Engineer I Trainee

This position with NCDOT offers full State Benefits , competitive salaries and many career development opportunities.  

Salary Grade- NC16 *Salary Range - $55,823.00 - $97,689.00

Multiple candidates will be selected from this posting.

The Transportation Engineering Associate (TEA) Program is a starting point for an exciting career at the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). It is an opportunity for recent graduates who have both a passion for transportation, public service, and the leadership potential to grow to a fascinating top technical and managerial role at NCDOT. It is a unique opportunity to be a part of an important mission and gain exposure to various exciting projects, operations, management and leadership at NCDOT.

Through this 18-month structured program, you will gain exposure to a variety of opportunities in the various fields of discipline and work within NCDOT. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in disciplines such as Roadway, Structures, Environmental Planning, Hydraulics, Geotechnical, Utilities, Photogrammetry, Maintenance and Construction. The NCDOT not only designs and maintains highways, but also manages other modes of transportation that you will be given the opportunity to explore: Rail, Ferry, Aviation, Bicycle and Pedestrian and Public Transportation. The program is designed for highly motivated individuals skilled in areas relevant to the NCDOT such as transportation and environmental planning, design, construction, and maintenance. 

As an entry level professional at the NCDOT, Associates are offered a starting salary of $72,100 and are eligible to receive salary adjustments with satisfactory work evaluations.  Upon completion of the program, Associates may be eligible to transfer into an Engineer I position at $79,151.

To be selected for this program, you will need to demonstrate a commitment to public service, analytical thinking, teamwork, proven academic success, and leadership potential. We value diversity in our workplace and encourage all qualified individuals, with diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.

Applicants must submit an application that clearly reflects work experience that demonstrates the following:

• The following are the minimum requirements to be eligible for the Transportation Engineering Associate Program.
• Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Not more than two years of post-graduation engineering experience.
• Analytical thinking, proven academic success, strong written and oral communication skills, and leadership potential.
• Interest in transportation e.g. transportation and environmental planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
• Candidates accepted into this program may be given the opportunity to relocate.

Bachelor's degree in the engineering discipline such as Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Surveying Engineering and Management, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and other 4 year related engineering degrees will be reviewed and may be accepted on a case by case basis.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary Special Qualification May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

Tammy Forte, 919-814-2228

Applicants must meet both the minimum requirements and all posted Knowledge, Skills and Ability requirements to be considered Qualified for the position. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application. 

NCDOT will not accept “See Attached” or “See Resume” in lieu of education and work experience completed on the application.  If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the posting date will be accepted.

Selection Cycle: 

NOTE: Applicants will be selected as follows: 

May Graduates Start June 2025 / December Graduates Start January 2026.

January - June: Accepting Applications for June 2025 & January 2026

February - April: Status update to candidates (those invited to interviews)

March - May: Decision and offers are communicated

June 2025 & January 2026: Associates start

Salary : $55,823 - $97,689