Transportation Engineer Associate - Cedar Rapids

State of Iowa; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Iowa, via the Iowa Department of Transportation, seeks an entry‑level Transportation Engineer Associate for Davenport/ statewide infrastructure roles. Graduating students or recent graduates will gain hands‑on experience in construction project management and bridge/roadway projects under licensed engineers.

You will support quality, safety, and efficiency, collaborate with contractors and inspectors, and work toward PE licensure with pathways for professional growth and a meaningful

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil, chemical, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering (or graduating within 10 months).
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Engineer certificate from the Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners to be obtained within 24 months of hire.
• Professional Engineer licensure required within 6 years for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Lead inspections and coordination of complex roadway and construction projects to ensure compliance with contract specifications.
• Capture and report project progress with diaries and inspection reports.
• Drive project coordination meetings with contractors, DOT staff, utilities, and stakeholders.
• Evaluate and verify contract documents, plans, and technical materials for accuracy and constructability.
• Deliver technical guidance to the RCE and manage critical project administration tasks.
• Execute on-site inspections in active construction zones and varied weather conditions.
• Perform data collection and testing with equipment (lifting up to 65 lbs).
• Coordinate with contractors, utilities, and state/local partners through construction phases.
• Spot issues early, recommend solutions, and make timely decisions to keep projects on track.

Skills

Field inspections

Project coordination

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Education

Civil engineering

Chemical engineering

Construction engineering

Environmental engineering

Materials engineering

Mechanical engineering

Structural engineering

Transportation engineering

Job description

Join our Davenport Resident Construction team as a Transportation Engineer Associate and help ensure Iowa’s infrastructure is built to last. Whether you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree or will be graduating within the next 10 months, this entry‑level engineering role offers a strong start to your career.

Working under the guidance of experienced Professional Engineers, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in construction project management while collaborating closely with contractors, inspectors, and internal teams. You’ll help maintain quality, safety, and efficiency across a wide range of roadway and bridge projects, all while developing the professional expertise needed to progress toward Professional Engineer licensure. If you thrive in dynamic field environments, enjoy solving problems, and value meaningful public service, this role offers a meaningful path forward.

As part of the Iowa Department of Transportation, you’ll contribute directly to our Mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To support this mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate behaviors grounded in our five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. These values guide how we serve Iowans, steward public resources, and support one another and they are at the heart of the work you’ll do every day.

Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Work Schedule: Core hours are Monday–Friday, 6:45 AM to 3:30 PM. Some night work, weekends, holidays, overtime, and varied shifts may be required. Travel and fieldwork in outdoor conditions are part of this role.

As a Transportation Engineer Associate,your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead inspections and coordination of complex roadway and construction projects to ensure full compliance with contract specifications.
• Capture and report project progress with precision, producing daily diaries, inspection reports, summaries, and accurate payment measurements.
• Drive project coordination meetings, bringing together contractors, DOT staff, utilities, and key stakeholders to keep work moving smoothly.
• Evaluate and verify contract documents, plans, and technical materials to ensure accuracy, completeness, and constructability.
• Deliver technical guidance to the RCE and take ownership of critical project administration functions.
• Execute thorough on‑site inspections in active construction zones and all weather conditions, maintaining safety and attention to detail.
• Perform robust data collection and physical testing, using measurement and testing equipment safely and effectively (including lifting up to 65 lbs).
• Facilitate seamless coordination with contractors, utilities, and state/local partners throughout construction phases.
• Spot issues early, recommend solutions, and make timely decisions to keep projects on track.

Special Requirements:

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Engineer certificate from the Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners must be obtained within 24 months of hire.
• Professional Engineer licensure required within 6 years for continued employment in this classification.
• Must obtain and maintain certifications including Agg Technician, PCC 1 & 2, HMA 1, and Erosion Control Technician.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us! If you're interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership.

Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at [e-mail].

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rigts to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

1. Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.
2. Possession of a verification of graduation with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Applicants hired with verification of graduation will be required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university within 10 months of hire.

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain one or more of the following certificates, licenses, or endorsements:

• Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board
• Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.