Entry-Level Transportation Engineer – Field & Growth Path

State-of-Iow; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits package

IPERS retirement program

Paid time off and holidays

Health, dental, and flexible spending

Job summary

State of Iowa’s transportation team in Cedar Rapids invites graduates or soon-to-be graduates to begin an entry-level Transportation Engineer Associate role under seasoned Professional Engineers. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in construction project management, collaborating with contractors, inspectors, and internal teams while building the foundation for licensure toward a Professional Engineer.

Core hours are standard weekdays with occasional night work and field travel.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in civil, chemical, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.
• Possession of verification of graduation with major coursework in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.
• Applicants hired with verification of graduation will be required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree within 10 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead inspections and coordination of complex roadway and construction projects to ensure full compliance with contract specifications.
• Capture and report project progress with precision, producing daily diaries, inspection reports, summaries, and accurate payment measurements.
• Drive project coordination meetings, bringing together contractors, DOT staff, utilities, and key stakeholders to keep work moving smoothly.
• Evaluate and verify contract documents, plans, and technical materials to ensure accuracy, completeness, and constructability.
• Deliver technical guidance to the RCE and take ownership of critical project administration functions.
• Execute thorough on-site inspections in active construction zones and all weather conditions, maintaining safety and attention to detail.

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering

Job description

State of Iowa’s transportation team in Cedar Rapids invites graduates or soon-to-be graduates to begin an entry-level Transportation Engineer Associate role under seasoned Professional Engineers. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in construction project management, collaborating with contractors, inspectors, and internal teams while building the foundation for licensure toward a Professional Engineer.

Core hours are standard weekdays with occasional night work and field travel.