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Transportation Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$81K - $135K/yr

GHD has a great opportunity for an experienced Transportation Engineer in our Central Region! Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see ...

Transportation Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$81K - $135K/yr

GHD has a great opportunity for an experienced Transportation Engineer in our Central Region! Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see ...

Transportation Engineer - Roadways

Houston, TX · On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, Transportation Roadway Engineers (PE). The position will offer the opportunity to work on small and large high-profile roadway and ...

Engineer I - Transportation

Houston, TX · On-site

$75K - $99K/yr

The Transportation Engineer I supports the planning, design, and coordination of public infrastructure projects within designated TIRZ boundaries. This role assists in managing capital improvement ...

Transportation Engineer in Training

Houston, TX · On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, Transportation Engineer in Training, (EIT). The position will offer the opportunity to work on small and large high-profile ...

Senior Transportation Engineer - Roadways

Houston, TX · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

As a Senior Transportation Engineer, you will leverage your experience with Texas highway and roadway projects to assist in our growing Texas practice and manage the design and delivery of various ...

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Transportation Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$51.8K

$88.3K

$123K

How much do transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation engineer in Houston, TX is $88,261.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $99,300.00 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 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 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.

Is being a transportation engineer worth it?

Transportation engineers design and improve transportation systems, often requiring a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and licensure. The profession offers steady employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work on infrastructure projects, but it can involve project deadlines and fieldwork. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in urban planning and infrastructure development.

What do you do as a transportation engineer?

A transportation engineer designs, develops, and maintains transportation systems such as roads, bridges, and traffic management solutions. They analyze traffic patterns, ensure safety standards, and use tools like CAD software to plan infrastructure projects, often requiring knowledge of engineering principles and relevant certifications. Their work supports efficient and safe movement of people and goods.

What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Transportation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Transportation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Transportation Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,261 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

$70K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Texas Department Of Transportation rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

202nd of 855 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

  • Assists in reviewing shop drawings prepared by fabricators for bridges and related structures.

  • Assists in the development of specifications for special bridge design details and projects.

  • Assists with design, computer operations and plan preparation.

  • Coordinates phases of preliminary design and revisions in PS&E with districts, divisions, Administration, the FHWA, contractors, fabricators, Corps of Engineers and local entities.
  • Coordinates with local officials on critical findings involving structures which are not under state jurisdictions to have them posted, repaired or closed to the traveling public.
  • Develops and/or reviews engineering related documents, correspondence, reports and remediation plans.
  • Performs moderately complex structural analysis of bridge designs
  • Rates and monitors load carrying capacities of bridges.
  • Recommends bridge replacement, bridge rehabilitation and repair of damaged bridges.
  • Reviews and revises schematics, PS&E, project designs, shop drawings and field changes for traffic control devices, signals, signs, markings, detours, traffic control plans, electrical distribution and roadway lighting and traffic management systems.
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Transportation Engineer II

Includes all essential duties listed for Transportation Engineer I as well as:

  • Assists districts with bridge inspection-related matters.

  • Coordinates fracture critical, underwater or off-system bridge inspection programs.

  • Reviews shop drawings prepared by fabricators for bridges and related structures.

  • Answers technical and policy questions related to bridge inspection and maintains bridge inspection data; analyzes data and provides summaries.
  • Performs complex structural analysis of bridge designs.
  • Reviews and assists districts with the planning, design of PS&E, and the letting for traffic management systems.
  • Reviews and checks special designs and solutions for unique structural problems.
  • Reviews designs and detailed drawings of bridges and related structures prepared by other engineers and technicians.

  • 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

Licenses and Certifications:

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

*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.

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

Licenses and Certifications:

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

*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 and II

  • We are seeking a highly motivated, responsive individual with a positive attitude and bridge design experience. The ideal candidate is quick learner, works well in a team environment, and possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills.        

Competencies:

Transportation Engineer I

  • Considerable knowledge of:

    • Applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations specific to area of responsibility for safeguarding information and
      information technology related systems
    • Standards and specifications for bridges and other transportation structures
    • Bridge construction and evaluation methods, procedures and regulations
    • Bridge inspection and appraisal methods and procedures
    • Computerized structural analysis techniques
  • Proficient skill in:
    • Performing basic design and drafting
    • Performing calculations to include material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data and engineering calculations
    • Planning, coordinating and handling multiple projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long-term deadlines
    • Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
  • Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that
    support business objectives and goals

Transportation Engineer II

Includes all competencies listed for Transportation Engineer I as well as:

  • Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Transportation Engineer I and II

  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions

  • Subject to noise
  • Subject to vibration
  • Subject to hazards - moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
  • Subject to atmospheric conditions - fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
  • Required to wear protective gear - respirator, hard hat, or other devices
  • Works in narrow aisles or passageways
  • Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc
  • Balancing - walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
  • Stooping - bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist
  • Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s)
  • Crouching - bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine
  • Standing - prolonged periods of time
  • Walking - moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
  • Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
  • Hearing - perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication
  • Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
  • Close Visual Acuity - work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
  • Close Visual Acuity - work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts
  • Visual Acuity - operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment

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.
  • This role requires participation in emergency response operations, which may take place during daytime and nighttime hours, depending on operational needs.

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