Transportation Project Engineer

Overview

MSA Professional Services is seeking a Project Engineer – Field Services to support transportation and municipal infrastructure projects throughout Wisconsin. This role is heavily focused on construction observation, field coordination, and project delivery, with approximately 90% of time spent in the field during the construction season and approximately 10% dedicated to design and engineering support during the winter months.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys being on project sites, solving problems in real time, working directly with contractors and clients, and seeing projects come to life. You will serve as a key representative of MSA in the field while providing technical expertise, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring quality project outcomes.

This role is based out of our Madison, Baraboo or Beaver Dam offices to work on projects in the Greater Dane County area.  

MSA Professional Services is 100% employee-owned, meaning every employee has a direct stake in the success of the company. This ownership mindset drives our collaborative culture, long-term thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality work for the communities we serve.

Come join the ownership team at MSA!

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 Leadership

• Serve as MSA's primary field representative on transportation and municipal infrastructure projects
• Perform construction observation and inspection activities to verify compliance with plans, specifications, permits, and contract requirements
• Monitor construction progress, document project activities, and prepare daily reports and project documentation
• Coordinate with contractors, owners, utility companies, and agency representatives to resolve field issues efficiently
• Review quantities, materials, testing results, and contractor operations for compliance with project requirements
• Identify and communicate construction issues, conflicts, and potential risks while recommending practical solutions

Project Coordination & Client Communication

• Maintain regular communication with project managers, clients, contractors, and stakeholders regarding project status and field observations
• Participate in project meetings and provide updates on schedule, quality, safety, and construction progress
• Serve as a trusted technical resource and representative of MSA throughout project delivery
• Support client satisfaction through proactive communication and responsiveness

Technical Support & Design Assistance

• Assist with engineering design and plan development during the off-season, including preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical documentation
• Support engineering calculations, permitting efforts, and project development activities
• Utilize CADD, GIS, and related engineering software to support project delivery and design efforts
• Contribute to QA/QC reviews and technical documentation preparation

Mentorship & Team Development

• Mentor graduate engineers and less experienced field staff
• Share construction knowledge and field best practices with project teams
• Support conti

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program required

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant engineering or construction observation experience required
• Experience with transportation, municipal, roadway, utility, or public infrastructure projects preferred
• Construction observation and inspection experience strongly preferred

Licensure

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain

Skills

• Strong understanding of construction plans, specifications, and contract administration principles
• Experience working directly with contractors, owners, and regulatory agencies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with CADD, GIS, and engineering software tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities in field environments
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with project teams
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Desire to spend significant time in the field supporting active construction projects

Why MSA

• 100% employee-owned firm with more than 100 years of community impact
• Collaborative culture with in-house experts across all disciplines
• 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
• Recognized as one of the ENR Top 500 Design Firms for more than 27 consecutive years

Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Compensation Range: $79,000 to $126,500 annually (commensurate with experience)

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost
• Flex Time – Work 50 hours this week? Get paid straight time OR earn additional PTO.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• Paid Time Off – Minimum of 17 days in the first year
• Paid Holidays – 8 holidays annually
• Paid Parental Leave – Regardless of birth parent
• Employer-Paid Insurance – Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP) – Annual performance-based bonus opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer

MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

MSA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected] so we can assist you.