Transportation Engineer Associate: Field Impact & Growth

State of Iowa; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IPERS Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

State of Iowa is seeking an entry-level Transportation Engineer Associate in Cedar Rapids to support construction project management under Professional Engineers. You will inspect roadway and bridge projects, document progress, and coordinate with contractors, inspectors, and internal teams to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency, with a path toward licensure.

You will gain hands-on experience and develop the professional expertise needed for licensure while serving the public through Iowa's

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• Certification as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Inspection leadership

Project coordination

Data collection

Field testing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Engineer in Training (EIT) certification

Professional Engineer licensure

Job description

State of Iowa is seeking an entry-level Transportation Engineer Associate in Cedar Rapids to support construction project management under Professional Engineers. You will inspect roadway and bridge projects, document progress, and coordinate with contractors, inspectors, and internal teams to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency, with a path toward licensure.

You will gain hands-on experience and develop the professional expertise needed for licensure while serving the public through Iowa's