Transportation engineering is important to everyone who travels by car, plane, bus, train, or subway. People rely on good roads and public transportation to allow them to travel to work and other destinations. Transportation engineers are civil engineers who specialize in designing highways and airports as well as railway and bus systems. Many transportation engineers work for government agencies in planning, construction, and operations. Some do research for private firms that produce materials and equipment used in transportation. Others work for consulting firms that troubleshoot for the government on transportation projects. Engineers also teach and do research at colleges and universities.
Some transportation engineers specialize within their field. Many transportation engineers are highway engineers who plan new roads or research new materials and methods of construction. Others work in railroad engineering and may design new railroad cars or plan for high speed railroad service. Some transportation engineers work on developing entire transportation systems, including roads, subways, commuter trains, and buses. Transportation engineers also supervise the construction of these systems and the repair of existing ones.
Transportation engineers who specialize in planning meet with municipal, county, or state officials to develop new transportation systems or to find alternative routes to relieve congestion on existing highways. Sometimes they draw up plans for new multilane highways to be built in places where only local roads exist. They also plan for mass transportation. For example, they may have to decide whether buses or trains can best provide commuter service in a city.
In planning a project, engineers consider a number of factors, including the needs of the town or state, the availability of land, the project's effect on the environment, and its cost. They determine whether the land they need can be bought and whether it is good for building; if it is not, special provisions must be made. Marshland, for example, may have to be filled or treated before construction begins. They also have to consider the effects of the new project on the environment. A new airport, for example, would create noise and air pollution as well as local traffic congestion. Once these factors are resolved, engineers make detailed plans and schedules for their projects.
Some transportation engineers oversee the actual construction of a project. They invite construction companies to submit bids on the construction costs. They then choose the lowest bid. Once work begins engineers make sure that schedules are met and that building standards are followed. In the construction of a highway, for example, engineers check the building materials to make sure that the building contractor is following highway department standards. Engineers also inspect the completed road to see that it is ready and safe to use. Engineers may also plan the lighting, road signs, and traffic lights for the highway.
Some transportation engineers specialize in research. A research engineer might study ways of coordinating transportation systems, such as buses and trains, so that they work together to move people efficiently. Research engineers may also develop new methods and materials for road construction. They experiment with road surfaces to find those that will be the least costly and most durable.
Education and Training
You must have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from a 4 or 5 year college or university to become a transportation engineer. Nearly half of all transportation engineers go on to earn a master's or doctoral degree. Such degrees are especially useful in teaching and in research.
To prepare for a career as a transportation engineer, you should take courses in mathematics and science in high school. Courses in computer aided design (CAD) are also helpful.
While you are in college, take courses in English and the natural and social sciences, including political science. Also take specialized courses in engineering report and specifications writing, engineering dynamics, surveying, highway design, traffic control, mechanics of fluids and materials, and computing. Some engineers earn a graduate degree in business administration to widen their chances for advancement.
Transportation engineers must continue to keep up with advances in their field. They do this by reading technical publications and attending continuing education seminars and conferences.
Getting the Job
Your college placement office may be able to help you find a job as a transportation engineer. You can also apply directly to construction companies and to consulting firms that do engineering work. If you have a graduate degree in civil engineering, you can also apply for a teaching position at a college or university. If you are interested in a job with local, state, or federal government agencies, you can obtain information about application procedures from your state or federal civil service agency. Other good sources of job openings are the classified ads in your local newspapers, Internet job banks, and technical magazines and engineering journals.
Employment Outlook
With experience and ability, transportation engineers can advance to a number of positions, such as construction supervisors, resident engineers, project engineers, or designers of transportation systems. In addition, they may become supervisors of engineering departments, chief engineers for construction firms, or consulting engineers.
The employment outlook for transportation engineers is good. Many new roads are being built today, and there is a great demand for better public transportation systems to accommodate the increase in traffic.
Working Conditions
Transportation engineers work inside in offices drafting plans or doing research or outside at construction sites. They generally work 40 hours a week, although overtime work may be necessary if construction deadlines must be met. They work throughout the year, usually even during cold and snowy weather. Transportation engineers must be able to work well with all kinds of people from government officials to machine operators. They must be intelligent, creative, and able to communicate effectively with others. They also must be willing to make decisions and stand by them.
Earnings and Benefits
Beginning transportation engineers with a bachelor's degree earn an average of $33,100 a year. The average salary for experienced engineers is about $46,000 a year. Salaries are higher for those with masters' and doctoral degrees. Benefits usually include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and pensions.
