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Highway Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Kleinfelder Inc

Mechanicsburg, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Kleinfelder rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 355 rated engineering


Job description

Take Your Design Career to the Next Level 

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder’s Design team is looking for you! From bridge and structural engineering to civil, electrical, mechanical, and process engineering, Kleinfelder’s collaborative Design Services create synergy across multiple disciplines. 

Step into Your New Role 

Century Engineering, LLC, a Kleinfelder Company, is a multidisciplinary professional services firm offering a broad range of services to include consulting, engineering, environmental, planning, design, and construction services. With a dedicated staff of over 600 technical and administrative personnel throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, we provide our clients with quality, innovative and value-added professional services in many specialized areas. Orientated around our employees first, Century provides competitive salaries and an excellent comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401k retirement plan, paid holidays, paid leave time and various employee perks and discounts. In addition to offering a challenging and diverse work environment, Century's culture encourages community service, continued learning, personal growth and fun!
Century is seeking experienced candidates for highway design for transportation projects under the guidance of an experienced project manager. Candidates will assist in maintaining existing and building new client relationships.
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 candidate will be expected to work on multiple design projects and assist in the preparation of engineering documents for advertisement and construction.
Required Skills & Education
BSCE from ABET accredited engineering program.
Professional Engineering License preferred.
Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, Open Road Design (OED), MicroStation and Inroads or Geopak desired.
Required Experience
4 to 10+ years of design experience in the highway transportation field.
Experience with project delivery of State Agency Transportation Departments.


Century Engineering, LLC, a Kleinfelder Company, is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Committed to employment equality, employment selections and related decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. Century ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with all applicable laws and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If a medical condition or disability necessitates a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application process, please contact Human Resources or call 443-589-2400 (MD, DE, PA) 804-644-4600 (VA) and ask to speak with a Human Resources representative.
Equal Opportunity Employer of Disabilities/Veterans

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder:

Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose – together, we deliver.

Progress with an Employer that Values You

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:

Benefits: Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.

Career Development:

We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program. Equal Opportunity: Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those.