Transportation Engineer ; Design - North Region

Do you enjoy hands‑on problem solving, teamwork and seeing your efforts make a real impact across Michigan’s transportation network? At the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), we’re looking for a motivated professional to join our North Region team in Gaylord as a Design Engineer. This position offers the opportunity to work on a variety of challenging and meaningful construction and infrastructure projects that improve safety, mobility, and quality of life for communities across the northern Lower Peninsula.

In this role, you’ll be able to blend technical design, project coordination, and design construction to support successful project delivery from planning through completion. You’ll have the opportunity to work on complex transportation projects and create solutions that keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently.

The North Region is known for its strong collaborative culture where teamwork, mentoring, and shared learning are part of everyday work. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and technicians who value and support long‑term career growth. Between hands‑on experience and experience on a wide range of transportation projects, you’ll gain valuable skills and insight into the full lifecycle of transportation engineering.

• Creating and refining complex design plans using Bentley Open Roads Designer for various transportation projects, ensuring compliance with standards and incorporating feedback from reviews and meetings.
• Developing detailed cost estimates, analyzing design alternatives, and managing project budgets effectively.
• Reviewing and verifying plans at all stages for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to specifications.
• Conducting field visits and attending project meetings to confirm design details and gather input.
• Supporting construction teams by answering design‑related questions and assisting with contractor inquiries as needed.

• Possession of a bachelor of science degree in engineering.
• One to three years of professional engineering experience in transportation systems and programs.
• Registered professional engineer license in Michigan or ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire.
• Proficiency in Bentley Open Roads Designer, Microsoft Office, and project management software.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Possession of a bachelor of science degree in engineering.

• Transportation Engineer 9:
  No specific type or amount is required.
• Transportation Engineer 10:
  One year of professional engineering experience involved in transportation systems and programs equivalent to a Transportation Engineer 9.
• Transportation Engineer P11:
  Two years of professional engineering experience involved in transportation systems and programs equivalent to a Transportation Engineer, including one year equivalent to a Transportation Engineer 10.
• Transportation Engineer 12:
  Three years of professional engineering experience involved in transportation systems and programs equivalent to a Transportation Engineer, including one year equivalent to a Transportation Engineer P11.
• Possession of a registered professional engineer license as required by the State of Michigan may be substituted for 6 months of experience at the Transportation Engineer 9-12 levels. This substitution may only be used once for any employee for qualification of appointment or early reclassification.

• Attach a detailed résumé and cover letter.

MDOT does not participate in E‑Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.

The department reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process including, but not limited to, responses to application questions and responses to interview questions or exercises.

If you have questions related to this posting, please contact Camryn Nauta at nautac.

The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from  and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.