Salary : $66,830.40 - $103,500.80 Annually
Location : Cedar Rapids - 52401 - Linn County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00466
Agency: 645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact:

Job Description
Join our 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.
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
• 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 the !

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.

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa - Apply now!

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

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
Additional Qualification Requirements

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.
01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated or do you possess a Verification of Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural or transportation engineering, or in engineering management?

Note: Hires made with the Verification of Graduation will require graduation from the college or university within 10 months of hire.

• Yes
• No

Required Question