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Transportation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Transportation Engineer

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $171K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our team in Oakland, CA: someone who is excited to lead impactful roadway and active transportation projects that reflect our mission and values.Why You'll ...

Showing results 41-60

Transportation Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$89.9K

$125.3K

How much do transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation engineer in California is $89,904.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a transportation engineer do?

Transportation engineers plan, design, and implement transportation systems. Transportation engineers consider traffic, population, and other factors to determine the need for a new form of transportation, such as train lines, buses, subways, or new roads, in a specific area or region. They identify methods for incorporating the new form of transportation to reduce local traffic, meet the needs of the community, and fit into the designated budget. Transportation engineers are vital parts of the team that designs public transportation paths and creates highways, bridges, and other structures that enable transportation. Similar job titles include construction engineer, transportation planner, port engineer, and traffic engineer.

What are some common challenges transportation engineers encounter when working on large infrastructure projects?

Transportation Engineers working on large infrastructure projects often face challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Balancing safety, cost, and environmental impact can also be complex, especially when projects require innovative solutions or community engagement. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as engineers frequently collaborate with urban planners, contractors, and government agencies to deliver successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Transportation Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectTransportation EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or Transportation Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning transportation systems, traffic management, roadway planningBroader infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, buildings
Industry UsageFocused on transportation infrastructure and traffic systemsWide range of infrastructure projects including transportation

Transportation Engineers specialize in designing and managing transportation systems, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope covering various infrastructure projects. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in related environments, but Transportation Engineers focus specifically on traffic flow, roadway design, and transit systems.

How much do transportation engineers make in the US?

Transportation engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $87,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $120,000 depending on experience, location, and level of education. Senior or specialized engineers with professional licensure and advanced skills can earn higher salaries, especially in urban areas or with government agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transportation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transportation Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, traffic flow analysis, and transportation planning, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering and an EIT or PE license. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and traffic modeling tools like SYNCHRO or VISSIM is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and deliver successful projects. These abilities are essential to designing safe, efficient transportation systems and ensuring regulatory compliance in infrastructure development.
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 cities in California are hiring for Transportation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Transportation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Transportation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,904 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Associate Transportation Engineer

Jaquith Consulting Group Inc

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$74K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


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.