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Highway Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kleinfelder Inc

Highway Design Engineer

Dover, DE

The successful candidate is expected to perform engineering tasks in the transportation and highway engineering field through application of relevant design criteria, standards and processes. The ...

Sehinc

Highway Design Engineer

Pewaukee, WI

$90K - $110K/yr

You belong at SEH SEH is currenting searching for a Highway Design Engineer to join our talented Transportation team! Why our employee-owners love SEH: * "I was on vacation last week and had zero ...

Kleinfelder Inc

Highway Design Engineer

Dover, DE

The successful candidate is expected to perform engineering tasks in the transportation and highway engineering field through application of relevant design criteria, standards and processes. The ...

Winona County, MN

Highway Design Engineer

Winona, MN · On-site

$46.47/hr

... and design projects. This position will assist the Assistant County Engineer with the preparation of plans, specifications, and construction oversite of a wide array of highway projects. Performs ...

Kleinfelder Inc

Highway Design Engineer

Dover, DE · On-site

The successful candidate is expected to perform engineering tasks in the transportation and highway engineering field through application of relevant design criteria, standards and processes. The ...

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Highway Design Engineer information

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How much do highway design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway design engineer in the United States is $79,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do highway engineers make?

Highway Design Engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually. Salary can also vary based on the complexity of projects and the employing organization.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highway Design Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within engineering fields. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions in large firms may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is rare for this specific role.

What is the difference between Highway Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHighway Design EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentFocus on highway and transportation projectsBroader projects including buildings, bridges, infrastructure
Industry UsageSpecialized in highway and roadway designUsed across various civil engineering sectors

Highway Design Engineers specialize in designing and planning roadways and transportation infrastructure, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the same industry, but their focus areas differ significantly.

What are some common challenges Highway Design Engineers face when working on transportation projects?

Highway Design Engineers often navigate challenges such as balancing safety standards with budget constraints and environmental considerations. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including surveyors, environmental specialists, and construction managers—is essential to address issues like land acquisition or unexpected site conditions. Additionally, adapting designs to meet evolving regulatory requirements and public feedback can require creative problem-solving and flexibility. These factors make strong communication and project management skills crucial for success in this role.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Highway Design Engineers typically do not earn $200,000 annually; such salaries are more common in executive or specialized engineering roles. Engineers in fields like petroleum, aerospace, or software development with extensive experience, advanced skills, or leadership positions can reach or exceed this salary level. Salary depends on factors such as location, experience, certifications, and industry demand.

What does a highway design engineer do?

A highway design engineer plans and develops roadway projects, including geometric layout, alignment, and drainage systems, using design software like AutoCAD and Civil 3D. They ensure safety, compliance with standards, and efficient traffic flow while collaborating with surveyors, civil engineers, and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Highway Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Highway Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, transportation design, and a relevant engineering degree with professional licensure (such as a PE). Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, and roadway modeling tools, as well as knowledge of AASHTO standards, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate and solve complex design challenges. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective development of highway infrastructure that meets regulatory and public needs.
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Highway Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Highway Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,049 per year, or $38 per hour.

Highway Design Engineer

Van Cleef Engineering Associates LLC

Freehold, NJ • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC (Van Cleef) is a dynamic, multi‐disciplined consulting civil engineering firm of Engineers, Certified Inspectors, Landscape Architects, Planners and Land Surveyors. With offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we provide expertise in all of the major areas of civil engineering, municipal engineering, municipal planning, and land surveying.

Van Cleef is proud to be recognized in New Jersey as a Best Place to Work! Another great reason to join our team!

We are currently seeking a full-time Highway Design Engineer to join our dynamic team in Freehold, NJ. The ideal candidate should possess a minimum of 6+ years of progressive experience in the area of road and highway design.

Key Responsibilities


Project Leadership

  • Perform roadway/highway safety inspections and analysis
  • Perform engineering design for highway geometry, access, drainage, guide rail, signing, striping, MPT, right-of-way, and other associated design tasks
  • Prepare reports, plans, specifications, estimates, and bid package documents
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplined design teams, including subconsultants
  • Conduct site visits during construction phase for client support
  • Coordinate client meetings and facilitate client development

Client Support: Ensures client satisfaction and return business through delivery of high-quality design services within established timelines and budgets.


Leadership & Team Development: Mentor, support and develop junior engineers. Provide technical skill development along with professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
  • New Jersey and/or Pennsylvania Professional Engineer License preferred
  • Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) Certificate a plus
  • 6+ years of highway design experience, including intersections and roundabouts
  • NJDOT, NJ Turnpike Authority, and/or PennDOT experience preferred
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D and MicroStation experience preferred
  • Experience in drainage and stormwater management design
  • Experience in Maintenance and Traffic Protection (MPT) design
  • A valid driver’s license and clean driving record
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Capable of effectively working on multiple projects
  • High degree of self-motivation and team-oriented approach

What We Offer

We are committed to creating a personal and professional environment where we can build and focus on helping communities through teamwork and support. Our local offices provide our employees with opportunities for professional development and growth, including our Young Professionals Group, a flexible working environment, and times to celebrate our accomplishments together. Van Cleef provides a fun, flexible, and challenging environment and embraces the core values of integrity, quality, accountability, ownership, and work life balance to guide our decisions and empower employees.

  • Medical/Rx Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan (Roth and Tradition) with company match
  • Paid holidays, vacation and sick days
  • Company-paid Life insurance
  • Company-paid Long-Term Disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement program (postgraduate)
  • Professional Licensing Reimbursement
  • Gym membership reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)


Compensation

Van Cleef Engineering Associates is committed to pay transparency and equitable compensation practices in compliance with applicable laws, including the New Jersey Equal Pay Act. The estimated salary range for this position will fall between $100,000 - $120,000. The starting salary offered is contingent upon a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience/skillset, educational qualifications, and professional certifications, as well as internal pay equity and geographic location.

Additional Information:


Van Cleef is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.

This position is not eligible for H1-B or any other visa sponsorship.


We thank all applicants; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.