Transportation Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Transportation engineers are sponsored at AECOM, WSP, Jacobs, HDR, and Kimley-Horn, where the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created more highway, bridge, and transit project demand than the domestic workforce can fill. H-1B visa classification is straightforward with civil engineering degrees, and PE licensure significantly strengthens sponsorship prospects.
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Department of Transportation
JC-521484
Office Engineer
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER (CIVIL)
$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 6/26/2026
JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES
Under the direction of the Area Construction Senior Transportation Engineer, incumbent performs various technical office tasks and occasionally some field tasks of average difficulty relating to transportation construction.
PARF# 10-26-0237/ JC-521484
Candidates are required to review the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for this classification. If you meet MQs under Pattern II and require the TE Civil in-person written hurdle exam, DO NOT TAKE the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle. Candidates who take the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle may negatively impact their hiring eligibility. Please contact the exam unit at askexams@dot.ca.gov for additional information prior to taking the online examination.
For clarification on the education requirement of the minimum qualifications, please reach out to the Human Resources Contact prior to taking the online Training and Experience Evaluation. For a list of ABET accredited schools, please refer to this link: Find Programs | ABET.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position located at 850 S Guild Ave Ste 107 Lodi, CA 95240, San Joaquin County.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
Job will have exposure to night work, field work, earthwork, paving operations, lab work, fog, weather conditions, chemicals, lab conditions, equipment, machinery, heat, cold, dust, gas, fumes, outdoor conditions, indoor conditions, humidity, and high decibels of noise. Hardhat and safety vest or approved safety shirt, and eye protection must be worn at all times in the field, no exceptions. Incumbent must work with a variety of materials including testing equipment. While at the Construction office employees will normally work in a climate-controlled office under artificial light. However due to periodic problems with the heating and air conditioning, the building temperature may fluctuate.
Workload may subject employee to night work, flexible hours, frequent changes of shift, frequent changes of work hours and workdays, and geographic transfer. Travel is required. A valid California Drivers License is required when operating a state owned or leased vehicle. Incumbent may be required to travel on short-term and/or long-term expense. Vacations may be restricted during peak times. Overtime may be required.
Must participate in the mandatory “Transportation Engineer Rotation Program.” The rotation assignment is based on workload needs and could take place anywhere within Central Region.
Incumbent will be required to participate and complete the Caltrans Resident Engineer Certificate Program.
The Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program is a mandatory 24 month to 33 months rotation assignment for all permanent, full-time Transportation Engineer (Civil) employees that have completed their probationary period hired by Caltrans Districts after June 22, 2018, or an earlier date as determined by the Districts. The purpose of Rotation Program is to provide opportunities for employees and Caltrans to benefit by participating in a standardized process that systematically engages newly hired engineers. Participants will develop well-rounded project delivery knowledge, skills, and abilities by rotating through diverse project delivery functional units. The Rotation Program includes mandatory core assignments in Design and Construction units, as well as a mandatory elective assignment. Each rotation assignment is typically between 6 to 12 months and will be based on workload needs and the employee’s goals. Assignments may involve long term travel and can be located throughout the state.
In addition to the Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program, an incumbent may be required to go on loan to another project delivery function when there are temporary or peak staffing needs in those areas.
POSITION DETAILS
Job Code #: JC-521484
Position #(s): 910-501-3135-XXX
Working Title: Office Engineer
Classification: TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER (CIVIL)
$6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A
$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B
$8,896.00 - $11,131.00 C
$9,712.00 - $12,152.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: Multiple
Work Location: San Joaquin County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Appointment to Range D requires a valid Professional Engineering License (Civil) issued by the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/26/2026
WHO MAY APPLY
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
HOW TO APPLY
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
ADDRESS FOR MAILING APPLICATION PACKAGES
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
ADDRESS FOR DROP-OFF APPLICATION PACKAGES
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
Closed on weekends and State Holidays
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
REQUIRED APPLICATION PACKAGE DOCUMENTS
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Preferred knowledge of the following:
- Contract administration and documentation
- Written and verbal communication
- Construction Manual, Standard Specifications, and Special Provisions
- Prepare reports and correspondence
- Interpret plans and specifications correctly
- Methods of proportioning and handling Portland cement and asphalt concrete
- Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) and Cal/OSHA safety regulations
- Use and understand computers
- Basic principles of physics, chemistry, and mathematics as applied to civil engineering
- Inspect construction work and enforce compliance with plans and specifications
BENEFITS
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Javeeria Tahir
(279) 234-2525
Javeeria.Tahir@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Julian Hess
(209) 481-4933
julian.hess@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The State application (STD. 678) is required and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-521484), PARF# 10-26-0237, and title of the position (Transportation Engineer (Civil)) must be included on the STD. 678 form.
Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
APPLICATION METHODS:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
INTRODUCTION
Department of Transportation
JC-521484
Office Engineer
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER (CIVIL)
$6,488.00 - $12,152.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 6/26/2026
JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES
Under the direction of the Area Construction Senior Transportation Engineer, incumbent performs various technical office tasks and occasionally some field tasks of average difficulty relating to transportation construction.
PARF# 10-26-0237/ JC-521484
Candidates are required to review the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for this classification. If you meet MQs under Pattern II and require the TE Civil in-person written hurdle exam, DO NOT TAKE the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle. Candidates who take the TE Civil online exam prior to passing the written hurdle may negatively impact their hiring eligibility. Please contact the exam unit at askexams@dot.ca.gov for additional information prior to taking the online examination.
For clarification on the education requirement of the minimum qualifications, please reach out to the Human Resources Contact prior to taking the online Training and Experience Evaluation. For a list of ABET accredited schools, please refer to this link: Find Programs | ABET.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position located at 850 S Guild Ave Ste 107 Lodi, CA 95240, San Joaquin County.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
Job will have exposure to night work, field work, earthwork, paving operations, lab work, fog, weather conditions, chemicals, lab conditions, equipment, machinery, heat, cold, dust, gas, fumes, outdoor conditions, indoor conditions, humidity, and high decibels of noise. Hardhat and safety vest or approved safety shirt, and eye protection must be worn at all times in the field, no exceptions. Incumbent must work with a variety of materials including testing equipment. While at the Construction office employees will normally work in a climate-controlled office under artificial light. However due to periodic problems with the heating and air conditioning, the building temperature may fluctuate.
Workload may subject employee to night work, flexible hours, frequent changes of shift, frequent changes of work hours and workdays, and geographic transfer. Travel is required. A valid California Drivers License is required when operating a state owned or leased vehicle. Incumbent may be required to travel on short-term and/or long-term expense. Vacations may be restricted during peak times. Overtime may be required.
Must participate in the mandatory “Transportation Engineer Rotation Program.” The rotation assignment is based on workload needs and could take place anywhere within Central Region.
Incumbent will be required to participate and complete the Caltrans Resident Engineer Certificate Program.
The Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program is a mandatory 24 month to 33 months rotation assignment for all permanent, full-time Transportation Engineer (Civil) employees that have completed their probationary period hired by Caltrans Districts after June 22, 2018, or an earlier date as determined by the Districts. The purpose of Rotation Program is to provide opportunities for employees and Caltrans to benefit by participating in a standardized process that systematically engages newly hired engineers. Participants will develop well-rounded project delivery knowledge, skills, and abilities by rotating through diverse project delivery functional units. The Rotation Program includes mandatory core assignments in Design and Construction units, as well as a mandatory elective assignment. Each rotation assignment is typically between 6 to 12 months and will be based on workload needs and the employee’s goals. Assignments may involve long term travel and can be located throughout the state.
In addition to the Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program, an incumbent may be required to go on loan to another project delivery function when there are temporary or peak staffing needs in those areas.
POSITION DETAILS
Job Code #: JC-521484
Position #(s): 910-501-3135-XXX
Working Title: Office Engineer
Classification: TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER (CIVIL)
$6,488.00 - $7,735.00 A
$7,428.00 - $9,296.00 B
$8,896.00 - $11,131.00 C
$9,712.00 - $12,152.00 D
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: Multiple
Work Location: San Joaquin County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Appointment to Range D requires a valid Professional Engineering License (Civil) issued by the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/26/2026
WHO MAY APPLY
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
HOW TO APPLY
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
ADDRESS FOR MAILING APPLICATION PACKAGES
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
ADDRESS FOR DROP-OFF APPLICATION PACKAGES
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
Closed on weekends and State Holidays
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
REQUIRED APPLICATION PACKAGE DOCUMENTS
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Preferred knowledge of the following:
- Contract administration and documentation
- Written and verbal communication
- Construction Manual, Standard Specifications, and Special Provisions
- Prepare reports and correspondence
- Interpret plans and specifications correctly
- Methods of proportioning and handling Portland cement and asphalt concrete
- Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) and Cal/OSHA safety regulations
- Use and understand computers
- Basic principles of physics, chemistry, and mathematics as applied to civil engineering
- Inspect construction work and enforce compliance with plans and specifications
BENEFITS
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Javeeria Tahir
(279) 234-2525
Javeeria.Tahir@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Julian Hess
(209) 481-4933
julian.hess@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The State application (STD. 678) is required and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-521484), PARF# 10-26-0237, and title of the position (Transportation Engineer (Civil)) must be included on the STD. 678 form.
Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
APPLICATION METHODS:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Transportation Engineer
IIJA Funding Has Created a Massive Hiring Surge
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is pushing billions into highway, bridge, and transit projects through 2026 and beyond. Engineering consultancies like AECOM, WSP, Jacobs, and HDR are scaling teams to meet project demand and cannot fill positions domestically. Apply to firms with large federal contract portfolios where infrastructure spending creates the hiring urgency that drives sponsorship.
Pursue PE Licensure as Early as Possible
Professional Engineer licensure is required for project-level responsibility in transportation engineering and dramatically improves sponsorship prospects. Pass the FE exam during or immediately after your degree program, then accumulate the four years of supervised experience required for PE. A PE-licensed transportation engineer is significantly harder to replace, which strengthens employer motivation to sponsor.
AECOM, WSP, Jacobs, and Stantec Are the Largest Sponsors
Major engineering consultancies employ thousands of transportation engineers across hundreds of U.S. offices and have established H-1B filing processes. AECOM and WSP are among the top engineering H-1B sponsors nationally. These firms also operate internationally, creating L-1 transfer opportunities for engineers at overseas offices in the UK, Canada, Australia, and India.
Traffic Modeling and ITS Skills Fill a Critical Gap
Transportation engineers with expertise in Synchro, VISSIM, TransCAD, HCS, and CORSIM traffic modeling software are in acute shortage. ITS engineers working with adaptive signal control, connected vehicle technology, and real-time traffic management systems are even scarcer. These specializations carry a salary premium of $10,000 to $20,000 and face the least domestic competition.
TN Works Perfectly for Canadian and Mexican Engineers
The Engineer profession on the USMCA treaty list covers transportation and civil engineering roles with no lottery, no cap, and same-day border approval for Canadians. TN renews indefinitely in three-year increments. Many Canadian transportation engineers at firms like Stantec, WSP, and AECOM work in the U.S. on TN status for years before transitioning to green cards if desired.
State DOTs and Transit Agencies Offer Stable Sponsorship
State departments of transportation (Caltrans, NYSDOT, TxDOT, FDOT) and transit agencies (MTA, WMATA, BART, LA Metro) sponsor engineers for critical infrastructure positions. Government positions offer lower salaries ($65,000 to $105,000) but provide stability, defined benefit pensions, and loan forgiveness eligibility. Some agencies qualify for cap-exempt H-1B filing through affiliations with research universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for sponsored Transportation Engineer roles in the U.S.?
Entry-level transportation engineers earn $65,000 to $85,000 depending on location and firm size. Mid-level engineers with PE licensure earn $90,000 to $125,000 at major consultancies like AECOM, WSP, and Kimley-Horn. Senior project managers and transportation practice leaders earn $125,000 to $170,000. H-1B visa LCA filings for transportation engineering roles typically show base salaries of $70,000 to $115,000. High-cost markets like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. pay at the upper end of these ranges.
Which visa types do Transportation Engineers typically use?
H-1B is the primary pathway with strong approval rates because the role clearly requires a civil or transportation engineering degree. TN visas are available for Canadian and Mexican citizens, as Engineer is explicitly listed on the USMCA treaty list. L-1 visa transfers are used by multinational consultancies like AECOM, WSP, and Arcadis moving engineers between global offices. E-3 visas serve Australian nationals. O-1 visa is occasionally used for engineers with significant published research or patented innovations.
What types of companies sponsor Transportation Engineers?
Large engineering consultancies are the most frequent sponsors: AECOM, WSP, Jacobs, Kimley-Horn, Stantec, HDR, and Arcadis all sponsor transportation engineers through H-1B. Mid-size regional firms with active DOT contracts also sponsor when they cannot fill positions domestically. State DOTs and public agencies generally require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, so consultancies are the primary pathway. Construction firms like Kiewit and Granite also sponsor for transportation design-build roles.
Do I need a PE license to be sponsored as a Transportation Engineer?
Not for entry-level positions. Most firms sponsor engineers-in-training (EIT/FE holders) who are working toward PE licensure. However, PE licensure significantly increases your value and compensation because licensed engineers can seal drawings and serve as engineer of record on DOT projects. Pass the FE exam before applying to U.S. firms to demonstrate your commitment to licensure. Some states have specific requirements for recognizing international engineering credentials toward PE eligibility.
What qualifications strengthen a Transportation Engineer's sponsorship case?
A bachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering or transportation engineering is the baseline requirement. Proficiency in traffic analysis software (Synchro, VISSIM, HCS), highway design tools (MicroStation, AutoCAD Civil 3D, OpenRoads), and travel demand modeling (TransCAD, VISUM) makes you immediately productive. FE or PE certification, experience with AASHTO and MUTCD standards, and knowledge of NEPA environmental review processes are differentiating qualifications. A master's in transportation engineering from a U.S. program strengthens both your technical credentials and your industry network.
How to find Transportation Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Transportation Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus on large infrastructure firms, government contractors, and consulting companies that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN, and other work visas for transportation engineers. These employers typically need expertise in traffic engineering, highway design, and transit systems planning.