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Materials Engineer - Principal Engineer

State of Minnesota • Detroit Lakes, MN • 2d ago

Working Title: Materials Engineer

Job Class: Engineer Principal

Agency: Transportation Dept

Job ID : 89583

Location : Detroit Lakes

Telework Eligible : Yes, this position is located in Detroit Lakes and may be allowed to telework on a part-time/hybrid basis but will typically be required to work in the office or field three days per week or based upon business needs. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted : 10/27/2025

Closing Date : 11/17/2025

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Transportation Dept / Transportation-Dist 4-MGEC

Division/Unit : District 4 - Detroit Lakes / D-4 Materials

Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

Days of Work : Monday - Friday

Travel Required : No

Salary Range: $40.82 - $62.17 / hourly; $85,232 - $129,810 / annually

Classified Status : Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union : 212 - MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers

Last Incumbent : Katy Reierson

Supervisor Name : Justin Knopf

FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Principal Engineer to lead the District Materials Section. This position provides high-level leadership and technical direction in managing pavement and materials engineering functions to ensure the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and durable transportation infrastructure.

As the Principal Engineer, you will oversee the District Materials Laboratory, supervise a team of engineering professionals, and ensure that all materials testing, pavement designs, and construction recommendations align with MnDOT standards and policies. You will play a key role in shaping the district's pavement maintenance and construction programs through data-driven planning and system reviews, while also ensuring quality control throughout the project development process.

This role also involves providing technical expertise in consultant contract development and oversight, ensuring deliverables meet expectations and contribute to the district's long-term infrastructure goals.

Please note: This position is located in Detroit Lakes and may be allowed to telework on a part-time/hybrid basis but will typically be required to work in the office or field three days per week or based upon business needs. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensure as a professional Civil Engineer with the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design (AELSLAGID). (If obtaining licensure through Comity, a temporary permit from AELSLAGID must be provided to MnDOT HR prior to starting employment.)

Three (3) years of post-registration engineering experience at the Engineer Senior level (or equivalent) that demonstrates knowledge of materials engineering, roadway and pavement design, pavement and grading materials, pavement rehabilitation strategies, life cycle cost analysis, soil properties and characteristics associated with their use of highway engineering construction.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to interpret data and make recommendations for grading, base, and surfacing to the Planning, Design, Construction, and Maintenance Units.

Geotechnical background in the design and analysis of embankments on soft soils as well as steepened embankments.

Expert knowledge and application of highway subsurface drainage engineering principles.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS:

Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check

It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

SEMA4 Records Check

Criminal History Check

Employment Reference Check

Education/License Verification

Driver's License Check

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.

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