Research Project Manager

Research Project Manager

The Utah Department of Transportation's Research and Innovation Division is seeking a driven engineer to manage transportation research projects from inception to implementation. Key responsibilities include collaborating with internal teams and external researchers, managing project scope, schedule, and budget, and communicating results through effective work plans, training, and outreach. Apply today to help us Keep Utah Moving!

About the Role

Salary Range: $46.67 - $74.06

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)

Location: Calvin Rampton Building – 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah - HYBRID

Recruiter: Porter Cook I pccook@utah.gov

Application Deadline: 10/31/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Principal Duties

• Interact with UDOT Division and technical staff to assess and prioritize research needs, solicit participation on technical advisory committees, and facilitate implementation.
• Guide development of RFQs, evaluate proposals, score submittals, select academic researchers and other consultants, review work plans, and negotiate contract details.
• Manage research project contracts including scope, schedule, and budget.
• Coordinate the review of reports from research consultants by project technical advisory committees.
• Schedule update meetings and communicate regularly with research consultants, project champions, and technical advisory committees on the status of the research.
• Plan for implementation of research results with research project champions.
• Prepare written and oral reports and newsletter articles summarizing research activities.
• Conduct literature searches and basic synthesis studies based on research problem statements and UDOT leader requests.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Utah.
• Two (2) years of engineering experience following licensure as a PE.
• Applicants who are within one (1) year of meeting the criteria of: two (2) years of engineering experience following their licensure as a PE may be considered through an underfill (Engineer III).
• The hourly rate range for the underfill is $38.40 - $62.29
• Preferences may be given to those with experience in project management.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Apply engineering principles, standard specifications, and logic to analyze technical data, solve problems, and support sound decision-making.
• Administer procurements and manage research projects and contracts to ensure quality deliverables within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Lead and collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams, leveraging group dynamics to accomplish strategic goals and incremental tasks.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely in both written and verbal forms to diverse stakeholders.
• Utilize standard office software, electronic file management tools, and online platforms to organize workload and meet deadlines.

Why You Should Join Our Team

A Mission That Matters – At the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), our mission is to “Enhance quality of life through transportation." We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.

Our Culture and Values – We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!

The Agency

For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation, click here.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.