Design Engineer I

DJ&A; Washington; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DJ&A in Vancouver, WA is seeking an entry to mid-level Transportation Design Engineer to contribute to road, highway and trail design across the western U.S. This role offers a path from initial responsibility to independent project delivery within a collaborative team.

The ideal candidate will have 1–10 years of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a drive to learn while working on diverse infrastructure projects. Occasional travel and office-based field support are required.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil Engineering or related field preferred.
• Relevant experience in transportation design may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Familiarity with AASHTO, MUTCD, NACTO, and State DOT design manuals.

Responsibilities

• Support transportation engineering designs for Local, State, and Federal agencies.
• Provide support for construction administration (in-office and occasional on-site).
• Participate in the design and delivery of roadway infrastructure projects that vary in size and complexity.
• Work on multidisciplinary teams in both support and lead roles.
• Utilize design software, including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Bentley MicroStation ORD, to support project design tasks.
• Perform detailed CAD-based design, including roadway geometric design and corridor modeling.
• Prepare project deliverables, including quantity calculations, cost estimates, specifications, and construction schedules.
• Perform quality control checks, ensure code and design standard compliance, and follow QA/QC procedures.
• This position may require occasional travel, including overnight and weekend stays, primarily for construction inspection and site visits. While the primary role is office based, flexibility to support fieldwork is essential.

Skills

AutoCAD Civil 3D

MicroStation OpenRoads

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Planning & organization

Self-motivated

Team collaboration across locations

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Transportation Design Engineer (Entry to Mid-Level)

(Vancouver, WA)

About DJ&A

DJ&A is a multidisciplinary consulting firm that delivers a wide variety of professional services to clients nationwide. Our specialties include: transportation design, survey & mapping, sustainability, site development and utilities, construction inspection/management, geospatial solutions, structural design, project management, community involvement, right of way services, and environmental compliance.

DJ&A encourages innovation and an environment where every employee feels empowered to thrive. We design projects that serve our communities at every level, from local pedestrian and non-motorized improvements to Interstate freeways. Our work is often situated in the most scenic and inspiring locations —National Forests, Parks, Monuments, recreational facilities, and other public lands—offering unique and rewarding projects that foster career growth and a fulfilling employee experience. Working for DJ&A provides an opportunity to be the problem-solvers who have a positive impact on our communities through sustainable engineering solutions.

Founded in 1973 by two former U.S. Forest Service employees who saw a need for a company that uniquely understood Forest Service projects, DJ&A has continued to grow and expand over the last 52 years by embracing the values of our founders. Today, we have a team of 180+ skilled professionals in offices in Missoula, MT (headquarters); Bozeman, MT; Vancouver, WA; Denver, CO; Sioux Falls, SD; Reno, NV; and Albuquerque, NM.

Job Summary

DJ&A seeks full-time Transportation Design Engineers with 1-10 years of relevant experience. Engineer In Training (EIT) Certificate preferred. Equivalent experience in transportation design may be considered in lieu of formal certification.

The ideal candidate is an analytical, organized problem-solver with strong communication skills and a passion for civil engineering. Proven experience with road, highway, and trail design is desired. This is a great opportunity for a motivated, team-oriented professional who seeks to learn and grow in their field while working on a diverse range of infrastructure projects throughout the western U.S.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Support transportation engineering designs for Local, State, and Federal agencies.
• Provide support for construction administration (in-office and occasional on-site).
• Participate in the design and delivery of roadway infrastructure projects that vary in size and complexity.
• Work on multidisciplinary teams in both support and lead roles.
• Utilize design software, including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Bentley MicroStation ORD, to support project design tasks.
• Perform detailed CAD-based design, including roadway geometric design and corridor modeling.
• Prepare project deliverables, including quantity calculations, cost estimates, specifications, and construction schedules.
• Perform quality control checks, ensure code and design standard compliance, and follow QA/QC procedures.
• This position may require occasional travel, including overnight and weekend stays, primarily for construction inspection and site visits. While the primary role is office based, flexibility to support fieldwork is essential.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or MicroStation OpenRoads.
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, independent, and results-driven.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and collaborate with geographically dispersed teams.

Education and Experience:

• B.S. in Civil Engineering or related engineering field preferred.
• Relevant experience in transportation design may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Familiarity with AASHTO, MUTCD, NACTO, and State DOT design manuals.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to travel to remote project sites.
• Ability to access and navigate job sites and construction areas with noise, dust, and uneven ground.
• Willingness to work occasional nights or weekends as project schedules require.

Wage and Benefits

• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.