OPT Transportation Manager Jobs
Transportation Manager jobs on OPT require employers to sponsor H-1B visa or offer cap-exempt positions, since your work authorization is time-limited. Most roles fall under logistics, supply chain, or operations management. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
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Get Access To All JobsAre you interested in being part of a team designing improvements on Connecticut's highway system and having a positive effect on safety, traffic operation, and quality of life in local communities?
If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (DOT), is now accepting applications for Transportation Engineer Trainee positions at the DOT Headquarters in Newington, CT! Transportation Engineer Trainees work in many different capacities agency wide. Positions are available throughout the Bureau of Engineering and Construction.
Current students who will be graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering by the end of May 2027 are strongly encouraged to apply!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Schedule: Full-Time (40 Hour), First Shift, Monday - Friday
- Location: Positions available at the DOT Headquarters in Newington, CT
- Applicants must be available to travel for training, conferences, meetings, field reviews, etc.
- A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required and must be maintained
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and automatic promotional opportunities through Transportation Engineer 2. Further career growth opportunities available: Transportation Engineer 3 (Project Engineer) and Transportation Supervising Engineer (Project Manager) with additional experience.
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees
- Hybrid (in-office/telework) and alternate work schedules.
- The convenience of an on-site, low-cost fitness center, on-site cafeteria, and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging at our Newington, CT, Headquarters facility. All DOT facilities have ample free parking with easy access from major highways and by public transportation.
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development funding available for continued education and licensing.
- Join an award-winning agency! CTDOT has been recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO
- Receive on-the-job training and work with experienced engineers.
- Contribute to providing a safe and efficient transportation system.
- Implement bicycle, pedestrian, and complete streets improvements.
- Make a positive impact on local communities.
- Engage in stakeholder outreach with municipal leaders, neighborhood groups, businesses, homeowners, and the traveling public.
- Collaborate with and gain exposure to other CTDOT design units including Highway Design, Bridge Design, Soils and Foundations, Hydraulics and Drainage, Traffic Design and many others, in completion of project work.
- Gain experience to qualify for professional licensing.
- Resolve complex transportation challenges and recommend and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.
- Enjoy diverse working conditions with both office environment and field work in most positions.
- Utilize computer aided design software (MicroStation) and other applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
SALARY/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
- Maximum of the Target Level for Transportation Engineer 2.
Promotional Opportunity
Salary
Transportation Engineer Trainee
$76,307/annually
After successful completion of a one (1) year training program, you will be promoted to Transportation Engineer 1 (Engineering)
$85,151-$104,720/annually
After successful completion of two (2) years as a Transportation Engineer 1, you will be promoted to Transportation Engineer 2 (Engineering)
$95,865-$123,809/annually
APPLICATION DETAILS
Please list your Driver's license number, expiration date, and issuing State, Engineer in Training license number (if applicable) and any other job-relevant licenses or certifications you hold, in the Licenses and Professional Certifications section of your application.
About us
As one of Connecticut’s largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five distinct bureaus. It is the DOT's mission to improve quality of life through transportation. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development while preserving environmental and cultural resources. The Department of Transportation is committed to cultivating a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged.
Learn more about our mission, vision, and values by clicking here!
START WITH US. STAY WITH US. GROW WITH US.
Watch the videos below to learn what Transportation Engineers do at the Connecticut DOT!
- https://youtu.be/xJ586wGvyWE
- https://youtu.be/xCwJFsb8TuE
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the recruiter listed on this job posting by the closing date listed on the job posting.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
- For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
- This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Nicole Frascatore via Nicole.Frascatore@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Airport Authority this class is accountable for receiving training in introductory professional engineering work for the development of technical and professional transportation engineering and transportation construction engineering skills and knowledge in order to qualify for advancement in the field of transportation engineering.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Performs a wide variety of increasingly difficult duties as technical skills are acquired during course of training period.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of basic transportation engineering theories, principles and methods;
- Skill in use of drafting and calculating instruments and other computer applications;
- Considerable ability in performing mathematical computations, making neat and accurate drawings and preparing minor design and structural details.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Possession of a Bachelor's degree.
NOTE: If the target job classification has a Minimum Qualification that requires specific licensure and/or the Bachelor's degree to be in a specific area(s), then these specific licensures and degree areas are required for appointment to the Transportation Engineer Trainee classification. Candidates cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are complete.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
- Possession of Professional Engineer (PE) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S. §20-302 may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.
- Possession of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S. §20-302 may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Possession of an accredited bachelor’s degree in civil engineering by May 2027.
- Possession of an accredited engineering degree in a position-relevant area for specialty positions (i.e., electrical engineering for position in Electrical Engineering) by May 2027.
- Transportation engineering course work and knowledge of transportation engineering concepts.
- Minimum 3.0 grade point average in relevant engineering courses.
- Engineer in Training (EIT) licensure.
- Experience working as part of a collaborative team.
- Related engineering work experience or internship.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Access.
- Experience with CAD or similar engineering-related software.
- Oral and written communication experience.
- Report writing and presentation experience.
- Experience with multitasking and managing large workloads.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some risk of injury or physical harm from highway, construction site, or on-site environments and a moderate degree of discomfort from year-round weather conditions.
Are you interested in being part of a team designing improvements on Connecticut's highway system and having a positive effect on safety, traffic operation, and quality of life in local communities?
If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (DOT), is now accepting applications for Transportation Engineer Trainee positions at the DOT Headquarters in Newington, CT! Transportation Engineer Trainees work in many different capacities agency wide. Positions are available throughout the Bureau of Engineering and Construction.
Current students who will be graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering by the end of May 2027 are strongly encouraged to apply!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Schedule: Full-Time (40 Hour), First Shift, Monday - Friday
- Location: Positions available at the DOT Headquarters in Newington, CT
- Applicants must be available to travel for training, conferences, meetings, field reviews, etc.
- A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required and must be maintained
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and automatic promotional opportunities through Transportation Engineer 2. Further career growth opportunities available: Transportation Engineer 3 (Project Engineer) and Transportation Supervising Engineer (Project Manager) with additional experience.
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees
- Hybrid (in-office/telework) and alternate work schedules.
- The convenience of an on-site, low-cost fitness center, on-site cafeteria, and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging at our Newington, CT, Headquarters facility. All DOT facilities have ample free parking with easy access from major highways and by public transportation.
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development funding available for continued education and licensing.
- Join an award-winning agency! CTDOT has been recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO
- Receive on-the-job training and work with experienced engineers.
- Contribute to providing a safe and efficient transportation system.
- Implement bicycle, pedestrian, and complete streets improvements.
- Make a positive impact on local communities.
- Engage in stakeholder outreach with municipal leaders, neighborhood groups, businesses, homeowners, and the traveling public.
- Collaborate with and gain exposure to other CTDOT design units including Highway Design, Bridge Design, Soils and Foundations, Hydraulics and Drainage, Traffic Design and many others, in completion of project work.
- Gain experience to qualify for professional licensing.
- Resolve complex transportation challenges and recommend and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.
- Enjoy diverse working conditions with both office environment and field work in most positions.
- Utilize computer aided design software (MicroStation) and other applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
SALARY/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
- Maximum of the Target Level for Transportation Engineer 2.
Promotional Opportunity
Salary
Transportation Engineer Trainee
$76,307/annually
After successful completion of a one (1) year training program, you will be promoted to Transportation Engineer 1 (Engineering)
$85,151-$104,720/annually
After successful completion of two (2) years as a Transportation Engineer 1, you will be promoted to Transportation Engineer 2 (Engineering)
$95,865-$123,809/annually
APPLICATION DETAILS
Please list your Driver's license number, expiration date, and issuing State, Engineer in Training license number (if applicable) and any other job-relevant licenses or certifications you hold, in the Licenses and Professional Certifications section of your application.
About us
As one of Connecticut’s largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five distinct bureaus. It is the DOT's mission to improve quality of life through transportation. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development while preserving environmental and cultural resources. The Department of Transportation is committed to cultivating a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged.
Learn more about our mission, vision, and values by clicking here!
START WITH US. STAY WITH US. GROW WITH US.
Watch the videos below to learn what Transportation Engineers do at the Connecticut DOT!
- https://youtu.be/xJ586wGvyWE
- https://youtu.be/xCwJFsb8TuE
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the recruiter listed on this job posting by the closing date listed on the job posting.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
- For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
- This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Nicole Frascatore via Nicole.Frascatore@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Airport Authority this class is accountable for receiving training in introductory professional engineering work for the development of technical and professional transportation engineering and transportation construction engineering skills and knowledge in order to qualify for advancement in the field of transportation engineering.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Performs a wide variety of increasingly difficult duties as technical skills are acquired during course of training period.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of basic transportation engineering theories, principles and methods;
- Skill in use of drafting and calculating instruments and other computer applications;
- Considerable ability in performing mathematical computations, making neat and accurate drawings and preparing minor design and structural details.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Possession of a Bachelor's degree.
NOTE: If the target job classification has a Minimum Qualification that requires specific licensure and/or the Bachelor's degree to be in a specific area(s), then these specific licensures and degree areas are required for appointment to the Transportation Engineer Trainee classification. Candidates cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are complete.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
- Possession of Professional Engineer (PE) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S. §20-302 may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.
- Possession of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S. §20-302 may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Possession of an accredited bachelor’s degree in civil engineering by May 2027.
- Possession of an accredited engineering degree in a position-relevant area for specialty positions (i.e., electrical engineering for position in Electrical Engineering) by May 2027.
- Transportation engineering course work and knowledge of transportation engineering concepts.
- Minimum 3.0 grade point average in relevant engineering courses.
- Engineer in Training (EIT) licensure.
- Experience working as part of a collaborative team.
- Related engineering work experience or internship.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Access.
- Experience with CAD or similar engineering-related software.
- Oral and written communication experience.
- Report writing and presentation experience.
- Experience with multitasking and managing large workloads.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some risk of injury or physical harm from highway, construction site, or on-site environments and a moderate degree of discomfort from year-round weather conditions.
See all 213+ OPT Transportation Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Transportation Manager
Target logistics-heavy industries first
Freight, e-commerce fulfillment, and third-party logistics companies hire Transportation Managers at volume and have established immigration support. These employers file more H-1B visa petitions annually than smaller operators and understand OPT timelines without extensive explanation.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
Transportation Management degrees under CIP codes like 52.0203 or engineering logistics programs often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirm with your DSO before applying so you can accurately represent your authorization window to employers during screening.
Lead with your OPT end date, not just authorization status
Recruiters need to know how long you can work without a new petition. Stating your exact OPT expiration date and whether STEM extension applies gives hiring managers the timeline they need to assess whether sponsorship is feasible for their hiring cycle.
Research employer H-1B filing history
DOL disclosure data shows which companies have sponsored Transportation Manager or Operations Manager roles in the past. Prioritizing employers with a documented sponsorship track record in logistics or supply chain dramatically improves your odds of reaching an offer with visa support.
Frame your degree as a specialty occupation asset
Transportation Manager roles require demonstrating the position qualifies as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes. A relevant degree in supply chain, industrial engineering, or business logistics strengthens that argument and makes the employer's petition more defensible with USCIS.
Engage freight and port authority employers
Ports, transit authorities, and government contractors often operate under different hiring structures that can include cap-exempt H-1B pathways. These employers are frequently overlooked by OPT students but represent serious sponsorship opportunities in transportation operations and management.
Transportation Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Transportation Manager on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. Transportation management, supply chain, industrial engineering, and logistics degrees typically support this connection. Your employment must be authorized through your OPT EAD, and you are limited to roles within your field of study for the duration of your OPT period.
Does a Transportation Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your degree in supply chain management, industrial engineering, or a related STEM field is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm eligibility with your DSO before accepting a role, since your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify.
How do I find Transportation Manager jobs that offer H-1B sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to sponsorship. Transportation Manager roles in freight, e-commerce logistics, and supply chain operations appear regularly on the platform. Searching there saves time compared to filtering through general job postings where sponsorship willingness is rarely disclosed upfront.
Does a Transportation Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Generally yes, if the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field like supply chain management, logistics, industrial engineering, or business. The key is that the degree requirement must be specific to the role. Employers in highly regulated freight or multimodal logistics environments tend to have stronger H-1B cases for this title than generalist management roles.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files the H-1B petition?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before the April 1 cap-subject deadline and your OPT expires after June 1, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. If your OPT expires before April 1 or your employer misses the filing window, you cannot legally continue working until a new status is approved.