Traffic Engineer Trainee

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Middletown Township (PA); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Alternative work schedules

Job summary

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in Middletown, PA is seeking a Traffic Engineer Trainee to work under higher-level engineers and gain proficiency in traffic, design and construction engineering. The role emphasizes on-the-job training, field exposure, and gradual responsibility.

Hybrid work options and alternate schedules may apply. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering and a PA driver’s license (or ability to obtain within six months) are required while a Winter 2026 or Spring 2027 graduation is

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline is required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and obtain PA license within six months of employment.
• Candidates currently pursuing an engineering degree with anticipated Winter 2026 or Spring 2027 graduation encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Participates in on-the-job training to develop practical proficiency in engineering principles.
• Assists design and construction projects under the direction of higher-level engineers.
• Reviews submissions from consultants or contractors and attends monthly progress meetings.
• Observes and understands oversight of traffic, design, and construction projects both office and field.
• Reviews invoices and estimates prepared by consultants/contractors and supports project controls.
• Assists in inspection of roadway features and maintains knowledge in assigned engineering areas.
• Develops situational awareness to prevent accidents and performs related duties.

Skills

Customer service

Critical thinking

Communication proficiency

Analytical thinking

Active listening

Attention to detail

Motivated

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Traffic Engineer Trainee

• Posting Start Date: October 29, 2026
• Posting End Date: November 13, 2026
• Position Number: 80003667
• Union: Non-Union
• FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt
• Department: Traffic Engineering and Operations
• Salary Grade: E-2
• Salary: $71,000.64
• Employment Type: Full Time
• Building Location: Central Office Building
• Building Street: 700 S. Eisenhower Boulevard
• Building City: Middletown
• Building State: Pennsylvania (US-PA)
• Building Zip Code: 17057

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, opened on October 1, 1940, is known as “America’s First Superhighway”! Our mission is to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. The PTC operates a 565-mile system with over 205 million transactions annually. Together, we are building the highway of the future.

The Commission values its team members and understands the importance of work/life balance to the health, well-being and productivity of its team. Therefore, this position may be eligible for Flexible Work Options* such as:

• Hybrid Work - combination of remote and in-person reporting
• Alternate Work Schedule- flexibility to adjust work schedule length to complete work week in fewer days

*Some options may require completion of probationary period.

The Commission requires all employees to establish PA residency within 6 months of hire and to maintain PA residency, regardless of Flexible Work Options.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The Commission will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Purpose and Summary

This position works with higher level professionals to develop practical proficiency in various units of the traffic, design, and construction engineering sections for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Employees receive instruction through demonstrations and participation in design and construction projects and perform increasingly difficult duties as the familiarization period progresses. Close supervision is provided by higher-level engineers who assign projects, give preliminary instructions and review work and ensure quality and adherence to established policy and procedures. Employees may be recommended for reclassification to an Engineer Project Manager 1 upon successful completion of twelve (12) months as an Engineer Trainee or engineering intern with the PTC.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Participates in an on-the-job training program designed to develop practical proficiency in the use of engineering principles and training received in school.
• Provides assistance and recommendations for design and construction of projects under the direction of higher-level engineers.
• Participates with the review of submissions made by consultants or contractors.
• Observes, assists and gains an understanding of the oversight process of various traffic, design, and construction projects, both in the office and in the field.
• Reviews and identifies discrepancies on monthly invoices and estimates as prepared by consultants or contractors.
• Attends monthly progress/status meetings.
• Reviews roadway, bridge and traffic design and construction criteria.
• Assists in the inspection of roadway, bridges, tunnels and other highway features and structures.
• Develops and maintains knowledge in assigned engineering area(s).
• Uses situational awareness to anticipate and prevent accidents.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in engineering or other related discipline. Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license. Must obtain and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license within six (6) months of employment.

Candidates currently pursuing their degree with an anticipated graduation date of Winter 2026 or Spring 2027 are encouraged to apply.

Competencies

• Customer Service
• Critical Thinking
• Motivated
• Communication Proficiency
• Analytical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Attention to Detail

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing and reading reports. Position requires frequent work at a computer utilizing business programs and PTC specific operating systems. Position requires occasional travel and/or fieldwork with exposure to roadway traffic.

Office environment with low levels of noise, adequate lighting and comfortable temperature. Field environment may include exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable conditions. Physical environment is generally safe, but safety equipment or precautions must be followed in field conditions.

Benefits

The selected candidate will be offered an exceptional benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, along with a benefit plan for retirement. In addition, leave programs, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and alternative work schedules are available to employees.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department by calling 717-831-7378.