Engineering Specialist

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Rochester (MN); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Transportation seeks an Engineering Specialist to provide engineering assistance for state and federal grant‑in‑aid programs supporting public airports. The role focuses on developing, administering, and promulgating safe aviation infrastructure across Rochester, Mankato, or Windom.

You will collaborate with project teams, review construction documents, manage funding eligibility, and travel within‑state up to 20–25%.

Qualifications

• Experience interpreting and advising on construction project documents or plans.
• Experience with project funding and eligibility.
• Knowledge of airport design standards and FAA regulations beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering assistance for state and federal grant-in-aid programs to public airports.
• Administer grants to develop, maintain, and promote safe aviation infrastructure.
• Travel within Minnesota up to 20–25% as required by the position.

Skills

Construction documents interpretation

Funding and eligibility

Airport project knowledge

Tools

FAA regulations familiarity

Job description

• Location: Rochester (D6), Mankato (D7), or Windom (D7)
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/20/2026
• Closing Date: 09/02/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-MGEC
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.13 - $47.49 / hourly; $67,087 - $99,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• Job ID: 96497
• Location: Rochester (D6), Mankato (D7), or Windom (D7)
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/20/2026
• Closing Date: 09/02/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-MGEC
• Division/Unit: SUSTAIN PLAN & PR MGMT DIV / Aero Development
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.13 - $47.49 / hourly; $67,087 - $99,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 212 - MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers
• Last Incumbent: Brian Conklin
• Supervisor Name: Arika Johnson
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Engineering Specialist

Job Class: Engineering Specialist

Agency: Transportation Department

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position may work from the following locations: Rochester (District 6), Mankato (District 7) or Windom (District 7) and may have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.

The position provides engineering assistance in administering state and federal grant-in-aid programs to assigned public airports so that a safe and viable air transportation system can be developed, maintained, and promulgated.

In-state travel is required for up to 20-25% of the time.

• The Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience interpreting and advising on construction project documents or plans.
• Experience with project funding and eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with airport design standards.
• Knowledge and experience applying Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and state and federal requirements relating to aviation.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check

It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Criminal History Check, Employment Reference Check, Driver’s License Check, and/or Education/License Verification.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Ride the new METRO "Green Line" Light Rail Train to work! The Rice/Capitol Station is located close by.

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• MnDOT Student Loan Reimbursement Program (Visit Student Loan Reimbursement - Policies - MnDOT (state.mn.us) for more information)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Alternative Action office to request an accommodation by: E‑Mail: [e-mail]; or by calling Janet Miller at tel:[phone]; or using MN Relay 711.

The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.