Transportation Engineer Jobs in California
Transportation Engineer jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in infrastructure, transit, and public-works sectors and open to candidates from entry-level project assistant through senior principal engineer. The heaviest hiring sits in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where firms like AECOM, WSP, and Caltrans have deep, lasting presences and recurring recruitment cycles. The most in-demand specialties right now are traffic operations, multimodal corridor design, and transportation planning tied to California's ongoing highway and rail programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Transportation Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 55+ Transportation Engineer jobs
About Parametrix
Parametrix is a 100% employee-owned consulting firm helping clients deliver resilient infrastructure, vibrant and livable communities, and environmentally sustainable solutions. We are a team of professional construction managers, engineers, management consultants, planners, scientists, and surveyors dedicated to delivering outstanding client service. We build lasting partnerships and collaborate with our clients to envision possibilities and create tomorrow, together.
Recognized as a top workplace, we're committed to a culture that values work-life balance, professional growth, and the well-being of our people.
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a Transportation Civil Engineer I to join our Transportation team in Emeryville, California. This is a great opportunity for an early-career engineer interested in transportation engineering, roadway design, and complete streets to gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful infrastructure projects that improve mobility, accessibility, and safety in our communities.
Our Emeryville team enjoys a collaborative, fun, and supportive office environment where engineers work closely together, share ideas, and learn from one another. Team members typically work in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and we encourage in-person collaboration on those days to support mentorship, professional development, and team connections. We also offer flexibility for a hybrid work schedule.
Your Role on the Team:
- Support the planning, design, and delivery of transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway improvements, complete streets, and multimodal transportation facilities.
- Prepare engineering plans, drawings, calculations, technical reports, and design documentation under the guidance of experienced engineers.
- Assist with roadway geometry, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, intersection improvements, ADA accessibility, and other transportation design elements.
- Use engineering design software, including AutoCAD Civil 3D, to develop plans and support project deliverables.
- Collaborate with engineers, designers, and project managers to coordinate design activities and meet project schedules and objectives.
- Support the preparation of engineering studies, cost estimates, specifications, and other technical documentation.
- Participate in project meetings, design reviews, and coordination with internal teams, clients, and agency partners.
- Apply engineering principles and problem-solving skills to develop practical solutions that improve transportation infrastructure and community connectivity.
What You Bring to the Team:
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Interest in transportation engineering, roadway design, complete streets, and multimodal transportation solutions.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D or other engineering design software; experience with transportation design tools is a plus.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or the ability to obtain it within a reasonable timeframe is preferred.
- Basic understanding of civil engineering design principles, engineering calculations, and plan development.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Initiative, attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn, develop technical skills, and grow as an engineering professional.
Why Join Parametrix?
Employee Ownership & Great Benefits: As a 100% employee-owned company, you will share in and contribute to Parametrix's success. You will earn stock in your Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) account and be an important contributor to our collective achievements.
Our Benefits include:
- Comprehensive Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, short- & long-term disability insurance)
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (financial profit sharing)
- Performance-based bonuses
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off (both vacation & sick/wellness time accruals)
- Paid Holidays
- Parental Bonding Leave
Exciting, Award-Winning Project Work: Our work earns recognition for its innovation and positive impact on communities, giving you the opportunity to contribute to projects that make a difference. Learn more at https://www.parametrix.com/our-work/
Flexible Work Arrangements: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible work arrangements to support our employee-owners' diverse needs. Whether it is hybrid, remote, or in-office, we provide options that allow you to work in a way that best suits your lifestyle while staying connected and engaged with your team.
Compensation is determined by factors such as education, experience, location, and role. As employee-owners, we are eligible for performance-based bonuses and our salaries are reviewed annually. We value transparency and look forward to discussing our compensation structure.
Our Commitment to You
Parametrix is committed to being an inclusive workplace, where team members of all backgrounds and experiences are welcome. As an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy and culture to provide opportunities to all persons based on merit and fitness to perform job duties. Employment decisions are based solely on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, age (40 or older, as protected under the ADEA), disability (including physical, mental, or sensory), genetic information (including testing and characteristics), protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations.
At Parametrix, we are dedicated to encouraging an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you need any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know, and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met. We welcome and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Your Information Matters
We care about protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly throughout the hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains what information we collect, how we use, share, and retain it, your privacy rights and choices, and how to contact us with questions or requests.
About Parametrix
Parametrix is a 100% employee-owned consulting firm helping clients deliver resilient infrastructure, vibrant and livable communities, and environmentally sustainable solutions. We are a team of professional construction managers, engineers, management consultants, planners, scientists, and surveyors dedicated to delivering outstanding client service. We build lasting partnerships and collaborate with our clients to envision possibilities and create tomorrow, together.
Recognized as a top workplace, we're committed to a culture that values work-life balance, professional growth, and the well-being of our people.
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a Transportation Civil Engineer I to join our Transportation team in Emeryville, California. This is a great opportunity for an early-career engineer interested in transportation engineering, roadway design, and complete streets to gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful infrastructure projects that improve mobility, accessibility, and safety in our communities.
Our Emeryville team enjoys a collaborative, fun, and supportive office environment where engineers work closely together, share ideas, and learn from one another. Team members typically work in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and we encourage in-person collaboration on those days to support mentorship, professional development, and team connections. We also offer flexibility for a hybrid work schedule.
Your Role on the Team:
- Support the planning, design, and delivery of transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway improvements, complete streets, and multimodal transportation facilities.
- Prepare engineering plans, drawings, calculations, technical reports, and design documentation under the guidance of experienced engineers.
- Assist with roadway geometry, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, intersection improvements, ADA accessibility, and other transportation design elements.
- Use engineering design software, including AutoCAD Civil 3D, to develop plans and support project deliverables.
- Collaborate with engineers, designers, and project managers to coordinate design activities and meet project schedules and objectives.
- Support the preparation of engineering studies, cost estimates, specifications, and other technical documentation.
- Participate in project meetings, design reviews, and coordination with internal teams, clients, and agency partners.
- Apply engineering principles and problem-solving skills to develop practical solutions that improve transportation infrastructure and community connectivity.
What You Bring to the Team:
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Interest in transportation engineering, roadway design, complete streets, and multimodal transportation solutions.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D or other engineering design software; experience with transportation design tools is a plus.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or the ability to obtain it within a reasonable timeframe is preferred.
- Basic understanding of civil engineering design principles, engineering calculations, and plan development.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Initiative, attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn, develop technical skills, and grow as an engineering professional.
Why Join Parametrix?
Employee Ownership & Great Benefits: As a 100% employee-owned company, you will share in and contribute to Parametrix's success. You will earn stock in your Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) account and be an important contributor to our collective achievements.
Our Benefits include:
- Comprehensive Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, short- & long-term disability insurance)
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (financial profit sharing)
- Performance-based bonuses
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off (both vacation & sick/wellness time accruals)
- Paid Holidays
- Parental Bonding Leave
Exciting, Award-Winning Project Work: Our work earns recognition for its innovation and positive impact on communities, giving you the opportunity to contribute to projects that make a difference. Learn more at https://www.parametrix.com/our-work/
Flexible Work Arrangements: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible work arrangements to support our employee-owners' diverse needs. Whether it is hybrid, remote, or in-office, we provide options that allow you to work in a way that best suits your lifestyle while staying connected and engaged with your team.
Compensation is determined by factors such as education, experience, location, and role. As employee-owners, we are eligible for performance-based bonuses and our salaries are reviewed annually. We value transparency and look forward to discussing our compensation structure.
Our Commitment to You
Parametrix is committed to being an inclusive workplace, where team members of all backgrounds and experiences are welcome. As an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy and culture to provide opportunities to all persons based on merit and fitness to perform job duties. Employment decisions are based solely on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, age (40 or older, as protected under the ADEA), disability (including physical, mental, or sensory), genetic information (including testing and characteristics), protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations.
At Parametrix, we are dedicated to encouraging an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you need any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know, and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met. We welcome and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Your Information Matters
We care about protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly throughout the hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains what information we collect, how we use, share, and retain it, your privacy rights and choices, and how to contact us with questions or requests.
See All 55 Transportation Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Transportation Engineer JobsTransportation Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Transportation Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BKF Engineers20
- Caltrans - CA Dept. of Transportation8
- Psomas3
- City and County of San Francisco3
- Stantec2
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Construction & Real Estate
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in transportation engineer jobs across California.
- Active Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, transportation engineering, or a closely related field
- Proficiency with traffic analysis software such as Synchro, VISSIM, or HCS
- Familiarity with Caltrans design standards, the Highway Design Manual, and California MUTCD
- Experience preparing or reviewing CEQA transportation impact analyses
- Strong technical writing skills for reports, specifications, and agency correspondence
Transportation Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a transportation engineer in California?
The standard path starts with a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering, followed by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to become an Engineer in Training. After gaining qualifying experience, you apply to the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists to sit for the Civil PE exam, earning your Professional Engineer license. Many California employers also value experience with Caltrans project delivery and familiarity with CEQA requirements.
How much do transportation engineers make in California?
Transportation engineers in California earn a median of about $122,500 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,980 for the lowest 10% to over $175,940 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire transportation engineers in California?
Employers hiring transportation engineers in California right now include BKF Engineers, Caltrans - CA Dept. of Transportation, and Psomas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's large public agencies, including Caltrans and regional metropolitan planning organizations, are also consistent sources of openings alongside private engineering consulting firms.
Which California cities have the most transportation engineer jobs?
San Francisco, Sacramento County, and San Jose hold the most transportation engineer openings in California. Los Angeles and San Francisco dominate because of their scale, ongoing freeway and transit capital programs, and the density of engineering consulting offices headquartered or staffed there, while San Diego draws consistent demand from both military infrastructure projects and regional transit expansion.
Are there remote transportation engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 86% of transportation engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the field's reliance on field investigations, agency meetings, and construction oversight. The tasks most likely to be performed remotely are traffic modeling, report writing, and planning studies that do not require a physical site presence.
How can I get hired as a transportation engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or associate-engineer role at a large California consulting firm or a public agency such as Caltrans or a county public works department, which run structured new-graduate programs with mentorship toward PE licensure. Candidates moving from adjacent roles in civil design, urban planning, or GIS analysis are well-positioned, and holding an Engineer in Training certificate from the California board gives your application a clear credential signal even before you have years of project experience.
Where can I find and apply to transportation engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to transportation engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 55 Transportation Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Transportation Engineer Jobs