Project Engineer (Transportation)

About the role

Otak is seeking a Project Engineer to apply design expertise across a wide range of civil engineering projects, including roadways, soft- and hard-surface trails, underpasses and bridges, site/civil projects in national parks and on university campuses, and utility improvements for agencies and private clients. You’ll have the opportunity to take projects from concept through construction. This position is ideal for an experienced civil engineer ready to advance toward project management.

You’ll lead complex design efforts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, engage directly with clients and agencies, and help deliver safe, sustainable, and community-focused transportation solutions. You’ll also support proposal efforts, work among emerging professionals and seasoned engineers, and play a key role in strengthening Otak’s reputation as a trusted partner in transportation and transit design. This position may be located in our Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA office.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the technical design and delivery of transportation and transit projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with public agencies, including local cities, counties, and transit agencies.
• Collaborate with project managers on scopes, schedules, and budgets to ensure projects meet client goals and contract requirements.
• Apply a strong understanding of AASHTO, ADA, MUTCD, ODOT, and WSDOT standards to ensure regulatory compliance and design quality.
• Be a team player with fellow staff and promote collaboration, technical growth, and knowledge sharing.
• Support project management activities, including progress tracking, task leadership, and client coordination, with a clear path toward a Project Manager role.
• Assist in preparing proposals and developing project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Provide construction-phase support, including submittal reviews, RFIs, and site visits to verify design intent and technical accuracy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution or equivalent education.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with emphasis on transportation, public infrastructure, drainage, utilities, site development, or civic projects for municipal and private clients.
• Experience coordinating with public agencies, including local cities, counties, and transit agencies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation/OpenRoads, or similar design software.
• Strong technical background in roadway, multimodal, and transit infrastructure design.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with clients.

Pay

Salary Range: $89,000 - $121,000 per year

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and discretionary performance bonuses.
• No-cost medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, plus HRA/HSA options.
• 401(k) retirement match.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on industry experience, plus 9 paid holidays per year.
• Commuter allowance (based on office location).
• Support for professional registration and/or certification fees.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating for the opportunity.

Why work at Otak?

We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where diverse expertise thrives in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment is built on working on interesting projects with interesting people. We’re committed to enriching both our internal community and the communities around us with smart, creative solutions.

We invest in our employees through personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage development, and we’re expanding with a focus on building an internal infrastructure to support that growth.