Engineer-in-Training I (Bridge Design & Construction) - Denver

Colorado Department of Transportation; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Department of Transportation is looking for an entry‑level Staff Bridge engineer. You will gain hands‑on experience in analyzing and designing highway structures, learning CDOT and AASHTO standards, and preparing plans and cost estimates.

Field visits and collaboration with experienced engineers will help develop practical skills for real transportation projects across Colorado. The role includes training, site visits, and participation in ongoing projects, with a typical Monday–Friday

Qualifications

• Entry-level civil/bridge engineering position focused on learning and applying CDOT standards.
• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or closely related field required or pursuing degree.
• Familiarity with AASHTO design guides and standard detailing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with analysis, design, and detailing of routine bridge and highway structures.
• Learn calculations for signs, signals, bridges, and other structures using software.
• Support evaluation of existing structures for capacity and rehabilitation needs.
• Prepare structural details, plans, quantities, and design information.
• Attend project meetings and collect design and rating information as assigned.
• Assist in developing structural standards and specifications under supervision.

Skills

Bridge analysis

Structural design

AASHTO standards

Cost estimation

Field inspections

Engineering calculations

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Structural software

Job description

Department Information

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year.

About CDOT

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

CDOT for All

CDOT’s strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months.

Description Of Job

About the Position

Start your engineering career with CDOT’s Staff Bridge team and gain hands‑on experience in structural engineering while learning from experienced professionals. In this entry‑level role, you’ll build your technical skills by assisting with the analysis and design of highway bridges and other structures, including new construction, rehabilitation, and repair projects. You’ll gain practical experience applying CDOT and AASHTO design standards, preparing structural plans and cost estimates, and seeing how engineering concepts are applied to real transportation projects across Colorado.

Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following

• Assist with the analysis, design, and detailing of routine bridge and highway structure elements under the direction of a registered professional engineer or assigned engineer.
• Learn to perform engineering calculations for signs, signals, bridges, and other structures using examples, specifications, and computer software.
• Assist engineers in evaluating and reporting the condition and capacity of existing structures for overloads, rehabilitation, or remedial action.
• Prepare and assist with structural details, plans, quantities, specifications, sketches, and design information.
• Review routine structural designs for compliance with AASHTO bridge specifications and CDOT Staff Bridge design, rating, and detailing manuals.
• Assist with load capacity ratings for new and existing bridges.
• Attend project meetings, provide structural information as assigned, and collect design and rating information from other parties.
• Participate in training, seminars, presentations, on‑the‑job learning, and independent study related to structural engineering analysis and design.
• Learn CDOT structural standards and specifications, AASHTO specifications, and the Department’s structure inspection and asset management programs.
• Retrieve and report structure asset management and inspection information as requested.
• Accompany engineers on field inspections to gather information, observe existing site conditions, and learn about structural behavior and deterioration.
• Assist with identifying solutions to construction, rehabilitation, and repair issues under supervision.
• Participate in construction field trips, assist with resolving construction issues, and learn how to check contractor shop drawings for compliance with bid documents.
• Assist engineers with developing structural engineering standards and specifications, including calculations, writing, and detailing.

Work Environment

• Your schedule will primarily be Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (possible hybrid schedule after training)
• Travel required during work hours throughout Region 1 to project sites, meetings and trainings.
• Approximately 10% spent in the field, 90% spent in the office
• Regular travel required during work hours for project related activities, site visits, meetings, trainings and conference attendance.
• Some overnight travel throughout Colorado to projects throughout the Region and meetings.
• Required to work outside in all weather conditions, in close proximity to moving traffic, and over variable terrain.
• May need to work during nighttime hours if construction projects requires work to be performed during times outside of normal working hours.
• Required to operate CDOT vehicles

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment &