Civil Transportation Engineer - Early Career

Shive--hattery; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) retirement savings

Disability protection

Wellness incentives

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Shive-Hattery in West Des Moines, IA is seeking a entry-level Civil Engineer to join our Public Infrastructure - Transportation team. You will gain hands-on experience in roadway design, traffic operations, and municipal infrastructure while supporting projects in the communities we serve.

As a recent graduate or early-career Engineer Intern, you will develop professional licensure through mentorship, practical field and drafting work using MicroStation/OpenRoads and AutoCAD/Civil 3D, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college/university.
• Recent graduate or early career Engineer Intern with 0 to 3 years of professional experience.
• Have passed (or are scheduled to take) the FE exam to obtain Engineering Intern designation with the drive to obtain a PE license.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with engineering design/drafting tools.

Responsibilities

• Focus on transportation engineering, including roadway and intersection design, corridor studies and traffic operations.
• Contribute to the design of stormwater management, site grading, and public utilities.
• Prepare CAD drawings, technical reports, construction documents, and cost estimates.
• Gain field experience through construction observation and collaboration with contractors.
• Support projects across public infrastructure, industrial, healthcare, education, commercial, and government sectors.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Client service orientation

Team collaboration

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Bentley MicroStation/OpenRoads Designer

Autodesk AutoCAD/Civil 3D

Job description

Let’s do great things—Together

At Shive-Hattery, we believe great design starts with great people. We’re a full-service architecture and engineering firm with a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and putting people first, our clients and each other. If you’re looking for a place where your ideas matter and your growth is supported, you’ll feel at home here.

Why This Role Matters

As part of our Public Infrastructure - Transportation team in our West Des Moines, Iowa, office, you'll gain hands-on experience in transportation and municipal infrastructure design while directly contributing to impactful projects in the communities where we live and work. This role offers a strong foundation for your career and supports your path toward professional licensure through diverse project experience and mentorship from seasoned professionals.

What You’ll Do

• Primarily focus on transportation engineering, including roadway and intersection design, corridor studies, traffic operations, and multimodal improvements such as trails and pedestrian facilities
• You’ll also contribute to the design of stormwater management systems, site grading, and public utilities (water and sanitary sewer), supporting comprehensive solutions for public infrastructure projects
• Preparing CAD drawings, technical reports, construction documents, cost estimates, and specifications
• You’ll have opportunities to gain field experience through construction observation and administration, building your understanding of how designs translate to construction and how to collaborate effectively with contractors
• While your focus will be on public infrastructure, our broad practice areas create opportunities to contribute to projects in industrial, healthcare, education, commercial, and government sectors

Requirements

If your experience generally aligns with the items below and you’re excited about the work we do, we encourage you to apply.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college/university
• Experience: Recent graduate or early career Engineer Intern with 0 to 3 years of professional experience
• License/Certification: Have passed (or are scheduled to take) the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE) to obtain Engineering Intern designation with the drive to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic familiarity with engineering design and drafting tools (e.g. Bentley MicroStation/OpenRoads Designer and/or Autodesk AutoCAD/Civil 3D)
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal)
• Demonstrate an ability to be service-oriented to existing and potential clients
• Work effectively with other professionals on multi-discipline teams
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and learn standard practices
• Manage time and workload effectively including planning, organization, and prioritization with attention to detail.

What will make you stand out

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, along with a demonstrated commitment to client service
• Strong interest in transportation/municipal engineering
• Practical, hands-on experience with Bentley OpenRoads Designer and/or Autodesk Civil 3D software
• Previous internships or summer experiences in general civil engineering or transportation

Why Shive-Hattery?

Great work happens when you feel secure in your future, confident in your support, and trusted to grow. That’s why our benefits support your health, financial stability, and life beyond work — including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, 401(k) retirement savings, disability protection, wellness incentives, and flexibility. When we succeed, you share in that success. Guided by truth, trust, mentoring, and care, we’re committed to helping you build a lasting career.

Who We Are

Shive-Hattery is a privately held architecture and engineering consulting firm with design offices across the United States. Here, you’ll work alongside multidisciplinary teams delivering integrated design solutions for clients. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects guided by our principle to design what matters to make the world a better place. You’re looking to build something great. So are we.

Shive-Hattery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

This position is primarily performed in an office environment and may require travel to project sites, other Shive-Hattery office locations, or to meet with clients. A driver’s license is required. The role involves sitting, standing, and working at a computer for extended periods. May also require lifting light to medium weight objects of up to 50 lbs., the wearing of PPE, and navigating active construction sites. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.