Project Engineer (Transportation)

Otak • Portland, OR

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Otak is seeking a Project Engineer to apply their 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.

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.

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.

Benefits

• competitive salaries
• discretionary performance bonuses
• no-cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA
• a 401(k)-retirement match
• a hybrid work schedule
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year
• a commuter allowance (based on your office location)
• support for your professional registration and/or certification fees
• relocation assistance may be provided

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level