Trainee Graduate Engineer

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

MnDOT invites college graduates in civil engineering and related fields to join its Graduate Engineer Training Program. The two-year, rotation-based program builds technical and professional skills, with placements across MnDOT’s regional offices.

Upon successful completion, trainees are promoted to Graduate Engineer 2 and assigned to a permanent position, with rotation opportunities across Construction, Design, Project Management, Bridge/Structures, Materials, Water Resources, and Traffic.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree by start date in Civil, Construction, Environmental, Geo-, or Structural Engineering (or closely related field) from ABET-accredited college or university or equivalent as rated by EAC/NCEES
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Valid Class D driver's license

Responsibilities

• Participate in MnDOT's two-year Graduate Engineer Training Program consisting of rotation-based assignments
• Develop technical, leadership, and professional skills while learning MnDOT policies
• Rotation options include Construction, Design, Project Management, Bridge/Structures, Materials, Water Resources, Traffic
• Six-month rotation is required for all Grad-Trainees

Skills

Valid driver's license

GPA 2.5

Education

ABET-accredited civil/related engineering degree

Job description

TRAINEE – GRADUATE CIVIL ENGINEER

Apply by Nov. 18, 2026

Salary Range: $28.59 - $42.16 per hour

For college graduates with a degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, structural engineering, environmental engineering, geoengineering, or a related field

Build your career in MnDOT's Graduate Engineer Training Program. Develop your technical, leadership, and professional skills while becoming familiar with MnDOT’s organizational structure, goals, and policies in this two-year, rotation-based program. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be assigned to a permanent position at MnDOT and promoted to Graduate Engineer 2.

MnDOT Grad Engineers design their own rotation schedule, working with a team of mentors and supervisors to create a plan that fits their interests and career goals. Rotation options include:

• Construction* (overtime work is required)
• Design*
• Project Management
• Bridge/Structures
• Materials
• Water Resources
• Traffic

*Required 6-month rotation for all Grad-Trainees

Positions are located across Minnesota, including Baxter, Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities metro area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Completed a bachelor’s degree by the start date in Civil, Construction, Environmental, Geo-, or Structural Engineering (or a closely related field) from an ABET-accredited college or university or equivalent as rated by EAC/NCEES
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Valid Class D driver's license

*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 United States at the start of employment.