Trainee-Graduate Engineer

The State of Minnesota’s Transportation Department is seeking a motivated Trainee‑Graduate Engineer to join its team in Duluth, Saint Louis County. This full‑time position offers recent engineering graduates the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience while supporting statewide infrastructure projects.

About the Role

As a Trainee‑Graduate Engineer, you will work under the guidance of licensed professional engineers within the Transportation Department’s Duluth office. The role is designed to provide structured learning experiences that bridge academic knowledge with practical application in transportation planning, design, and construction.

What You'll Do

• Assist senior engineers with the preparation of project plans, specifications, and cost estimates for roadways, bridges, and transit facilities.
• Conduct field visits to collect data, inspect construction progress, and verify compliance with design standards.
• Support the development of traffic analysis models and perform basic calculations using industry‑standard software.
• Help maintain project documentation, including reports, permits, and correspondence, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and safety briefings to build knowledge of MnDOT procedures and regulations.
• Utilize computer‑aided design (CAD) and geographic information system (GIS) tools to create drawings and maps under supervision.
• Contribute to environmental review processes by assisting with preliminary assessments and documentation.

What We're Looking For

• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, transportation engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Strong foundation in engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and physics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and willingness to learn specialized engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS).
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for interacting with multidisciplinary teams and the public.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a field‑office environment and adapt to changing project priorities.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and public service excellence.
• Eligibility to work in the United States; no sponsorship required.

About State of Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) oversees the planning, construction, and maintenance of a multimodal transportation network that serves residents, businesses, and visitors across the state. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and safety, MnDOT offers a supportive environment where early‑career engineers can develop technical expertise while contributing to vital infrastructure improvements.

How to Apply

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.