STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Highway Design Engineer Trainee

Division of Highway Design

Recruitment #260615-8741FS-001

Introduction


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!

Current students who will be graduating with a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering by the end of May 2027 are strongly encouraged to apply!

The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), is now accepting applications for exciting Transportation Engineer Trainee positions within the State Highway Design Unit in the Division of Highway Design at our Newington Headquarters. 

"A streetscape showing a newly renovated roadway with two travel lanes, a designated bike lane, and on‑street parking. A wide brick-paved sidewalk runs alongside the street with landscaped tree pits bordered by concrete edging. Buildings line both sides of the street, including storefronts and a gas station in the background. Streetlights and small trees are evenly spaced along the sidewalk, and a few vehicles are parked along the curb."
"A paved multi‑use trail curves through a grassy landscape with wooden railings on both sides. The trail crosses a small wooden bridge over a stream. Additional wooden fences line the hillside in the background. A large highway bridge stands to the right of the trail, supported by concrete columns. Trees and greenery surround the area."

WHAT WE OFFER
  • Our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Professional growth and automatic promotional opportunities through Transportation Engineer 2. Further career growth opportunities available at Project Engineer (Transportation Engineer 3) and Project Manager (Transportation Supervising Engineer) levels with additional experience and competitive interview. 
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
  • Hybrid (in-office/telework) and alternate work schedules.
  • Working for an award winning agency! CTDOT was 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!
  • 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.
"A horizontal graphic showing a blue circular icon on the left containing a white roadway symbol, next to the words ‘Start with the State of Connecticut, Stay, Grow’ with an outline of the state in the background. To the right, a series of blue boxes displays a career progression: Transportation Engineer Trainee; Transportation Engineer 1 (Engineering); Transportation Engineer 2 (Engineering); Transportation Engineer 3 (Engineering); Transportation Supervising Engineer (Engineering); Transportation Principal Engineer (Engineering)."

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • Monday through Friday
  • Full Time, 40 hours per week
  • First shift
  • Location: 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.
"Three individuals wearing safety vests and hard hats are inspecting a storm drain at the edge of a paved road. Two individuals are crouched beside the drain, using a measuring tape across the metal grate. Another individual stands nearby holding a clipboard. A chain‑link fence, grass, and a sign reading ‘Not an Exit’ are visible in the background. The image is dated 06/27/2024 in the lower right corner."

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 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.
"Three individuals are standing in a gymnasium near a large display board mounted on an easel. The board shows a detailed diagram of a proposed roundabout with labeled roadways and landscaped areas. One individual is standing beside the board and appears to be explaining the diagram to the other two individuals, who are viewing the display. Blue padded wall panels, gym flooring, and an exit door are visible in the background."

*SALARY/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

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 one to two (1-2) years as a Transportation Engineer 1 (Engineering), 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 bureaus. CTDOT is guided by its mission to improve lives through transportation. Our infrastructure and transit systems are essential to the safety and mobility of Connecticut residents, and our work strengthens both economic and community development. CTDOT is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and individuals with broad-ranging backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply.


HEAR FROM OUR ENGINEERS!

Watch the videos below to learn what Transportation Engineers do at the Connecticut DOT!  

                                  


             

Selection Plan

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.  

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 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.

      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 Jasmyn Raymond at Jasmyn.Raymond@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.
      Transportation Engineer Trainees in Highway Design work as part of an engineering team responsible for the development of projects that improve the safety, capacity, and efficiency of the State’s transportation system and find solutions to challenging roadway and multi-modal improvement problems. The State Design Unit consists of in-house highway design engineers who provide lead or support services in the development of capital projects such as intersection improvements, modern roundabouts, multi-use trails, corridor improvements, complete street upgrades, emergency repairs, and more.

      • Roundabouts
      • Complete Streets
      • Multi-Use Trails
      • Multi-Modal Transportation enhancements
      • Innovations Intersections and Interchanges
      • Drainage Enhancements including Low Impact Develop Design
      • Emergency Roadway Restoration
      • Congestion Reduction Improvements
      • Freeway Congestion Relief and Safety Improvements
      "A digital engineering rendering of a roundabout design shown from an overhead perspective. The image displays multiple roadways connecting to a circular central island with contour lines, lane markings, and curbs. Surrounding areas include graded slopes, outlined terrain features, and site elements marked with colored lines on a black background."

      "A paved roadway in a wooded area is severely damaged, with a large section collapsed and washed out. Guardrails on both sides are bent and broken near the damaged area. Trees and vegetation surround the roadway, and utility poles line the left side of the road."
      "A two‑lane roadway labeled 'Roosevelt Dr.' curves through a wooded area. Guardrails line both sides of the road, and utility poles with overhead wires run along the left side. The surrounding area is densely covered with trees and vegetation, with stone fill visible along the right side near the guardrail."

      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.
      • 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 civil engineering work experience/internship.
      • Experience with CAD or engineering related software.
      • Oral and written communication skills.
      • Report writing skills and presentation skills.

      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.

      Conclusion

      AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

      The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

      ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

      As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.


      Click on a link below to apply for this position:

      Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.