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Highway Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Step into Your New Role As a Highway Design Project Engineer , you will be involved in innovative transportation and highway design projects throughout the Delaware area. You will work closely with ...

Mid-level engineer with at least 5 years of related experience in the design and development of ... Highway Design, including but not limited to roadway geometrics, drainage, pavement design ...

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Highway Design Engineer information

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$79K

$117K

How much do highway design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 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.

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,049 per year, or $38 per hour.

Project Engineer, Highway Engineering

RK&K

Richmond, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


RK&K rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

298th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

RK&K is hiring Project Engineers to join our skilled and dynamic highway design team in Richmond, VA. As a Project Engineer at RK&K use your knowledge and expertise as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) to plan, design, lead transportation projects for VDOT as well as other public and private sector customers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in highway and roadway design, with a proven track record of utilizing industry-standard software such as MicroStation, InRoads, OpenRoad Designer, and Civil 3D. This individual should be well-versed in highway design standards and possess the ability to lead tasks for Department of Transportation (DOT) projects. As a Highway Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the transportation infrastructure that connects our communities.

Essential Functions

  • Lead and contribute to the design, analysis, and development of highway and roadway projects, ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulations
  • Utilize industry standard programs such as MicroStation, InRoads, OpenRoad Designer, Civil 3D, and other related design software to create detailed highway design plans, alignments, profiles, cross-sections, and other required documentation
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, designers, and project managers, to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for complex transportation projects
  • Apply your expertise in highway design standards to create safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible designs for various types of roads and highways
  • Participate in the preparation of technical reports, feasibility studies, and design calculations to support project proposals and submissions
  • Lead the coordination and communication with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to ensure project requirements are met and approvals are obtained
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and designers, fostering their professional growth and development
  • Perform quality control reviews of design documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project objectives
  • Actively stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in highway design to enhance the team's capabilities and project outcomes

Required Skills and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field from an accredited institution
  • Current Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in civil engineering or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
  • A minimum of Five (5) years of experience in highway and roadway design, with a significant focus on DOT projects
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following - MicroStation, InRoads, OpenRoad Designer, Civil 3D, and other relevant design software
  • Strong understanding of highway design standards, regulations, and guidelines including: MUTCD , VDOT , AASHTO
  • Proven experience leading tasks for complex transportation projects and working collaboratively in a team environment
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively liaise with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders
  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality design documents
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
  • Leadership skills and the ability to mentor and guide junior team members

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Masters Degree in Civil Engineering
  • Planning and schematics experience

Other Duties

This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under ADA). It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities and duties required by the employee. Other duties are assigned as required.

What We Offer

RK&K offers excellentpotentialforcareer advancementand professional growth. We also offer attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Paid time off
  • Hybrid work (home and office)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
  • Matching 401(k) plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Much, much more!

Why RK&K?

As a full-service engineering and construction management firm, RK&K gives you the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. What sets RK&K apart is an award-winning culture that has fostered a spirit of collaboration and trust for over 100 years. To its clients, the firm delivers concepts, processes, and outcomes that are designed for success. RK&K has earned its reputation as a trusted partner, responsive employer, and community steward.

Design your career at RK&K, Apply Today!


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