1

Highway Design Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

... Design Engineer for highway design projects across the region. You'll play a pivotal role in ... With general direction develop project design criteria, alignments, construction plans ...

Design Development: Develop project design criteria, alignments, construction plans, specifications ... Sign and seal engineering designs as required.Site Studies: Perform site reviews and studies to ...

Design Development: Develop project design criteria, alignments, construction plans, specifications ... Sign and seal engineering designs as required. Site Studies: Perform site reviews and studies to ...

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION VHB's is growing and seeking a Senior Project Engineer Highway Roadway Design to join us. VHB's Highway/Roadway Group is deeply engaged in transformative development and ...

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION VHB's is growing and seeking a Senior Project Engineer Highway Roadway Design to join us. VHB's Highway/Roadway Group is deeply engaged in transformative development and ...

Highway Project Engineer

Foxboro, MA · Hybrid

$115K - $145K/yr

You will be part of a team of nearly a dozen engineers who focus on roadway and highway design, traffic engineering and transportation planning, and stormwater, hydraulics and permitting. You will ...

Responsibilities of this position include leading, managing, and completing highway design and analysis as well as other roadway engineering efforts. If you are a natural leader with management ...

Responsibilities of this position include leading, managing, and completing highway design and analysis as well as other roadway engineering efforts. If you are a natural leader with management ...

Responsibilities of this position include leading, managing, and completing highway design and analysis as well as other roadway engineering efforts. If you are a natural leader with management ...

Responsibilities of this position include leading, managing, and completing highway design and analysis as well as other roadway engineering efforts. If you are a natural leader with management ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Highway Design Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$55.7K

$86.3K

$127.8K

How much do highway design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway design engineer in Massachusetts is $86,331.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a highway design engineer faces 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 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.

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.

How much do highway design engineers make?

Highway design engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with professional certifications, advanced skills in design software, and years of experience in the field.

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 traffic flow, environmental considerations, and construction processes.

What are popular job titles related to Highway Design Engineer jobs in Massachusetts?

For Highway Design Engineer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Highway Design Engineer jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Highway Design Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Highway Design Engineer jobs in MA?

For Highway Design Engineer jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Highway Design Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,331 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Highway/Roadway Engineer 3

CDM Smith

Boston, MA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


CDM Smith rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.


Job Description

Join CDM Smith’s New England Transportation team in East Hartford, CT as a Design Engineer for highway design projects across the region. You’ll play a pivotal role in advancing technical excellence and delivering innovative solutions for complex transportation challenges. Key Responsibilities Design Development: With general direction develop project design criteria, alignments, construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates. Collaboration: Work closely with Task Leaders and Project Technical Leaders to deliver high-complexity projects tailored to unique client requirements. Compliance: Review draft designs for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. QAQC: Complete quality reviews of project deliverables, ensuring firm policies and practices are followed on all designs. Site Studies: Perform site reviews and studies to ensure designs align with location specifications; update design requirements as needed. Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and training to more junior staff. Reviews the work of more junior staff.


Skills & Abilities
Solid Knowledge of computer assisted design and drafting (CADD) 3D and 4D software and practices. Solid knowledge of engineer principles of design. Expert Knowledge of Microsoft business software (excel, word, etc.). Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Basic knowledge of design standards (AASHTO, NACTO, etc.).
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil, Transportation, or Structural Engineering or related discipline. 3 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications
General background with CTDOT, MassDOT, NHDOT, and Municipal roadway/highway design projects.Highway design experience in roadway and multi-modal design projects from preliminary through final design.Drainage network design and analysis experience.Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or OpenRoads.Working knowledge of OpenRoads Concept Station.EIT certification#LI-HYBRID#LI-MS1
Amount of Travel Required
10% or less
EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Pay Range Min
USD $90,438.00
Pay Range Max
USD $149,219.00
Additional Pay Range Information
CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate's salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available
No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Civil, Transportation, or Structural Engineering or related discipline. 3 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

What CDM Smith employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


CDM Smith logo

About CDM Smith

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CDM Smith is a distinguished name in the engineering and construction industry, providing insightful consulting, designing, and execution services. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, US, this full-service engineering and construction firm was founded in 1947 and has been contributing to the national and global infrastructure ever since. Serving across diverse sectors like transportation, environment, water, energy, and facilities, they have built a reputation for excellence. The company firmly stands on its mission of delivering lasting, superior solutions to the world's complex challenges, thereby ensuring their clients create a transformative impact.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

1947