Assistant Transportation Engineer

Department of Transportation; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Maine Department of Transportation is seeking an Entry-Level Civil Engineer to contribute to the design and construction inspection of the state's transportation infrastructure. Working under licensed Professional Engineers, you will assist with highway design, bridge design, geotechnical engineering, and construction inspection as you develop technical knowledge and work toward professional licensure.

This role is intended for individuals starting their engineering careers, with assignments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or closely related field required, or non-degreed candidates must possess Engineer Intern certification as issued by the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers.
• Non-degreed candidates must possess Engineer Intern certification issued by the Maine State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Assist with highway and roadway design, including planning, design, drawings, and construction details; perform basic engineering calculations and quantity estimates using CAD tools.
• Assist with bridge design, inspections, condition assessments, and preparation of design documentation and cost estimates.
• Assist with geotechnical investigations, soil/rock evaluations, and preparation of technical reports and recommendations.
• Assist with construction inspection, field measurements, progress documentation, and review of contractor work activities and schedules.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or closely related field

Engineer Intern Certification (non-degreed candidates)

Job description

Maine Department of Transportation Salary: $56,867.20 - $79,747.20 per year (Salary Schedule)

Office/Bureau: Project Development

Opening Date: November 9, 2026

Closing Date: November 24, 2026

Job Description: This position provides an opportunity to contribute to the design and construction inspection of the state's transportation infrastructure.

Working under the supervision and guidance of licensed Professional Engineers and experienced engineering personnel, the Entry‑Level Civil Engineer will assist with a variety of engineering projects and activities involving highway design, bridge design, geotechnical engineering, and construction inspection.

This position is intended for individuals beginning their engineering careers who are interested in developing their technical knowledge, gaining practical engineering experience, and working toward professional engineering licensure.

Depending on the candidate's background, interests, and departmental needs, assignments may be focused in one or more of the following areas:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Highway and Roadway Design Assist with the planning and design of highway, roadway, intersection, and transportation improvement projects. Prepare and revise engineering drawings, plans, profiles, cross sections, and construction details. Assist with roadway geometry, drainage, grading, erosion control, and traffic-related design activities. Perform basic engineering calculations, quantity estimates, and technical evaluations. Utilize computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and other engineering software to develop and revise project plans. Assist with the preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, and contract documents.
2. Bridge and Structural Design Assist with the design, evaluation, rehabilitation, and replacement of bridges and other transportation structures. Perform basic structural engineering calculations and assist with the evaluation of structural components. Prepare and revise structural drawings, details, and design documentation. Assist with bridge inspections, condition assessments, and review of existing structural information. Support the preparation of design plans, specifications, quantities, and cost estimates.
3. Geotechnical Engineering Assist with geotechnical investigations and evaluations for highway, bridge, and other transportation projects. Review soil boring logs, subsurface investigation reports, and laboratory testing results. Assist with the evaluation of soil and rock conditions, foundations, retaining walls, embankments, slopes, and pavement subgrades. Perform basic geotechnical calculations and assist with the preparation of technical reports and recommendations. Participate in field investigations and coordinate with geotechnical consultants, contractors, and other engineering personnel as needed.
4. Construction Inspection and Engineering Support Assist with the inspection and oversight of highway, bridge, and other transportation construction projects. Observe construction activities to evaluate general conformance with approved plans, specifications, and contract requirements. Perform field measurements, document construction progress, and maintain daily inspection reports. Assist with material sampling, testing, and documentation in accordance with applicable standards and procedures. Review contractor work activities, construction schedules, quantities, and project documentation. Communicate with contractors, consultants, project engineers, and other department personnel regarding construction activities and project issues. Assist with the identification and documentation of construction deficiencies and potential discrepancies for review by supervisory personnel.

Additional Responsibilities

• Review engineering plans, specifications, standards, and technical documents. Assist with project coordination and communication between engineering disciplines.
• Collect, organize, and evaluate engineering data and project information. Participate in field visits, site investigations, and construction-related activities.
• Prepare technical memoranda, reports, correspondence, and project documentation. Develop familiarity with applicable state and federal transportation standards, design criteria, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in training, professional development, and continuing education opportunities. Perform other related engineering duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or closely related field –OR- non-engineering college graduates and non-degreed candidates must possess a Certification of Engineer-Intern as issued by the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers.
• Licensing/Registration/Certification Requirements: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class). Non-degreed candidates must possess Certification as Engineer Intern issued by the Maine State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

Benefits and Compensation

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime‑exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Wellness – We care about you and your family’s wellbeing, offering 12 days of sick leave annually to help you stay healthy.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by up to 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.