Overview
Graduate Engineer - Transportation
Location: Eau Claire WI
MSA Professional Services is seeking a Graduate Engineer – Transportation to support transportation construction projects with a primary focus on construction observation and field work. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent civil engineering graduate who wants to get out from behind the desk and gain hands-on experience seeing how transportation projects are actually built.
You’ll spend the majority of your time in the field working alongside experienced engineers, contractors, clients, and agency representatives. You’ll observe and document construction activities, verify work against project plans and specifications, assist with field measurements and testing, and help resolve issues as they arise.
The role is designed to build a strong foundation in transportation construction and engineering consulting while working under the guidance of experienced MSA professionals.
MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities and is proud to be 100% employee owned. With roots reaching back to 1919, MSA has grown from a rural land survey company into a leading multidisciplinary firm of nearly 550 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts, environmental scientists, and more who are committed to making communities better places to live, work, and play.
Come join the ownership team here!
Employee Testimonial:
"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners."
-Project Engineer Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office
Responsibilities
Construction Observation & Field Work
- Perform construction observation on transportation infrastructure projects under the guidance of experienced engineering staff
- Observe and document construction activities to help verify work is completed in accordance with project plans, specifications, and contract requirements
- Review construction documents and maintain accurate daily field records and project documentation
- Observe and document field testing and construction materials
- Perform field measurements and collect project data using survey, measuring, and other field equipment
- Conduct field investigations and inspections ranging from visual observations to detailed measurements
- Assist with identifying and documenting construction issues and communicate observations to the Project Manager or other senior staff
- Support project teams with construction schedules, quantities, records, and other field-related documentation
Project & Stakeholder Coordination
- Communicate regularly with Project Managers and other team members regarding construction progress, field conditions, and project needs
- Interact professionally with contractors, client representatives, agency staff, and the public while representing MSA in the field
- Participate in project and client meetings alongside experienced staff as needed
- Coordinate with permitting, jurisdictional, and regulatory agencies with guidance from senior staff
- Maintain awareness of project scope, schedules, and deliverables to support successful project completion
Professional Development
- Build practical knowledge of transportation construction methods, materials, plans, specifications, and industry standards
- Develop sound judgment and increasing independence as field experience grows
- Learn from experienced engineers and construction professionals through hands-on project experience and mentorship
- Develop strong communication, documentation, time-management, and problem-solving skills
- Seek opportunities to improve efficiency and contribute effectively to project teams
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program required
Experience
- No professional engineering experience required
- Transportation, construction, or civil engineering internship/co-op experience preferred
- Previous field or construction experience is a plus
Licensure
- Degree should support future Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
Skills
- Foundational understanding of civil and transportation engineering principles and construction practices
- Strong interest in transportation construction and working primarily in a field environment
- Ability to read and develop an understanding of engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with attention to accurate documentation
- Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work professionally with contractors, clients, agency representatives, and the public
- Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to ask questions and learn from experienced staff
- Ability to work independently in the field while remaining connected to the broader project team
- Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions
- Ability to accommodate field assignments and travel based on construction schedules and project
Why MSA
- Immediate ownership with 100+ years of community impact
- Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
- Flexible work‑life integration
- Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
- Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
- Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years
Pay & Benefits*
- Compensation Range: $75,000 –$85,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Flex Time: Work 42 hours this week? Have 2 hours added to your Flex Time balance to use as time off in the future
- ESOP: Receive MSA stock shares annually, at no cost to the employee
- Medical, dental & vision insurance for you, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents
- Generous PTO + 8 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent
- 401(k) plan with company matching
- Short‑term incentive program for annual bonus opportunities
- Company‑paid life & disability insurance
*Full eligibility requirements for listed benefits will be discussed during the hiring process
MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [email protected]
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
