Civil Engineer In Training Eit Transportation

Civil Engineer In Training (EIT) - Transportation at Entellus, Inc. — Research Report

Introduction

The Civil Engineer In Training (EIT) - Transportation role at Entellus, Inc. offers a critical entry point for aspiring engineers to shape the future of infrastructure in Phoenix, AZ. This position is valuable because it combines hands-on design work with mentorship from seasoned professionals, accelerating your path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). While the specific deadline for application is not mentioned, the opportunity remains open until filled, making it a prime target for motivated candidates ready to launch their careers. Securing this role provides immediate career benefits, including exposure to high-impact transportation projects and a competitive hybrid work environment that balances field inspection with office design.

Overview of Entellus, Inc.

Entellus, Inc. is a leading civil engineering and land planning firm specializing in transportation, water resources, and environmental services across the United States. The company positions itself as a niche competitor to larger national firms like Felsburg Holt & Ullevig or Kiewit, offering a more agile, project-focused approach that prioritizes quality and client collaboration. Their key services include comprehensive transportation design, construction management oversight, and hydraulic modeling for complex infrastructure projects. Entellus maintains a strong market presence in the Southwest, particularly in Utah and Arizona, with a reputation for rapid growth and a portfolio of diverse, high-stakes municipal and state projects.

The culture at Entellus is defined by a collaborative, team-based work environment where initiative and curiosity are highly valued over rigid perfection. Employees often describe the firm as a powerhouse that delivers amazing results for brands and municipalities everywhere, fostering a reputation where people want to work due to the supportive mentorship and clear paths for professional advancement. The firm’s commitment to innovation and its ability to tackle strenuous outdoor fieldwork alongside sophisticated office design makes it a standout employer for engineers seeking a dynamic career path.

Civil Engineer In Training (EIT) - Transportation Role

Role Overview

As a Civil Engineer In Training (EIT) in the transportation group, you will perform essential engineering calculations and assist in the preparation of plans, details, and specifications for civil design projects. Your day-to-day impact involves supporting the successful delivery of transportation projects by ensuring quality, schedule, and budget expectations are met under the guidance of senior engineers. This role is the foundational step for an EIT, where you learn to navigate the complexities of transportation civil design while contributing directly to the firm’s business goals and project success.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Perform engineering calculations for civil engineering design projects related to transportation infrastructure.
• Assist with the preparation of plans, details, specifications, and bidding documents for municipal and state projects.
• Conduct field inspections and perform construction management oversight to ensure design compliance.
• Provide QA/QC reviews of other staff designs to maintain high standards of accuracy and safety.
• Ensure that consultants and contractors adhere to project specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Assist engineers in gathering and preparing data for submittal or technical drafting to support field operations.

Day-to-Day Workflow

Your typical day begins with reviewing project data and performing basic engineering calculations to support ongoing design tasks. You will likely spend a portion of your morning in the office using design software to draft plans, followed by afternoon field inspections where you verify construction progress against design specifications. The workflow is a hybrid mix of technical drafting, data preparation for submittals, and on-site collaboration with contractors and consultants. You will frequently engage in team-based problem-solving sessions to address design challenges, ensuring that all project deliverables meet the firm’s quality standards before submission.

Tools and Technologies

Entellus, Inc. utilizes a robust suite of industry-standard design tools and technologies for transportation engineering. You will work extensively with Civil 3D for 3D modeling and design, alongside hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling software for water resource analysis. The firm also relies on GPS surveying equipment for accurate field data collection and soil science tools for geotechnical assessments. Additionally, proficiency in irrigation conveyance and infrastructure design software is essential, as these tools are critical for managing the diverse transportation and water projects Entellus undertakes.

Skills and Requirements

Technical Skills

Candidates must possess a minimum of a B.S. in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline to qualify for this role. Essential technical skills include proficiency in Civil 3D, hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling, and GPS surveying techniques. You should also have a strong understanding of irrigation conveyance, infrastructure design, and soil science principles. Experience with hydraulic structure and levee/canal design is highly desirable, as these are common components of the transportation projects Entellus manages in the Southwest region.

Soft Skills

Demonstrated oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential for success in this role, as you will frequently collaborate with team members, consultants, and contractors. You must be initiative-taking and goal-oriented, capable of working effectively in close team-based relationships to solve complex engineering problems. The ability to perform fieldwork that may include strenuous outdoor activity in difficult environmental conditions is also a key requirement, demanding physical resilience and adaptability. Recruiters value candidates who show curiosity and initiative, prioritizing these traits over perfection in the hiring process.

Experience Expectations

While this is an entry-level EIT position, candidates with approximately ten years of progressive engineering experience are often sought for senior roles, but for the EIT track, a strong academic portfolio is the primary expectation. You should have a solid GPA and a portfolio that showcases your ability to perform engineering calculations and prepare technical drawings. While a graduate degree is not required, candidates must demonstrate the ability to obtain Professional Engineer (PE) licensure within nine months of hire through comity or state-specific pathways. Your application should highlight your relevant coursework, any prior internship experience, and your passion for transportation engineering.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated pay range for a Civil Engineer In Training (EIT) - Transportation at Entellus, Inc. is competitive, typically falling between $65,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on your academic background and prior experience. This role offers a hybrid remote work arrangement in Phoenix, AZ, allowing you to balance office design work with field inspections. Perks include a potential learning budget for PE licensure preparation, access to professional development resources, and a supportive environment that encourages career growth. The firm also offers opportunities for full-time conversion, where successful EITs can transition into permanent roles with increased responsibilities and salary potential.

Entellus, Inc. Hiring Process

Step-by-Step Hiring Stages

1. Application: Submit your resume, cover letter, and portfolio indicating your qualifications and interest in the position.
2. Screening: The ATS reviews your application for keywords like "Civil 3D," "H&H modeling," and "transportation design."
3. Assignment: You may be given a technical assignment to perform engineering calculations or draft a simple plan.
4. Interviews: Participate in one or more rounds of interviews with senior engineers and hiring managers to discuss your skills and experience.
5. Offer: Receive a formal job offer detailing salary, benefits, and start date if you successfully complete the process.

Application Timeline

The position is open until it is filled, meaning there is no strict deadline, but applying early is advisable to secure a spot in the review queue. The typical process duration ranges from two to four weeks, from application submission to the final offer. Candidates should be prepared for a relatively quick turnaround, as Entellus values efficiency in its hiring process to meet project staffing needs. It is recommended to apply as soon as you have a polished portfolio and a strong cover letter that highlights your specific interest in transportation engineering.

Screening Methods

Entellus, Inc. uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that scans for specific keywords related to transportation engineering and design tools. Your resume must include terms like Civil 3D, hydrologic modeling, GPS surveying, and infrastructure design to pass the initial screening. A portfolio is a critical requirement, as it demonstrates your practical ability to perform engineering calculations and prepare technical drawings. Recruiters also look for evidence of initiative-taking behavior and goal-oriented achievements in your cover letter, prioritizing these traits over a perfect GPA.

Interview Preparation

Example Interview Questions

• How do you ensure accuracy when performing engineering calculations for a complex transportation design project?
• Describe your experience with Civil 3D and how you have used it to solve a specific design challenge.
• What steps do you take when conducting field inspections to verify that construction aligns with design specifications?
• How do you handle a situation where a contractor is not adhering to project specifications during a transportation project?

How to Answer

When answering interview questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and concisely. Start by describing the specific situation or task you faced, then detail the actions you took to address it, and finally, explain the positive result or outcome of your efforts. This approach demonstrates your problem-solving skills and your ability to deliver results in a team-based environment. Be sure to highlight your curiosity and initiative in your answers, as these are key traits Entellus values in its candidates.

What Recruiters Evaluate

Recruiters at Entellus, Inc. evaluate candidates based on their technical proficiency, communication skills, and ability to work in a team-based environment. They look for evidence of initiative-taking behavior, goal-oriented achievements, and a strong understanding of transportation engineering principles. Your ability to perform strenuous outdoor fieldwork and adapt to difficult environmental conditions is also a critical evaluation criterion. Additionally, recruiters assess your potential for obtaining PE licensure and your commitment to professional growth within the firm.

How to Get Selected

Practical Tips

• Tailor your resume to include specific keywords like "Civil 3D," "H&H modeling," and "transportation design" to pass the ATS screening.
• Create a portfolio that showcases your engineering calculations, technical drawings, and any relevant internship experience.
• Write a compelling cover letter that highlights your curiosity, initiative, and specific interest in Entellus, Inc. and transportation engineering.
• Prepare for technical interviews by reviewing your knowledge of hydraulic structures, levee/canal design, and soil science principles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to include key technical skills and tools in your resume, which can lead to immediate rejection by the ATS.
• Submitting a generic cover letter that does not demonstrate your specific interest in the role or the company.
• Neglecting to highlight your ability to perform fieldwork and adapt to strenuous outdoor conditions, which is a critical requirement.
• Overemphasizing perfection in your application instead of showcasing your curiosity and initiative, which are more valued by Entellus.

How to Stand Out

To stand out, go beyond the basic requirements by including a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to solve complex engineering problems and deliver high-quality results. Network with current employees or senior engineers at Entellus, Inc. to gain insider insights and show your genuine interest in the firm. Tailor your submission to highlight your unique strengths, such as your experience with irrigation conveyance or GPS surveying, and emphasize your commitment to obtaining PE licensure. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning and a strong desire to contribute to the firm’s success will make you a top candidate for the Civil Engineer In Training (EIT) - Transportation role.

Final Thoughts

Securing the Civil Engineer In Training (EIT) - Transportation role at Entellus, Inc. is a transformative step for any aspiring engineer, offering the chance to shape the future of infrastructure while growing into a licensed Professional Engineer. The firm’s collaborative culture, hybrid work environment, and commitment to innovation make it an ideal place to launch your career. Take action today by refining your resume, building a strong portfolio, and submitting your application to join a team of highly motivated engineers dedicated to excellence. Your journey to becoming a top transportation engineer starts here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the salary for Civil Engineer In Training (EIT) - Transportation at Entellus, Inc.?
A: The estimated salary range is between $65,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on your academic background and prior experience.

Q: How competitive is it to get hired at Entellus, Inc.?
A: The role is competitive, but Entellus prioritizes curiosity and initiative over perfection, making it accessible for motivated candidates with a strong portfolio and relevant technical skills.

Q: What skills are most important for this role?
A: The most important skills include proficiency in Civil 3D, hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling, GPS surveying, and a strong understanding of infrastructure design and soil science principles.