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Highway Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Highway Design Engineer | Raleigh, NC Join our dynamic team as a Highway Design Engineer in Raleigh, North Carolina. You will play a crucial role in enhancing our ...

ABOUT THE POSITION Highway Design Engineer | Raleigh, NC Join our dynamic team as a Highway Design Engineer in Raleigh, North Carolina. You will play a crucial role in enhancing our communities ...

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Highway Design Engineer | Raleigh, NC Join our dynamic team as a Highway Design Engineer in Raleigh, North Carolina. You will play a crucial role in enhancing our ...

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Highway Design Engineer | Raleigh, NC Join our dynamic team as a Highway Design Engineer in Raleigh, North Carolina. You will play a crucial role in enhancing our ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

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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$51K

$79K

$117K

How much do highway design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highway Design Engineers typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such salaries are more common in executive, specialized consulting, or senior management roles within engineering fields. Highly experienced engineers with advanced certifications, leadership positions, or those working in lucrative industries may reach or exceed this level, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and employer size.

What engineers make $500,000?

High-level engineering roles such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain specialized software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in high-paying industries or leadership positions.

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 does a highway design engineer do?

A highway design engineer plans and develops roadway layouts, including geometric design, drainage, and safety features, using engineering principles and design software. They collaborate with project teams, ensure compliance with standards, and often require knowledge of CAD tools and environmental considerations.

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.
More about Highway Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Highway Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Highway Design Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Highway Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Highway Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Highway Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Highway Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Highway Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,049 per year, or $38 per hour.
Highway Design Engineer

Highway Design Engineer

VHB

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Overview
ABOUT THE POSITION
Highway Design Engineer | Raleigh, NC
Join our dynamic team as a Highway Design Engineer in Raleigh, North Carolina. You will play a crucial role in enhancing our communities through sustainable and integrated project delivery. As a Highway Design Engineer, you will contribute to highway and trail design projects, traffic management plans, signing plans, pavement marking plans, and cost estimating. Our clients range from municipalities to state agencies and private partners, all invested in creating better places for people to live, work, recreate, and learn.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the production and delivery of highway design projects, overseeing the entire lifecycle from inception to construction administration phase.
  • Manage pre-design project planning and technical task execution.
  • Develop geometric layout, grading and drainage plans, coordinate with utilities, and ensure compliance with environmental permitting requirements.
  • Supervise the development of technical design and specification documents.

Skills/Abilities
  • Proficiency in MicroStation and Open Roads Designer (ORD) software; expertise in AutoCAD Civil 3D is a plus.
  • Excellent multitasking abilities to handle multiple concurrent projects.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
  • Capable of leading and mentoring junior staff.
  • Skilled in technical task management and oversight.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
  • 5-8+ years of professional transportation engineering experience.
  • NC Professional Engineer (PE) license (or intent to obtain within 6 months).
  • Experience with NCDOT and NC municipal roadway improvement projects.

Building what's next, together.
Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people-driven, future-ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.
When you join VHB, you'll find:
  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We're growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what's next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.
VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
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