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UDOT Rotational Engineer Program

Learn how you can begin your engineering career today.

The Utah Department of Transportation hires the best and brightest to participate in our four-year Rotational Engineer Program. Our entry-level program offers rotations in a variety of areas including design, materials, hydraulics, planning, right-of-way, structures, traffic, construction, and more.

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Why UDOT’s Rotational Engineer Program?

Hear from a current Rotational Engineer:

Rotations

The Utah Department of Transportation offers newly graduated engineers the opportunity to rotate through our divisions. Each rotation provides hands-on experience and mentorship. Our rotationals often seek long-term employment based on the rotation they enjoyed the most. 

Below is an overview of these rotations and the learning opportunities they provide:

Construction

On the construction rotation you can expect to experience:
  • Working directly with Resident and Field Engineers
  • Understand and participate in inspection procedures and documentation
  • Reading and reviewing plans and specifications
  • Learn about and process change order requests
  • Working in a field lab and learn material testing procedures

Roadway Design

On the roadway design rotation you can expect to experience:
  • Learning the UDOT advertising process through the design network
  • Training and and use of MicroStation and InRoads CADD software
  • Learn the basics of modeling
  • Preparing estimates for projects
  • Plan creation and review
  • Design and package a project for advertisement

Structures

The Structures Division will train rotational engineers in the many facets of bridge operations and design. Each rotational is paired with a CE III mentor. This mentoring process allows for a more in depth knowledge of the Structures Division. During your rotation with the Structures Division, you will learn bridge inspection,
development of structural recommendation memos, concept reports, design a minimum of one minor structure (wall, headwall, rehab, sign etc.) and a major design bridge element (girder, deck etc.). Design work may be part of an active project or an example project.

Goals:

  • Understanding of bridge geometry and layout
  • Ability to develop, check and enter quantities
  • Understanding of structural roles in project delivery process
  • Understanding of structure plan sets
  • Understanding of relationship between bridge design and operations
  • Understanding of ABC and its application
  • Ability to assess bridge condition and develop repair recommendations

Maintenance

On the maintenance rotation you can expect to experience:
  • Understanding MMQA, feature inventory, and snow removal concepts
  • Working with maintenance crews
  • Learn general budgeting principles of roadway maintenance
  • Experiencing semi-annual inspections/reviews
  • Understanding the process for creating procurement contracts
  • Gather data and prioritize needs for various roadway features
  • Estimating quantities and cost for roadway features

Materials

On the materials rotation you can expect to experience:
  • Learning the principles and practices of Pavement Design
  • Participating in the verification of asphalt and concrete pavement designs
  • Learning and assisting with aggregate and pavement quality testing
  • Assisting in obtaining asphalt cores, soil samples, section histories, etc.
  • Reading and understanding standard specifications and their importance

Work/Life Balance

New engineers at UDOT rapidly gain experience and develop skills as they make an impact on Utah’s transportation system. Rotational Engineers are engaged in the day-to-day work of the biggest and most exciting projects the department has to offer.

Other benefits include:

  • 13 days annual leave earned per year.
  • 13 days sick leave earned per year.
  • 11 paid holidays per year.
  • 401(k) match retirement saving program.
  • 1.5 hours of paid exercise per week. 
  • $5,200.00 per year educational assistance.
  • Monday-Thursday flexible schedules available in select areas. 

How to Apply

Positions open periodically. Please check https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/utah for current positions.

After you’ve applied, we will reach out and schedule an interview. Please come prepared with your resume and any questions you may have for us. After interviews for all qualified candidates are conducted, you’ll be notified in a timely manner as to whether you were hired for the position.

Click to learn more about the Rotational Engineer position

For questions about the Rotational Engineer program, please contact Chris Dilley at cdilley@utah.gov.

Internships

Not quite ready to start your engineering career? UDOT hires interns in all facets of transportation in preparation for joining our Rotational Engineering program. Click the button below to learn more.

Visit our Internship Site