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Highway Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kleinfelder

Highway Design Project Engineer

Dover, DE · Hybrid

Highway Design Project Engineer Take Your Design Career to the Next Level Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical ...

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How much do highway design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 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 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 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 is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and related infrastructure. They use engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and knowledge of traffic patterns to create safe and efficient roadways. Their work includes analyzing site conditions, preparing detailed plans and specifications, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating with other engineers and government agencies. Highway Design Engineers also address environmental impacts and consider future transportation needs in their designs.

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.

More about Highway Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Highway Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Highway Design Engineer job openings:
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What states have the most Highway Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Highway Design Engineer jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Highway Design Engineer jobs? For Highway Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Highway Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Highway Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 40% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $79,049 per year, or $38 per hour.
Highway Design Engineer

Highway Design Engineer

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position summary: Responsible for engineering design using knowledge of general engineering principles and practices to interpret, organize, execute and coordinate assignments. Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Perform alternative studies
  • Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography and other topographical or geologic data to plan projects
  • Layout of highway and roadway design elements including roadways, sidewalks, open and closed drainage design and traffic relate items
  • Perform design computations
  • Design projects in accordance with client specifications and guidelines, using design software and drawing tools
  • Develop construction cost estimates
  • Assist in the preparation of engineering documents for advertisement and construction
  • Coordinate with internal team members to ensure project completion by the defined deadline and established quality

 Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Skills
  • Proficient in discipline specific design software
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Written and oral communication skills

Required Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field from ABET accredited engineering program
  • 2-5 years of experience

 Qualifications Preferred

  • Engineer-in-training certification
  • Related experience
  • Experience working with local clients at the county and state level

Working Conditions

Work is generally performed within an office environment. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require occasional standing and walking. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment.

Field work is required on occasion where work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Some lifting (up to 25lbs) may be required as needed.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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