Why job openings for transportation engineers are on the rise in the US

Transportation engineering jobs are on the up. Some of the biggest problems of today are being tackled in the transportation field. There’s a thirst for professionals looking to make a real impact and create solutions, a demand that’s particularly evident in the US.

With America’s aging infrastructure feeling the pressure, transportation engineering is more important than ever. 83% of the population live in urban areas, and work is ongoing to update infrastructure to match this pace. Thanks to this, there’s never been a better time to become a transportation engineer.

Here’s a look at the rise in job openings for transportation engineers in the US and the reasons behind them.

Why is there a demand for transportation engineers? 

A few different factors are behind the rising demand for transportation engineers in the US. Outdated infrastructure is at its heart. Over 43% of roads are in poor condition while almost 12% of bridges are structurally deficient. These figures are symptoms of a struggle to keep up with modern demand.

Action is being taken in the form of substantial federal investment. This is actively creating more transportation engineering jobs. The $550 billion IIJA funding dedicated to upgrading physical infrastructure is projected to create 1.5 million jobs alone. This is resulting in a booming market for transport engineers, with exciting opportunities across rail, roads and other infrastructure development.

Sustainability is also a factor. Decarbonizing transportation is essential for reaching the goal of removing all greenhouse gas emissions from the sector by 2050. This means developing greener infrastructure. If you’re a budding transportation engineer looking to leave a lasting impact on America’s roads, contributing to these frameworks could be your calling.

The importance of transportation engineering

Transportation engineers build systems that keep the world moving. The importance of the sector can’t be understated. Our professionals design, build and maintain crucial infrastructure. It’s all about solving real-world problems and improving everyday life. 

Here’s a look at a few reasons why transportation engineers are important.

• Making transportation safe - Every decision is made with safety in mind. Engineers are instrumental in reducing accidents and fatalities, ensuring systems protect the people who use them. Initiatives like Vision Zero, aimed at eliminating traffic-related deaths, depend on the expertise of transportation professionals. 

• Boosting the economy - Efficient transportation systems are critical to economic growth. From reducing commuter congestion to streamlining business logistics, transportation engineers enable the movement of people and goods. Without them, the economy would be severely handicapped. 

• Shaping the future - As well as improving what exists, transport engineers design what comes next. Our professionals deliver cutting-edge transportation projects that will impact how people will travel decades from now. This is all done with sustainability at the forefront, with eco-friendly designs that reduce emissions and support climate goals. 

Career opportunities in transportation engineering 

Not only are transportation engineering jobs important, they’re also hugely rewarding. Professionals in this field enjoy plenty of professional growth opportunities as well as impacting change. Transportation engineering jobs are exciting opportunities for a number of reasons. 

• Diverse roles - Transportation engineering is a multifaceted field. There are many different ways you can contribute. Roles include highway and roadway engineers, bridge and structural engineers, urban transit planners, ITS specialists, sustainable mobility engineers and more.

• Room to grow - We give our transportation engineers everything they need to develop. We’re committed to investing in our professionals. You’ll receive structured career progression, mentorship programs, training support and the opportunity to work on best-in-class projects to help you reach your goals. 

• Robust benefits packages - We recognize that a fulfilling career goes beyond just salary. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits to all our professionals. From global mobility opportunities and flexible work options to health and wellbeing support, we want our transportation engineers to feel supported to be at their best in work. 

The future of transportation engineering jobs 

Looking forward, the evolution of transport technology means there’ll be no shortage of transportation job openings. One of the most dynamic and impactful fields in infrastructure, the impact of automation is likely to have a hand in its future. Between AI and data-driven systems, engineers are set to be working smarter. 

As well as fast-moving, this is also a stable sector. Steady growth of 6% is projected in civil and transportation roles up to 2033, making this a great area for professionals to carve out a long-term career. 

The push for a greener tomorrow also shows no signs of slowing down. Transportation engineers have a huge role in this fight. They’ll be leading the development of green infrastructure through energy-efficient systems for many years to come. 

Transportation engineering jobs at AtkinsRéalis

The demand for transportation engineers is plain to see. If you’re ready to make a mark while working on some of the country’s most important projects, you’ll find your home at AtkinsRéalis. Work alongside some of the brightest engineers in the industry to tackle the challenges of today while designing the solutions of tomorrow. 

Sounds like the perfect opportunity for you? Explore our transportation engineering jobs or join our talent community today.