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Assistant Highway Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer, Highway

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Project Engineer, Highway

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Project Engineer, Highway

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Project Engineer, Highway

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Senior Project Manager, Traffic Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$102K - $132K/yr

Business Development & Client Engagement * Assist in the preparation of business proposals and ... Collaborate closely with highway, bridge, stormwater, and utility design teams to deliver ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Highway Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$91.4K

$138.6K

How much do assistant highway engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant highway engineer in Chicago, IL is $91,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant highway engineer do?

An Assistant Highway Engineer supports the planning, design, and construction of roadways and related infrastructure. Their duties often include preparing engineering drawings, conducting site inspections, assisting with project management, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They work closely with senior engineers to solve technical problems and help ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. This role is typically an entry-level position for recent engineering graduates or those early in their civil engineering careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant highway engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Highway Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and often an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and knowledge of transportation engineering standards are typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help distinguish top candidates in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant highway design and project delivery.

What are typical challenges faced by an assistant highway engineer when working on large infrastructure projects?

Assistant Highway Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adhering to tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They are also responsible for managing and reviewing large volumes of technical data and drawings, which requires attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Additionally, collaborating with senior engineers, contractors, and local authorities can present communication and logistical challenges, but these experiences are invaluable for professional growth and understanding project lifecycle management.

What is the difference between Assistant Highway Engineer vs Highway Engineer?

AspectAssistant Highway EngineerHighway Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering; professional engineering license often required
Work EnvironmentAssists in project planning, site supervision, and documentation under senior engineersLeads project design, planning, and execution of highway construction projects
ResponsibilitiesSupports senior engineers, manages small tasks, and monitors site activitiesOversees entire project phases, coordinates teams, and ensures compliance with standards

The Assistant Highway Engineer typically supports highway projects by assisting senior engineers with planning and supervision, while the Highway Engineer takes on leadership roles, managing entire projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Highway Engineer holds more responsibility and often requires licensure. The assistant position is ideal for gaining experience, whereas the highway engineer role involves independent decision-making and project management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Highway Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Highway Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Highway Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Assistant Highway Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Highway Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Highway Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Project Engineer, Highway

Schaumburg, IL โ€ข On-site

GFT.
Constructionย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago or Schaumburg, IL office.

Working on theย Transportation teamย atย GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here.ย ย 

What you'll be challenged to do:

GFT's Downtown Chicago office is seeking a Project Engineer with 6-10 years of design experience to join our growing office of roadway, bridge, aviation, transit and rail designers as a Project Engineer on Phase I and Phase II projects.

The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan preparation, quantity calculations, geometric design, pavement marking/signing, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, public involvement, report writing, specifications, cost estimates and other related tasks. Candidates with a background in preliminary engineering or development of detailed plans and specifications are recommended. The individual may also be called on to work closely with other teams on multi-disciplinary projects. The engineer will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects in a unique and dynamic work environment.

The candidate will manage other engineers and technicians to achieve completion of various tasks, as directed by the team leader and project manager and will also complete certain tasks independently. Depending on experience level, the individual may bear responsibilities as a project manager or deputy project manager. OpenRoads Designer, Microstation, Geopak and MS Office and other design software will be used.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:ย 

  • Analyzes information and data to perform routine design tasks. Responsible for accuracy of engineering design and plans, quality presentation, thoroughness and follow-through, and efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards. Research design options and document findings for Senior Project Engineer.
  • Makes decisions independently on engineering problems and methods, and occasionally represents the organization in meetings to resolve important questions, and to plan and coordinate work.
  • Receives instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers as to the general results expected.
  • Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.
  • Hands on experience using CADD/Design Software (OpenRoads Designer, Microstation and Geopak) is preferred.
  • Keeps Project Manager informed of workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
What you will bring to our firm:ย 
  • Minimum 6 years of related experience, including working directly for or as a consultant for the Illinois DOT, Illinois Tollway, Chicago DOT, local counties and municipalities, and with Federally funded projects is expected.
  • Illinois PE
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Candidates must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team environment on multi-disciplinary projects.
  • Previous highway, drainage, construction inspection, traffic signal, and/or lighting experience is expected.

Compensation:

The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $130,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits:ย 
  • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
  • Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
  • Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
  • Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

Location:ย Chicago or Schaumburg, ILCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME