Project Engineer (Transportation)

Otak, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 89,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Relocation assistance

No-cost health/dental/vision insurance

401(k) retirement match

PTO + holidays

Job summary

Otak, Inc. seeks a Project Engineer to apply civil engineering design expertise across a broad range of transportation and site projects.

You will lead complex design efforts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and engage with clients and agencies to deliver safe, sustainable transportation solutions. This role supports proposal efforts, fosters professional growth, and offers opportunities to progress toward a Project Manager role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution; PE license preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive civil engineering experience focusing on transportation and municipal projects.
• Experience coordinating with public agencies (cities, counties, transit agencies).
• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and MicroStation/OpenRoads or similar design software.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the technical design and delivery of transportation and transit projects; build relationships with public agencies.
• Coordinate scopes, schedules, and budgets with project managers to meet client goals.
• Apply standards (AASHTO, ADA, MUTCD, ODOT, WSDOT) for regulatory compliance and design quality.
• Lead a collaborative team and promote knowledge sharing.
• Support project management activities with tracking and client coordination toward a Project Manager role.
• Assist in preparing proposals, scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Provide construction-phase support including submittals, RFIs, and site visits.

Skills

Project coordination

Client coordination

Communication

Public agency coordination

Team collaboration

Construction-phase support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

MicroStation/OpenRoads

Job description

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Otak is seeking a Project Engineer to apply their design expertise across a wide range of civil engineering projects, including roadways, soft- and hard-surface trails, underpasses and bridges, site/civil projects in national parks and on university campuses, and utility improvements for agencies and private clients. You’ll have the opportunity to take projects from concept through construction.

This position is ideal for an experienced civil engineer ready to advance toward project management. You’ll lead complex design efforts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, engage directly with clients and agencies, and help deliver safe, sustainable, and community-focused transportation solutions. You’ll also support proposal efforts, work among emerging professionals and seasoned engineers, and play a key role in strengthening Otak’s reputation as a trusted partner in transportation and transit design.

This position may be located in our Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA office.

How You'll Contribute:

• Participate in the technical design and delivery of transportation and transit projects, build and maintain relationships with public agencies, including local cities, counties, and transit agencies.
• Collaborate with project managers on scopes, schedules, and budgets to ensure projects meet client goals and contract requirements.
• Apply a strong understanding of AASHTO, ADA, MUTCD, ODOT, and WSDOT standards to ensure regulatory compliance and design quality.
• Be a team player with fellow staff and promote collaboration, technical growth, and knowledge sharing.
• Support project management activities, including progress tracking, task leadership, and client coordination, with a clear path toward a Project Manager role.
• Assist in preparing proposals and developing project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Provide construction-phase support, including submittal reviews, RFIs, and site visits to verify design intent and technical accuracy.

The Strengths You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution or equivalent education.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with emphasis on transportation, public infrastructure, drainage, utilities, site development, or civic projects for municipal and private clients.
• Experience coordinating with public agencies, including local cities, counties, and transit agencies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation/OpenRoads, or similar design software.
• Strong technical background in roadway, multimodal, and transit infrastructure design.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with clients.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and work location as well as market and business considerations.

Salary Range: $89,000- $121,000 per year

At our core, we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage you’re at in your career, we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life, help support your family, and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no-cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA; a 401(k)-retirement match; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be provided.

Why work at Otak?

We’re not just looking for skills and experience, having shared values is just as important! When you work at Otak, you aren’t just joining a firmyou’re joining a community. We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. However, we don’t just believe in cultivating our own community; we’re also committed to enriching the communities around us with smart, creative solutions. We know our employees make an investment in us, so we’re committed to making an investment in them. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Plus, we’re expanding and we’re dedicated to developing an internal infrastructure with the strength and talent to support that growth.

At Otak, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful for all. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our work environment, fuel innovation, and are essential to our collective success.

We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. Every individual at Otak is valued, included, and treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

All employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We strive to ensure that our practices uphold fairness and equity at every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Our Vision for an Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to creating an environment where:

• Diverse identities are embraced, and differences are valued as a source of strength.
• Every employee feels safe to be their authentic self and contributes meaningfully.
• Unique perspectives are encouraged, and open dialogue is welcomed to foster innovation.
• Curiosity replaces judgment, and respectful engagement is prioritized in all interactions.
• Relationships are built on mutual trust, dignity, and respect, forming the foundation of our workplace culture.

We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, including pregnant employees, to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment. If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process or in the workplace, please contactOtak’s People Services [e-mail] .

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future!