PROJECT ENGINEER (CIVIL ENGINEER V)

Illinois Department of Transportation; Ottawa (IL); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Flexible work schedules

Hybrid scheduling

Paid time off

Job summary

Illinois Department of Transportation in Ottawa, IL seeks a Civil Engineer V to supervise staff, develop contract plans, and ensure quality control of transportation design projects. The role includes coordinating with district bureaus, presenting to stakeholders, and ensuring timely completion of the district's program.

The position offers a hybrid in-office schedule, with standard hours 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, and requires licensure as a Professional Engineer in Illinois and five years of civil

Qualifications

• Current registration as a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois OR current registration as a Licensed Structural Engineer in the state of Illinois.
• Five years of experience in civil engineering.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and motivate staff.
• Review and ensure design engineering quality of transportation infrastructure plans.
• Coordinate activities with other district bureaus to ensure timely completion of projects.
• Negotiate agreements with consultants and monitor progress and quality of work.
• Make public presentations and answer questions regarding design projects.

Skills

Licensed Professional Engineer

Civil engineering

Supervision

Communication skills

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Date: Nov 6, 2026

Location: Ottawa, IL, US, 61350

Job Requisition ID

58778 IPR#26-01708

Opening Date

10/30/2026

Closing Date

11/17/2026

Agency

Department of Transportation

Position Title

Civil Engineer V

Salary

Anticipated Starting Salary: $6,837 Monthly; Full Range: $6,837-$10,831 Monthly

Job Type

Salaried

Category

Full Time

Number of Vacancies

1

Bargaining Unit Code

NR916 Protech Teamsters

Work Hours

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability

1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Work Location

700 E Norris Dr, Ottawa, Illinois, 61350

Work Office

Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation/Region 2/District 3/Bureau of Program Development

Work County

LaSalle

Agency Contact

[e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

This position is accountable for the supervision of staff engaged in the preparation of contract plans and specifications for transportation infrastructure improvements and the quality assurance of such plans and specifications.

Essential Functions

• Ensures accomplishment of the district’s annual program by developing schedules and setting priorities for all projects within the Studies and Plans Section to facilitate compliance with both the annual and multi-year programs.
• Reviews and determines the completeness, conformance to policies and the overall design engineering of transportation infrastructure improvement plans prepared by staff and consultants.
• Coordinates activities of staff with other district Program Development Sections and other district bureaus to ensure timely completion of projects. Informs the Studies and Plans Engineer on status of projects.
• Negotiates agreements with consultants and monitors progress and quality of work.
• Supervises, trains, and motivates staff.
• Makes public presentations, attends meetings with squads and individuals to provide information, and answers questions regarding specific design projects.
• Performs duties in accordance with departmental safety policies. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to a fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current registration as a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois OR current registration as a Licensed Structural Engineer in the state of Illinois.
• Five years of experience in civil engineering.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to supervise the preparation of complete engineering plans and specifications.
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures that govern the design of highway projects.
• Ability to analyze and solve highway engineering problems.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license.
• Occasional districtwide travel.
• Successful completion of a background screening.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About The Agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire a Project Engineer.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

Nearest Major Market: Ottawa