engineer, the incumbent will have a varied transportation engineering work assignment involving the supervision of civil engineers and others engaged in the planning and development of maintenance projects and directing of the work assigned to the Maintenance Engineering support staff and the culvert inspection crew. Duties include the District Program Advisor for the State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP) 130, 131, 150, Highway Maintenance (HM)-2, and (HM)-4. Provide technical consulting to District Field Maintenance staff on a wide range of issues and circumstances and work and consult with a wide range of DES and HQ Maintenance staff. Responsible for the coordination, response and development of emergency projects immediately after a qualifying event. For non-emergency projects, the incumbent is responsible for project initiation, securing funding, project development and ensuring delivery of all assigned projects within scope, cost, schedule, and resources. The incumbent will also support the HM workplan and Ten-Year SHOPP plan. The incumbent is required to perform various transportation engineering tasks by understanding and applying Caltrans standards, manuals, guidelines, policies, directives and computer applications. As these duties necessitate, frequent trips to the field for inspection and assessment will be required. Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer in California. Possession of a valid Class C California Drivers License is required.
PARF 03-26-0328 / JC-514470
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Transportation Engineer exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G
https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Position located at 703 B St Marysville, Yuba County
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
Will work in a climate-controlled office, under artificial lighting. Field work will be required. While in the field, the employee may be exposed to dirt, dust, loud noises, traffic, uneven surfaces, plants and a variety of sometimes extreme weather conditions and climates that occur in California. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. While responding to emergency or storm damage events, the employee may be subject to extended hours and night work. Must possess a valid driver's license.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-514470
Position #(s):
903-600-3161-004
Working Title:
Senior Transportation Engineer CT (Supervisory)
Classification:
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS $11,437.00 - $14,315.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Yuba County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov
Director's EEO Policy : https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Director's EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Special Requirements
  • This position require(s) a valid Professional Engineering License (Civil) issued by the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers for appointment.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license is required when operating a State owned or leased vehicle.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/23/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento , CA 95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento , CA 95816
Closed on weekends and State holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
Click HERE to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Becky Sysavat
(530) 820-8038
becky.sysavat@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Garrett Hamilton
(530) 821-8362
garrett.hamilton@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Important Application Instructions:
The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-514470), PARF# 03-26-0328 and title of the position (Senior Transportation Engineer, Specialist) must be included on the STD. 678 form.
Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.
Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the "Equal Employment Opportunity" questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver's license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.