Trainee-Graduate Engineer

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Minnesota; On-site; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) seeks Trainee-Graduate Engineers for a two-year rotational program across Construction, Design, Materials, Project Management, Traffic, and Water Resources. Trainees gain hands-on engineering experience, mentorship, and exposure to multiple offices statewide.

Start dates typically January and May, with potential out-of-state rotations. After completing the program and required criteria, incumbents may convert to a permanent Engineer 2 role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil/Construction/Environmental/Geo-engineering or Structural Engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• GPA > 2.5 (or higher preferred).
• Valid Class D driver's license.

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geo-engineering, or Structural Engineering (ABET-accredited)

GPA higher than 2.5

Valid class D driver's license

Job description

Working Title: Trainee-Graduate Engineer

Job Class: Trainee-Graduate Engineer

• Job ID: 96190
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Trainee
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/03/2026
• Closing Date: 11/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-MGEC
• Division/Unit: Workforce and Agency Services/Human Resources/Career Pathways Programs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Flexible
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Occasional
• Salary Range: $28.59- $42.16 / hourly; $59,696 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Non-Status
• Supervisor Name: Desiree Doud
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID: 96190
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Trainee
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/03/2026
• Closing Date: 11/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-MGEC
• Division/Unit: Workforce and Agency Services/Human Resources/Career Pathways Programs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Flexible
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Occasional
• Salary Range: $28.59- $42.16 / hourly; $59,696 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Non-Status
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 212 - MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers
• Last Incumbent: Multiple
• Supervisor Name: Desiree Doud
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

• 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 U.S. at the start of employment.

This vacancy will be used to fill multiple Trainee‑Graduate Engineer positions. Trainee positions may include the following locations throughout the state of Minnesota:

• Baxter
• Duluth
• Mankato
• Rochester
• St. Cloud
• St. Paul
• The 5‑county Metro Area - Maplewood (Materials and Road Research), Oakdale (Bridge), Roseville (CAV-X, Design, Traffic, Project Management), Golden Valley (Construction), etc.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation's Graduate Engineer Training Program is a 2‑year rotation program. Trainees participate in the program for up to 2 years, gaining professional engineering experience by completing a series of 3 to 6‑month‑long rotations. Trainees rotate through functional areas such as Construction (6 months is required and you will work overtime during this rotation), Design (6 months is required), Materials, Project Management, Traffic, or Water Resources. Trainees hired to work in the Bridge office will rotate through functional areas such as Bridge Design, Construction, Foundations, Pre‑Design, Scoping, Fracture Critical Inspections, or Hydraulics. All Trainees are supported with structured mentorship, training opportunities, and a large support network of professional engineers engaged in the Trainee’s growth and development as an engineer.

The selected Trainee(s) will begin employment after all educational requirements have been met. Typical cohort start dates are January and May of each year.

To complete the program, a Trainee must:

• Complete 2 years of professional engineering experience
• Achieve a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
• Complete and demonstrate satisfactory performance in all rotations
• Complete all required rotations – Design, Construction and an outstate rotation
• Complete 20 hours of recruitment outreach and/or public engagement service

After all criteria are met, the Trainee will be non‑competitively converted to a permanent, probationary Engineer 2 Graduate position in the trainee’s permanent (home base) office. All Trainees must become a registered Professional Engineer within 6 years of being appointed as a Trainee. To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the areas listed and indicate the beginning and ending months and years for each job held.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geo‑engineering, or Structural Engineering from an ABET‑accredited college/university or equivalent as rated by EAC/NCEES by the date of hire, or a closely related engineering degree with much of the class time devoted to civil engineering coursework. If the selected candidate does not currently possess a bachelor’s degree, all offers of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of this requirement. Candidates may apply to the Program during their senior year of a 4‑year degree, or any time after.
• GPA higher than 2.5
• A valid class D driver’s license.

Applicants will be evaluated for an interview based on the following: (1) applicant’s GPA; (2) an advanced degree in civil engineering or a closely related field; (3) possession of the Fundamentals of Engineering certification or a Professional Engineers license; (4) related engineering work experience; and (5) previous MnDOT/city/county experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3.0 GPA or higher
• A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or Professional Engineer (PE) exam
• MnDOT experience or city/county experience
• Road construction or road design experience
• Project management experience

Additional Requirements

• Successful candidates must pass past‑employer reference checks and criminal history checks. It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Criminal History Check, Employment Reference Check, Driver’s License Check, Education/License Verification and Pre‑Employment Physical.

Benefits

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT affirmative action office to request an accommodation by: E‑mail: [e-mail]; or by calling Janet Miller at 651/366-4720; or using MN Relay 711.

The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.